Meet Kaolee Vang | Maker & Creative Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaolee Vang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaolee, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Making and creating is a big part of my background. I come from immigrant parents who grew up poor, they made things to use everyday, to decorate and even wear. I know I wanted a creative career because the artsy creative world is where I thrive. There’s a bit of imposter syndrome from time to time but I recognized that I do have skills and talents. I also learned early on that regardless of the critiques I didn’t feel easily discouraged and quit like I had with so many things I’ve tried in past. I always revised and tried to do better. I knew I wanted a career and a work life that allowed me to work with people, be creative, and still be self sustaining.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Kaolee Shop is a reflection of my personal style. I strive to create gifts that are transitional, timeless in their silhouettes, and with a dash of bold.

For a while I debated on how I wanted to approach this business creatively, aesthetically, and ethically. I found myself going back to simple and timeless styles. I’m drawn to nature, botanicals, and earthy colors. I knew I needed to stay true to myself.

I recognized that though what I make and create might not necessarily be the most sustainable or eco friendly materials I knew I wanted to still some how become more eco friendly in other ways. For example there’s been many evolutions of packaging in my shop but when you order from my shop your order will arrive packaging that is 90% recyclable after you peel off the shipping label. Much of the packaging materials itself is make of recycled or sustainably sourced materials too. I know that shipping items also means there can be a large carbon footprint and that’s something hard to navigate but I always offer pick up or delivery or meeting in the middle when it comes to orders locally.

A big part of this journey of running this business is to give back and shout out to communities and other small businesses and creators like me. I genuinely have created a community of amazing people and become a part of communities because I decided to put my art out into the world for people to see.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorites spots in the city and area is the Denver Botanical garden, Thai food at Suvipa Thai, yummy mochi donuts from Dochi Donuts, and driving into Estes and going to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Some other places I recommend is visiting the museums, walking through the Milk Market, getting food at the Denver Central Market, looking at the murals and shops in the RiNo area, brunch in the highlands, going to a rooftop bar downtown, watching a beautiful sunset during a Rockies game, a show at Ball arena, going into the suburbs and walking on the trails in a random open space, and going into the mountains to just get a bit of that crisp mountain air.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful for an amazing community of women I’ve found through creating and running this business of mine. My best friend, Sydni of @sydnimakes is one of my biggest supporters. She is someone I can talk to, bounce ideas off of, and one of the reasons I keep pursuing this business venture.

Website: https://kaoleeshop.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/kaolee.shop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaoleevang

Other: https://pin.it/52of5lq