We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kaitlynn Marie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kaitlynn , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Being a graphic designer, resin artist, and overall creator, I’ve often found myself being the one that constantly overthinks, self-sabotages, and at times, having “imposter syndrome” – believing that my work was never good enough and I didn’t deserve the great opportunities that came my way. (I’m overthinking this article right now.. lol!) Over the past 13 years, I’ve learned that in order for me to be successful and get over imposter syndrome, I have to ultimately trust my instincts. I’ve had to stay true to myself and my art, and had to develop a deep trust for my creative voice and vision. For the longest time, I was not able to do this because of fear and negative thoughts.
Throughout the years I’ve learned to shift my mindset by embracing who I am and use my differences to my advantage. I’ve honed my skills, embraced my unique perspective, and approached every situation with authenticity and passion. I’ve allowed myself to make mistakes. I’ve surrounded myself with like-minded individuals who share my values, and I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and attended hundreds of vendor pop-ups and events all over South Florida. This boosted my confidence and motivation.
Fast forward to today, seeing my physical works all over, brick-and-mortar stores, and digital/print collateral, I’ve learned to celebrate my wins, (large and SMALL!) and have strength in my identity and creativity. I’ve carved out my path in this world and I’m so grateful for every step of this life journey.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Kaitlynn Marie, and I consider myself the “Jill’ of all trades. I am a Graphic Designer/Marketer by day and a Resin Artist by night. For more than a decade, I’ve crafted social media feeds, logos, websites, and merchandise for all kinds of brands nationwide, including but not limited to, Redbull, Bodega Taqueria, Hyatt Hotels, Flanigans, and Chili’s.
Back when COVID hit in 2020, (when we were bored in the house, in the house bored) I saw it as an opportunity to explore something new. With a thirst for learning, I ordered a pile of resin supplies off Amazon and I dove headfirst into creating drink coasters, jewelry, and trinket dishes. Despite my initial doubts, the outpouring of support on social media spurred me to turn this newfound passion into a business.
Embracing my spiritual side, I merged my love for celestial vibes, zodiac signs, and crystals into my creations, giving birth to The Moon Shoppe. Each piece I create is more than just resin and pigment—it’s a reflection of my journey of self-discovery.
As I jump into my fourth year in business, I’ve expanded my offerings to include custom dominoes, drink coasters, crystal keychains, incense holders, wine stoppers, and other unique treasures. But what truly lights up my soul is the opportunity to connect with others’ lives through my art, bringing them joy and inspiration.
The Moon Shoppe isn’t just a business to me; it’s a heartfelt journey of exploration, creativity, and connection. I’m humbled and grateful for the chance to share my story and to continue spreading love and light through my art.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities that were most impactful in my journey would be resilience, passion, and adaptability. Also learning the ins and outs of ALL kinds of marketing out there was pretty important for me (ex: social media, email, business-to-consumer vs. business-to-business marketing) The advice that I have for people who are early in their journey is to find your purpose, stay inspired, stay consistent, and continue to show up for yourself when nobody is rooting for you. Cut out all distractions and stay focused! You got this!
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My biggest obstacle right now is finding the balance between working my 9-5 and coming home after to process orders, create resin pieces, and shoot content for social media, sometimes creating graphics for clients. What I’m doing now to overcome this challenge is being more intentional. Being more intentional with my time, my energy, prioritizing and scheduling tasks for certain days instead of trying to get it all done in one sitting. I am also practicing more self-care and not being so hard on myself if I decide to go out for a girl’s night over the weekend. Progress, not perfection!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.themoonshoppe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themoonshoppe_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themoonshoppe
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlynnkenney/
Image Credits
I took these all myself, no need to credit.
