Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Steffey Bates
Hi Kayla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey has been anything but traditional. I started out in the sciences, earning a degree in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology, later pursuing a Master’s in Administration, and now working toward my Doctorate in Business Administration. For over 20 years, I worked in the medical field in various roles, all while balancing my passion for creativity, business, and education.
I’ve always been a problem solver and a creator at heart—whether in business, technology, music, or entrepreneurship. Over the years, I found myself in ‘fix-it’ roles, troubleshooting systems, streamlining operations, and guiding teams to success. But after years of helping others build their businesses and operations, I knew it was time to build something of my own.
That’s when I launched Interstellar Cre8tions,LLC, a business dedicated to crafting, custom apparel, and creative branding. It started as a side hustle but quickly grew into a full-fledged business once I discovered dropship. As I scaled, I realized so many creative entrepreneurs struggled with the business side of things, and I wanted to bridge that gap. That led to the creation of The Cre8tive Dropship and Wholesale Academy where I mentor business owners on branding, marketing, dropshipping/ wholesale strategies and Interstellar Creative Consulting where I label myself as a Creative Opportunity Specialist. My work as a Creative Opportunity Specialist for businesses allows me to help entrepreneurs structure and grow their businesses while embracing their creativity.
Beyond entrepreneurship, I am also an author, having written Creative Mindset: A 30-Day Affirmation Guide for Crafters and Creative Entrepreneurs, a book designed to inspire creatives to embrace their potential and build their businesses with confidence. I have also authored multiple business guides and curriculum to provide knowledge to entrepreneurs who enjoy building their business DIY ( do-it-yourself ) style. I enjoy seeing the growth of other entrepreneurs around me, as it motivates me to continue my own growth. I am always looking for ways to network and offer resources to others who are experiencing the growing pains I have went through. For example, I just hosted my largest collaboration event to date in January- The Interstellar Resolutions Creative Business Solutions Summit Marathon. I brought together 8 speakers from around the globe to speak about business tools and strategic patterns that stimulate business development and growth for over 25 hours!!!
In addition to my consulting and creative businesses, I am a partner in Magnified Event Creators, an event space in Auburn, Alabama, where we host Ink and Drink, provide creative classes, and offer other events that bring artists and makers together.
However, my journey has also brought me back to the passion I love most—music and live performance. I’ve had the privilege of being cast in multiple productions, but I am most proud of portraying Patsy Cline in Always…Patsy Cline. I am deeply involved in my local arts community through Kayla Steffey Bates Music and my work with Opelika Community Theatre as a Vocal Instructor and part of their Website, Social Media, and Marketing Direction team.
I truly feel like I am where I belong—where all the aspects of what I love most collide. This summer, I am especially excited to work with youth as the Music Director for Opelika Community Theatre’s Beetlejuice Jr., Intensive Summer Camp Program, and to be involved in multiple upcoming productions.
My journey has been about embracing all of who I am—scientist, entrepreneur, creator, techie, musician, and mentor. Now, I use my experiences to empower others to build, create, and thrive in ways they never imagined.
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?
The road to success is rarely smooth, and mine has been no exception. Transitioning from a structured career in the medical field—where I worked for over 20 years—into full-time entrepreneurship was both exciting and terrifying. There was no safety net, no guaranteed paycheck, and every success or failure was entirely my own. But I knew I wanted more than just stability—I wanted freedom, creativity, and the ability to build something meaningful on my own terms.
One of my biggest struggles was learning to trust myself as a business owner. I had spent years in ‘fix-it’ roles, solving problems for others, but stepping into the role of CEO meant that I had to make the tough decisions. There were moments of doubt, where imposter syndrome tried to creep in, making me question if I was truly capable of leading others while managing multiple businesses and creative projects.
Another challenge was navigating the balance between being a creator and an entrepreneur. Many people assume that talent alone is enough to build a successful business, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Running a business requires strategy, financial literacy, marketing expertise, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing market. I had to educate myself constantly—learning about branding, automation, systems, and scaling while ensuring my creativity didn’t take a backseat to logistics.
