Lyssa Kayra | Co-Founder and Creative Director of Paintillio
In the realm of creative entrepreneurship, Lyssa Kayra stands as a beacon of inspiration and innovation. As the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Paintillio, Lyssa has harnessed her artistic talents and entrepreneurial spirit to create a unique and inclusive platform that celebrates the joy of collaborative art. In this exclusive interview, Lyssa shares the journey of Paintillio, its mission, and her insights as an entrepreneur.
Paintillio: Six Years of Artistry with a Global Reach
Founded six years ago, Paintillio has its roots in the picturesque Sunshine Coast of BC, Canada. While the studio calls this location home, Paintillio’s influence stretches far and wide, as they ship their creations globally. Their motto, “Celebrate, Create, Collaborate,” encapsulates the essence of their mission. Paintillio is dedicated to crafting high-quality, hands-on collaborative art projects that are accessible to everyone.
The Spark of Entrepreneurship
For Lyssa, entrepreneurship was a natural progression of her artistic journey. From a young age, she possessed an innate entrepreneurial spirit. Whether it was creating handmade gifts or crafting large-scale paintings, Lyssa’s creations always resonated with people. Her foray into the world of entrepreneurship began at just 24 when she acquired her first franchise business, followed by a second at 26. At the age of 31, she co-founded Paintillio, propelled by a brilliant idea, a dynamic partnership, technological innovation, and impeccable timing.
“Entrepreneurship is about turning your passion into a thriving reality.” – Lyssa Kayra
Overcoming Challenges and Pivoting in the Pandemic
Like many female entrepreneurs, Lyssa and her co-founder faced gender bias and discrimination in the business world. However, they turned this adversity into an advantage by accessing funding and programs designed to support women entrepreneurs. The power of networking with other female entrepreneurs and mentors provided them with invaluable support and guidance.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a monumental challenge to Paintillio, as their events-focused business was severely affected. Lyssa and her team displayed remarkable resilience by developing a groundbreaking solution: the Mosaic Mural product for online and virtual events. By allowing participants to paint together from different locations, safely and virtually, they not only weathered the storm but also expanded their offerings.
Paintillio: Where Creativity Meets Innovation
The birth of Paintillio was sparked by a simple joke, which eventually led to a profound idea. Lyssa’s partner challenged her with a paint-by-number portrait, which unexpectedly turned into a hit at a wedding when guests collaborated to create a unique gift. This concept gave birth to Paintillio, a creative business that combines traditional art with proprietary software to offer custom paint-by-number canvases and collaborative murals for interactive events.
Balancing Life and Work
For Lyssa, work and life are intertwined in a harmonious dance. She loves her work passionately but has learned the importance of work-life balance. She believes in dedicating time to her family and her painting studio to rejuvenate her creative spirit. A solid team behind her also plays a crucial role in managing her time effectively.
“A balanced life fuels a productive work life.”
– Lyssa Kayra
Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs – Lyssa’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring women entrepreneurs:
Follow Your Passion: Passion is your greatest asset; it will resonate with others and inspire connections and collaborations.
Build a Strong Team: Surround yourself with the right people who share your vision and can help you achieve it.
Explore Grants and Programs: Investigate grant funding and programs for women entrepreneurs; there is a world of support waiting for you.
Staying Resilient in the Face of Obstacles
To Lyssa, obstacles are stepping stones to growth. She and her business partner empower each other to overcome hurdles and celebrate successes together. A positive mindset and a supportive network are her keys to staying motivated.
The Power of Networking and Community
Lyssa recognizes the immense value of networking and building relationships in business. She has pushed herself out of her comfort zone to join networking and leadership programs, discovering a world of support, mentorship, and cheerleaders among fellow women entrepreneurs.
Giving Back to the Community
At the heart of Paintillio’s mission is a commitment to community. They believe in making art accessible to all, breaking down barriers, and fostering authentic connections. They also support local artists through partnerships and initiatives like the Paintillio Artist Series.
Lyssa Kayra’s journey with Paintillio is a testament to the transformative power of art, entrepreneurship, and community building. Her story inspires us to celebrate our passions, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and create innovative solutions in the face of challenges.
“Art has the power to bring people together, regardless of their background or abilities.”
– Lyssa Kayra