Student business spotlight: an interview with Kayla's Kreations

Student entrepreneurs find success

Emily Mosier Photo Kayla Oatis walks around Troy University in a bright orange crochet top she made herself.

Senior and Birmingham, Alabama native Kayla Oatis crochets every day. She is the owner of a small business: Kayla’s Kreations.

Oatis can be seen walking around Troy University in handmade crochet clothing – everything from ponchos to tops. She also sells custom-made bags, bows and other accessories.

She began crocheting in middle school after expressing interest in learning the craft to a woman in her church named Ms. Kim. Ms. Kim brought her hooks and yarn, and Oatis spent months making her first project – a blanket.  

The Tropolitan sat down with her to find out how crocheting became a part of Oatis’ identity.

Why do you love crocheting?

“I’m very fidgety with my hands. It gives my hands something to do. It’s very relaxing for me. I’ll sit there for hours, and I’ll just be going and going and going. I’ll put a movie or show on. Next thing you know, it’s like one o’clock in the morning, and I’m like ‘Kayla, you have to go to bed.’

“It can get kind of boring, I’m not going to lie, because you’re doing the same stitch over and over and over, but I really love the end product. I can say, ‘Oh, I made that! Yeah, you can’t buy this in a store. I made this.’ It’s something I’m very proud of.”

In what way is fashion a source of identity for you?

“Growing up, this was when schools still had the uniform rule, every day was black shirt, blue shirt, khakis. I didn’t really have a way to express myself in fashion, but then, when I got older, I was like, ‘Okay, I like this, and I like that,’ and I found ways to pair things together.

“If it looks cute, I’m like, ‘I can probably put that together,’ and after I try to see how I feel about it once it’s on my body. I try to pride myself and speak to myself by looking good when I go out.”

What would you say to someone who is worried they won't be good at crocheting?

Answer: “Patience. I know people hate that word, but it took me a long time to find a groove that worked for me. Everyone doesn’t hold the hook the same, they don’t use the same yarn, they don’t use the same tools, and they don’t use the same patterns.

“It may seem hard and kind of intimidating at first, like anything else, but if you put your time and focus on it, anyone can learn.”

Those interested in more can follow @Kreation_Kaylas on Instagram.