We had the good fortune of connecting with Zany (Ciera Dykstra) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zany, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
My dedication to sustainability in my business was the best and most important decision I made. I decided early on I wanted my company to not just be environmentally sustainable, but sustainable in my community as well. I focused on finding ways to reduce my waste and be carbon neutral, but also other local companies I could support and utilize. I was fortunate to form partnerships with some, and now have good working relationships with other business owners in Colorado. Sustainability as a practice involves how we exist in our environment as well as who we uplift in our community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I was 18 and heading off to college, I thought that I had to abandon the artistic side of myself to be successful in the academic and business side. I attended school for international affairs, political science, and foreign language… none of which had to do with art or creativity. Unlike in high school I was no longer surrounded by a creative community, and I didn’t have assignments to keep me accountable in my creativity. It is kind of hard to admit, but my first motivation with Zany Art was to pay rent. I was a first generation, low-income student who didn’t have much college and help and didn’t want a lot of debt. As I gained support and realized what I was capable of my motivations changed. They formed into passion for sustainable and accessible art and fashion, educating queer youth about topics I wish I had had exposure to and more. It wasn’t easy to start, and there are definitely hard times still. The most important thing I have learned though is that I can’t force creativity and art was not made for capitalism. I am so grateful to have a base of supporters that understands this, and don’t leave me when I take too much time to create. If I could give a creative looking to make moneey with their art one piece of advice it would be this: make something that makes you money, so that you can allow yourself time for your passion. For example I made fruit jewelry, nude playing cards, and more. Items that don’t necessarily require too much creativity after thee original conception. This allows me to make enough money to take my time when making art and apparel that I am passionate about.

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?
Ooooo, this is a fun one! In Northern Colorado there are some must-sees. If you want some outdoor adventures, I would take them on a sunrise hike on Horsetooth rock in Fort Collins, and Hanging Lakes. In Boulder, I always recommend my favorite food spots which are Kathmandu II, and Leaf. Only go to Kathmandu II if you are REALLY hungry because that buffet is amazing! A fun secret spot is the arcade in the back of Rocket Fizz on Pearl Street, and The Alley Cat in Fort Collins. Both are must sees during a night out. I am a dancer and I take all my friends dancing. The Avalon in Boulder has Salsa every Thursday night, and there is blues dancing all over northern Colorado during the week. Finally stop by Savannah Bee Company for an affordable and tasty mead tasting!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Too many people to count! If I must narrow it down though, I wouldn’t be here without my college friends and roommates. These incredible people coached me through late nights when I wanted to quit, they let me take up WAY too much space in our apartments, and they believed in from the first crazy idea I had. My mother was my biggest supporter from day one, encouraging me at 18, when I didn’t have much confidence in my art or my abilities. I wouldn’t be able to do what I love without a community so passionate about seeing me succeed.

Website: www.zanyart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zany_art03/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciera-kali-dykstra-64a843173/

Image Credits
Bianca Roman @Biancaromanphotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.