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

Hi Kasey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always made, sold and gave away art but starting my own business would not have happened without my best friend encouraging me. My best friend Ashley and I were both outcasts who met in sixth grade and bonded instantly. Now over 20 years later, we are sharing what makes us unique with others. And even though we have different businesses, having a friend to brainstorm ideas and learn how inventory works has been incredibly helpful for me.

A fox is leaping over a campfire in a forest with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

Two small houses with star decorations, surrounded by trees and greenery, with a stone pathway leading to the entrance.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a self taught artist, I always felt that I lacked technical skill and that people would be able to tell that I was self-taught. And despite always thinking animals would be too difficult to draw, I ended up illustrating a series of animals in ink that I am particularly proud of. I used a crosshatch technique which took a lot of time to learn and thousands of pen lines. Sharing these animal drawings with people helped me overcome imposter syndrome. Not because they sold well or helped me connect with hundreds of people (both true) but because I learned a lifelong lesson about being kind to myself.

What I want to share with people is that being kind to yourself and positive self talk are some of the quickest ways to break a creative block. The next time that you hear your inner voice say “that’s too hard” or “it will not work”, take a step back and focus on where that voice is coming from. We all have a voice of doubt, but by being aware of it, we can befriend it. We can tell ourselves “it is not too hard” or “it is ok to try, I will love you either way”.

By being kind to yourself and aware of your inner voices, you can allow yourself to create whatever it is that you create, without judgement.

Woman standing in front of an art booth with framed artwork, trees in the background, and a sign reading

Person holding a star-shaped paper with a rocket illustration outdoors, green grass and trees in background.

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?
So, I definitely try going to a concert at least once a month to see a metal band, punk band, shoegaze, anything techno. One thing I love about my friends is their taste in good music.So my go to night out is to see live music with them, at any venue, any time.

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Outdoor art display with framed pictures and artwork under a green canopy, surrounded by trees and grass.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely my best friend, my mentor and my family. They accepted me while I figured out who I was and helped me become a strong, creative, independent woman.

Website: https://kaseyhaines.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerkasey/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082345071115

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Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA 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.