Conversations with Kiana Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiana Smith.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Norwich, New York, a beautiful little town tucked away in a valley and surrounded by rolling hills, greenery, and peaceful scenery. It was the kind of place where life felt simple, quiet, and close to nature. Growing up there gave me an appreciation for the beauty in simple things and the creativity that can come from your surroundings.

I was surrounded by creativity and supported by my family. My mother has always been my biggest creative influence. She was always making things, trying DIY projects, building websites, selling at craft shows and flea markets, and finding new ways to create.

My grandmother was also another meaningful part of my creative journey. One of my favorite memories is sitting beside her while she sewed or crocheted as we watched Say Yes to the Dress together. She always knew I would eventually have something to do with fashion, and she was absolutely right. Today, instead of fabric, I use yarn to create beautiful pieces, and I’m continuing to push my creativity and explore new possibilities, including bringing my own boho-chic designs to life.

My father taught me another side of creativity. He works as an Electrical BIM Engineer and has shown me how blueprints, building, and hard work can turn an idea on paper into something real. While earning his degree, I watched him drive over twenty miles to college in snowstorms, get up and go to work every day whether he was tired or not, and keep pushing forward even when resources were limited and he was facing challenges of his own. Watching his perseverance taught me that consistency is key. No matter what you’re working toward, no matter what your situation is, you have to keep showing up and remain passionate about what you’re doing.

He taught me that creativity isn’t only about art—it can also be about building, problem-solving, and bringing an idea to life. I was fortunate to have the support and influence of all of my parents, including my biological dad, who taught me tattooing, working on cars, and different forms of art. Each of them gave me something that helped shape the creative person I am today.

I explored cosmetology, hair, makeup, nails, and different DIY projects before discovering crochet. Crochet was difficult at first, but I refused to give up. One of my favorite moments was when my mom caught me crocheting socks and completely freaked out: “WHAT?! YOU CAN CROCHET?! WHEN DID YOU LEARN THAT?!” 😂 It was especially funny because my grandmother had tried teaching my mother to crochet years before, but with one of them being right-handed and the other one being left-handed, it never worked out.

After becoming a mom, I began looking at my creativity in a new way. I wanted to build on the things I had already been creating and turn them into something more intentional. I rebuilt my Etsy shop, KeyzCreationz, began creating crochet pieces, and eventually started making coloring books. One of my proudest moments, though, came from something I created before becoming a mom. I wrote and illustrated my first children’s book, Little Tommy Loves the Fall. Years later, I had the opportunity to share it with my own daughter. Reading the book to her, watching her eyes light up, and seeing her enjoy something I had created long before she was born was such a special, full-circle moment for me.

What started as something I loved doing periodically gradually grew into a business. I realized that my creativity could become something tangible while still allowing me to be present for my daughter. That balance has made this journey especially meaningful to me.

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 definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Crochet was frustrating when I first started because I’m a perfectionist and wanted to get everything right. There were times I wanted to give up, but I kept practicing until it finally clicked.

Building a creative business while being a mom was challenging at first. I had to learn how to balance motherhood with creating, building my business, and continuing to pursue the things I’m passionate about. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned that I don’t have to choose between being a great mom and being creative. I can make room for both.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a crocheter, author, artist, crafter, designer, hairstylist, coloring-book creator, and entrepreneur. I create handmade crochet pieces and thoughtfully designed coloring books for a variety of ages and interests.

What makes my work special to me is that I’ve never wanted to limit myself to just one form of art. I love learning, experimenting, and exploring new creative ideas, especially when they allow me to turn something from my imagination into something tangible. I’m proud to have built a business around something I genuinely love while navigating the journey of being a mompreneur.

I’m always learning, growing, and discovering where my creativity can take me. My goal is to continue expanding my skills, exploring new creative avenues, and bringing more of my ideas to life in ways that reflect my unique style and vision. Most of all, I love creating things that make people happy and bring a smile to their faces. There’s something special about seeing people enjoy my work and knowing that something I created can bring a little joy to someone else. I’m excited to see how my creativity continues to evolve, where it leads me next, and who I can make smile along the way.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe being in the right place at the right time can sometimes open a door, but persistence and determination are what keep you moving forward. You never know who might discover your work or where one opportunity might lead, which is why I’ve learned the importance of continuing to create, share my work, and put myself out there. When some of my crochet pieces began gaining attention on Etsy, it reminded me that staying consistent and being open to new opportunities can lead to possibilities I never expected.

Pricing:

• Two Frogs and a Leap of love $9.99
• Alchemy of the Wild Women $9.99
• Handmade Cabin socks $24.99
• Crochet Crop Tops starting at $24.99
• Chenille mid waist winter coat starting at $180

Contact Info:

• Website: https://keyscreations.my.canva.site/website/?fbclid=IwdGRzaAUf10FjbGNrBR_XPnBkb2YBZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEe4hjOZsZ9NBVDsPD3JLTLTALqs_s4Z9fK40bl763rgPq1gDT1EBSenASIFp8_aem_5bcj8RPZ7pndkoUqByMbdA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyz.creationz?stkn=Njk1MXluNmRja2s2
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19SLo6ETH1/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@keyzcreationz?si=bVwfLcCnQjFgjLtJ
• Other: https://hihello.com/p/8c91e546-75c6-4029-a50e-0abf0c29225d