Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli Prewett.
Hi Kelli, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I lost my “dream job” in 2020 during the pandemic. I was a commercial photographer for a large company in Atlanta and I had worked so hard to get to that position. All of a sudden I had no job and no prospects, as photo studios were not essential at the time. I had been working on creating an online boutique, called Kitsch & Color, as a side hustle for a few months. It was very early on and I had not even launched the website. Though I was very scared of the uncertainty of a new business, I decided to pursue it full time. The website launched in June of 2020. As with any new business, the growth was slow but so rewarding. I was able to build the brand exactly how I envisioned. The website is a place for people to feel happy and shop unique and colorful home decor, gifts, and vintage items. I realized the job I had created for myself was my true “dream job”. I mean, I get to be my own boss, be a photographer, be a buyer, and have fun everyday…how cool is that?
Kitsch & Color’s brick and mortar storefront opened in August of 2021 in my hometown, Dallas, Georgia. I tried to create a space that is very photogenic, colorful, and exciting. The style of the shop is very unique for the area but the response from everyone has completely blown me away.
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?
Going from being an employee with a steady paycheck to running your own business is a hard transition. Not every day is a good sales day. Retail is inconsistent and when it’s your company, that means you’re not getting paid. There’s also so much you have to learn and problem solve on a day to day basis. But, when you overcome the obstacles or have a great sales day, it makes it that much more rewarding. Right now, asking for help is my biggest challenge. Letting go of some of the responsibilities is hard since I am so protective of the brand. I am hoping to build a great team that understands my vision and can help make Kitsch & Color even better.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kitsch & Color. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Kitsch & Color is a one-of-a-kind home decor and gift shop. We source our products from independent brands and artisans from all over the world. Our style is very west coast inspired and we only carry items that feel joyful and unique. The more color, the better! One thing that sets Kitsch & Color apart is that we carry a large selection of vintage finds. We love to show our customers that vintage does not always mean antiques. We show how to incorporate kitschy, retro items into everyday decor.
We strive to make everyone who enters our storefront or places an order online feel welcome and appreciated. Whether that means helping them curate a thoughtful gift or choosing the decor for their new dorm room. We love seeing which items our customers choose to bring home with them. Overall, we are most proud of how the shop has become a feel good place for anyone who visits. The reaction we hear the most from guests is, “This place makes me feel so happy!”. And that really is the whole goal with Kitsch & Color.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t really believe in luck. I believe in blessings, though. And working hard. Last year was very scary and tough, most people had to rearrange and reevaluate their lives…including me. Though I lost what I thought was my future career, I had to pivot, work really hard, and make a new path. And this new career has been such a surprise blessing.
Contact Info:
- Email: kelli@kitschandcolor.com
- Website: kitschandcolor.com
- Instagram: @kitschandcolor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KitschandColor/
Image Credits
Jay Prewett Photography