Additionally, being a multi-passionate entrepreneur can be both a gift and a challenge. I thrive in many different spaces—whether it’s consulting business owners, crafting, teaching, performing, or managing events. But early on, I struggled with finding the right way to integrate all of my passions into a cohesive brand. It took time to refine my focus and create a business structure that allowed me to do what I love without feeling overwhelmed.
Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve also faced setbacks, financial challenges, and moments where I had to pivot. I’ve had product launches that didn’t go as planned, events that flopped, and ideas that never took off. But every challenge has been a lesson—teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community and mentorship.
Now, I use those experiences to help other creatives avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered. Through my work as a Creative Opportunity Specialist for businesses, a mentor, and an author, I empower others to build businesses that align with their passions while maintaining sustainability and growth. The road hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything. Every challenge has shaped me into the leader, creator, and entrepreneur I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Even though I began as a crafter and custom business owner, I now fully embrace the business side as a mentor to other entrepreneurs. My specialty is finding the missing opportunities within businesses and individuals—helping them uncover potential they didn’t even realize was there. My background has gifted me with the ability to see beyond what is immediately visible. Where others see obstacles, I see solutions, and I help business owners and teams navigate that balance.
This specialization means that my work is a blend of business and website auditing, graphic design, branding, and social media marketing, but more importantly, mindset and motivational transformation. Often, I’ll go into a business prepared to troubleshoot website or branding issues, only to find that the real problem is deeper—leadership struggles, team misalignment, or a business owner on the verge of giving up. In those moments, my role shifts from strategist to motivator, helping them push past doubt and realign with their goals.
What truly sets me apart is my ability to combine faith, knowledge, and people skills to breathe life back into a business owner who feels like giving up. That is my superpower. I’ve worked with entrepreneurs who were ready to close their doors, but after our sessions, they found the clarity, motivation, and strategies to move forward with renewed energy.
Above all, I am most proud of my determination and drive to overcome my own obstacles and setbacks to get to where I am today. There were so many moments—both personal and business-related—where I could have thrown my hands up and walked away. But I didn’t. I pushed through, I adapted, and I found a way forward. That’s exactly why I am so passionate about helping my clients move past their own pain points—because I have been where they are. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, uncertain, and ready to give up, but I also know what’s waiting on the other side of that struggle.
There is nothing more fulfilling than witnessing that shift—seeing the light return to someone’s eyes as they realize their business isn’t over; it just needed a new approach. The businesses and individuals who seek my help don’t just receive strategies; they experience transformation, and that is what makes my work so powerful.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If there’s one thing I want readers to take away from my story, it’s this: your dreams are valid, and your vision is worth pursuing—no matter how many obstacles stand in your way. Success isn’t about having the perfect plan from the start; it’s about having the courage to keep going, even when things don’t go as planned.
When I was a little girl, my grandparents gave me a necklace with a tiny mustard seed inside. They taught me that it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains. My grandmother would always tell me, ‘Don’t drop your mustard seed.’ At the time, I didn’t fully understand the weight of those words, but now, as an entrepreneur, creator, and mentor, I realize it was some of the greatest advice I could have ever received.
That same mustard seed now sits on a shelf in my business, reminding me daily that even the smallest belief in yourself can create unstoppable momentum. There were so many moments I could have given up, but I held onto my mustard seed, and it has carried me through every challenge.
That’s the best advice I can give to any creator with a dream—don’t drop your mustard seed. Hold onto your faith, trust in your vision, and keep moving forward. Even when things get tough, even when the obstacles feel too big, remember that your belief has the power to move mountains.
For those looking to connect, collaborate, or learn more about what I do, I’d love to hear from you! You can follow my journey and business insights at www.interstellarcreativeconsulting.com. Let’s take your vision to the next level—mustard seed and all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.interstellarcreativeconsulting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeconsultingwithkayla/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayla.s.bates/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-bates/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cre8tivestation138
- Other: https://interstellarcre8tions.com/a/members/community/cf9bd362-3881-4f50-8121-b796d2de3df2
Image Credits
Najahh Echols, Creative Capture
Preslee McGough Photography
Emily Mulder
