Meet Kimberly Lavon

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimberly Lavon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kimberly below.

Kimberly, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

This is a great question, especially because it’s such a challenging topic for creatives. I learned to communicate effectively by doing it. I discovered how I naturally like to present information, and I always showed up authentically to every group I spoke to. I quickly learned what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve for the future.

Here are a few “rules of thumb”:
1. Keep it simple.
2. Speak about what you know.
3. Practice makes progress.

Effective communication isn’t always easy, but it can become easier. Start with the basics and build from there.

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?

Ciao! I’m Kimberly Lavon, an executive creative entrepreneur with 25 years of experience. My work spans the intersection of art, design, and innovation. Currently, I’m focused on my latest venture, **Pad Tie** – a simple yet transformative product designed to keep sketchbooks and notebooks closed, preserving the integrity of creative projects. Think of it like a headband but for books, much like the elastic on a Moleskine, but for any notebook. It’s an invention I’m really proud of because it solves a problem that so many artists, writers, and professionals encounter daily. Keeping your books closed.

What excites me most is that **Pad Tie** isn’t just a product, it’s a symbol of the resourcefulness and creativity I bring to everything I do. I see it as a small but important tool that keeps people’s ideas protected and organized. On top of that, I love that it’s something I created from scratch, and I’m the one managing the brand, advertising, and all the operations behind it. A woman of color, solopreneur, creative career.

Another big part of my work involves teaching and giving back to the community. I’m working on producing a printmaking class now and plan to offer my expertise in creative entrepreneurship and product production as well. My goal is to inspire others and show them that they can turn their creative passions into something tangible and monetizable too.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding **Pad Tie** and growing its presence both in retail stores and online. I’m also planning to release new content and classes for artists, offering more ways to help people harness their creativity and push their own boundaries. Because Pad Tie wants to help everyone “kepp it together” whatever that looks like for you.

At the heart of everything I do, whether it’s creating art or building businesses, I want people to see that creativity is more than just a skill—it’s a way to solve problems, connect with others, and bring ideas to life.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, adaptability, and self-advocacy.

**Resilience** has been key. As an artist and entrepreneur, you face a lot of rejection and obstacles. There were many times where it would have been easier to quit, but pushing through those tough moments helped me build a stronger foundation for everything I do. I’d tell anyone starting out: embrace the setbacks, because they’re going to come, and they’re opportunities to learn and grow.

**Adaptability** has also been essential. My career has taken so many turns, from fine art to graphic design to launching a product like Pad Tie. Being open to new directions and not being afraid to pivot is critical. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. You’ll find that what you learn in one area will often unexpectedly fuel your success in another.

**Self-advocacy** is another big one. You have to know your worth and not be afraid to stand up for it. As a woman of color in the creative and business world, I’ve had to fight to be seen, respected, and paid fairly. Early on, I didn’t always do that—I let people undervalue my work, and it took time to realize I deserved better. My advice to those starting out: never underestimate your value. Speak up, set boundaries, and demand what you’re worth from day one.

These qualities are developed over time, so give yourself grace to grow into them. Keep pushing forward, keep learning, and most importantly, keep advocating for yourself.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I’m always looking for people who are passionate about creativity, innovation, and making a real impact. Whether you’re an artist, designer, entrepreneur, or someone working on groundbreaking projects, I’d love to connect and explore ways we can collaborate.

I’m particularly interested in working with other women, especially women of color, who are leading innovative initiatives, whether in the arts, sustainability, or product development. I’ve been inspired by people like the woman from Mexico who invented biodegradable plastic from cactus and the African woman turning non-recyclable materials into bricks stronger than concrete. If you’re doing that kind of innovative work or something similar, let’s talk!

I’m also open to collaborations with galleries, retailers, and other businesses who believe in supporting independent artists and entrepreneurs. Pad Tie is growing, and I’d love to partner with people who can help bring it to new audiences.

If you’re reading this and want to connect, feel free to reach out! You can find me at my website (https://padtie.carrd.co) or connect with me through social media. I’m always excited to see where a new collaboration can take us!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://padtie.carrd.co
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/padtie.co
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/kimberlylavon
• Other: https://dot.cards/padtie

Image Credits

@kimberlylavonink @padtie.co @jermme 2024