Daily Inspiration: Meet Kyla Ferguson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyla Ferguson.

Hi Kyla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Soul Unique has been on quite the journey. Innately, I am creative, crafty, and extra as some would note. I would frequently get requests from family and friends to create all kinds of things and they would pay little ol me. In 2017, I was sitting at my 9-5 (at the time) feeling super unfulfilled asking myself, “What is your purpose? What makes you happy?”, and the answer was creating. I decided I would start a business creating something (hadn’t thought that part through) and quickly began to brainstorm names. I created a list of words that described me. Synonyms of the word ‘unique’ continued to pop up on my list. I said to myself “I am unique in all aspects. My soul is unique” and the rest is history. I started creating baby items, then ventured into t-shirts in 2018. April 2, 2021, I re-branded and honed in on a new niche; earrings and accessories. I chose this niche because I never leave the house without a pair of earrings and I believe earrings and accessories are a form of self-expression.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road. I can honestly say my biggest obstacle has been myself. It sounds so cliché but it is my truth. I can count several times where I would create items and then throw them in a drawer, never to be seen again because anxiety and overthinking would get the best of me. I would look at other creators’ work for inspiration and motivation and that instead would ignite the negative self-talk “Girl, everyone is doing this.” “Anybody could create this.” “Nobody wants this stuff.” Creating has always been a therapeutic outlet for me. It’s allowed me to forget about all that is going on around me and zone out on something positive and relaxing. I was allowing my therapeutic outlet to turn into a trigger of anxiety. I had to step back, take a look at myself, and remember my why. I think of the feeling I get when I’m zoned out on art, I think of all of the feedback and the excitement people exude when they see what I create for them. I constantly remind myself that although the market is saturated, my creativity will always allow me to stand out, it can’t be duplicated or taken away. Time has also been a great challenge for me. On top of doing everything for my business from product photography to managing my Etsy page, social media content creation to designing and creating earrings and accessories; I am a new mommy, wife, and full-time mental health professional. Balancing my time and ensuring that I fulfill all roles to my greatest capacity while also taking care of myself has not been the easiest. I am still learning how to be more efficient with my time.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a creative. I create small-batch statement earrings and accessories. I use all mediums ranging from resin and brass to embroidery string and wood. As I am just finding my true niche in earrings, some of my best sellers have been resin and hand-painted wood earrings. I am most proud of all my work, honestly. I put 100% in everything I do and seeing the excitement on my customer’s faces and hearing the feedback is truly rewarding and humbling. I believe my customer service and content sets me apart. Customer service is everything to me. I love getting to know my customers. I want them to know that I see them. I want my work and actions to represent myself and my morals respectively. Shopping should not be stressful, it should be fun and easy! I understand customers have options when it comes to where they spend their money. My goal is to ensure my customers are satisfied not only with their purchases but with the whole Soul Unique experience.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my support team! Although my daughter is only seven months, she lit a fire under me to get consistent and believe in my abilities. I can’t pour into my baby if I can’t fill my own cup. If you’ve ever purchased earrings from me, know that she helped pack your order. Thank you Alaya, mommy loves you! My husband James, without his unwavering support, constant encouragement, and assistance, Soul Unique would not be where it is today. I refer to him as my creative director. If you’ve ever purchased from me, know that his advice was taken into consideration in the design aspect of your earrings. My family and sister friends have been my biggest cheerleaders. Pushing me to step out of my comfort zone, purchasing countless pairs of earrings, and actively becoming walking billboards. Lastly, other small minority and women-owned businesses. The sisterhood is there! They inquire about collaborations, share business tips, send me words of encouragement, and mention my name in rooms I’m not privy to. I would not have had the opportunity to participate in this interview today if Tineeca Hughes, owner of Bare Nine Holistic had not mentioned my name.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: SoulUniqueBoutiqueKC.Etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souluniqueboutique/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/souluniqueboutique

Image Credits
Sonae Photography