maker: allison from kawaii kitsch

Sometimes “over the top” is a bad thing, but in allison’s case, it’s a creative business dream. making her childhood hobby become a reality as her full-time business, allison gets to create and design to her hearts content.  Her sunglasses are not for the gal who wants to fade into the background, and her accessories will have people taking a second glance as well! Meet allison and check out all her kitsch.

-angie

please introduce yourself!

My name is Allison Aziz & I own a small business called Kawaii Kitsch.  Together with my 4-legged intern, Yurii the Pug, we create custom and unique sunglasses everyday as well as curate our online shop full of other kitschy items.  I am originally from Indiana, but moved to Los Angeles in 2006 after finishing my BFA.  I would describe myself as creative, adventurous, goofy and a serious lover of art and fashion.

what do you make or do?

I make over-the-top, unique, kitschy sunglasses & other fun accessories.  My sunglasses are made for those who want to stand out, take fashion-risks & experiment with their wardrobe.

where can we find your creations?

All of my items can be ordered through my online shop, www.shopKKonline.com.  I also sell a wide-range of my sunglasses through my etsy shop, KawaiiKitschByA.etsy.com

how long have you been creating and is it your full-time job?

I have been creating my entire life!  Ever since I could first pick up a crayon, I have been designing anything & everything I could imagine.  As I got older, I began to take more fashion risks, and when I couldn’t find the unique things I dreamt up, I would make them.  I am fortunate enough to say that Kawaii Kitsch is my full-time job!  I have always felt the need to create and art in general has been my passion.  After moving to Los Angeles in 2006, I worked as a graphic designer for a few years but my creative needs weren’t satisfied.  So, I went back to school and completed two MA degrees and then took other art positions hoping to fulfill my creative passion.  Ultimately I realized that I needed to be working/creating/dreaming up my own ideas.  So in 2012, I started slowly making things in my spare time and Kawaii Kitsch was officially born in September of that year.  By May 2013, I was able to begin working full time with Kawaii Kitsch.

when you’re not making things, what do you do?

Travel, travel, travel!  Besides being creative, I live to travel, and travel as often as I can.  I love seeing and experiencing different cultures and I try to plan a few overseas trips per year.

what inspiring advice would you give to other creatives be they established or just starting out?

Not everyone is going to like what you make.  Don’t get frustrated or give up because people aren’t into your items.  When you pick a very specific path of making your work, people are going to have opinions, and at the end of the day YOU have to have confidence in your product.  Listen to feedback, whether it be positive or negative, as it will ultimately help you in the course of running your business.

Allison & Yurii

KK photo1 KK photo2

KK photo3

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