Hi, my name is: Kayleen Ylitalo Horsma
My mommy-owned business is: Khorsma Fine Arts
My website: http://khorsma.blogspot.com/
Here’s the story behind my business: This unfolding dream takes me to a foundation that will never be forgotten. Humbly we were raised, my 8 siblings and I, fortunate in knowing those country roots wrapped right on our toes giving us the power to understand the ‘American Dream’.
I am reminded of a story often I would share, only because I want my children to know. You see, I had my own dream at the time. I suppose now I could say, a little selfish in tune. Nothing more than a swimming pool to dip my toes and float about would do. With those roots taking hold, and magically one doesn’t show, what more can be done ? Reach deep within and grab the will to find a way!
I asked my dad, he said yes. If I dig the hole, he would fill it right up.. and we could splash in a sunny afternoon delight. So off to work I went, digging that hole. It got knee deep and still is. I hit those rocks, hard as they were! That valuable lesson that my dad gave to me, and all he said was ‘yes’.
It wasn’t but a few years before I had discovered a natural ability and liking to drawing portraitraiture. In my early 2o’s I was married and soon had my eldest daughter, now 19, and had discovered the watercolor works of Steve Hanks and began to feed the hunger to learn. I continued on the path that was laid before me, given 3 more dear daughters and 2 entertaining boys, the youngest now 7.
Roughly 3 years ago I discovered oil paint and the rest of the journey began. I started selling my works on Ebay. In 2010 I set out to paint a 5 foot square oil painting honoring 2 of my favorite artists, Norman Rockwell and Malcolm Liepke. Although I have shown at various galleries, I was thrilled that my work was accepted by Ugallery in the fall of 2010, and humbled to know that often I am often among the top 15 artists on the San Fransisco based gallery. I was also thrilled to be chosen among a few artists to have their work displayed at the AAF in New York, NY. Galleries exhibiting at the prestigious show are from Canada, Australia, London, Spain, UK, England, Argentina, Vietnam, Netherlands, Paris, as well as various states here in the US. Recently I was also chosen as the Master Artist by the Five Wings Arts Council. I am also looking forward to a working relationship with Artifacts Gallery in Cambria, CA, which carries some 85 top U.S. artists.
Finally I can see it crystal clear, the fire that started in my heart. The dream never under estimates what can be done.
What have you learned from your kids that has helped you run your business better?: When I was working for a giftware company as a freelance illustrator, and had just finished a 16 x 20 inch santa on a polar bear painting to be shipped overseas to be produced as a figurine. What a suprise to see a nice red handprint smack right in the middle. That time, I learned patience. I learned that I am always wrong, it was my fault! I learned that I really am a role model. I learned that I really do need to put things away. I learned love.
I learned that when you give love, love is returned. In aiming for a better future they are helpful in doing the tasks that are asked, as well as expected. With their help, those rocks are easier to move.
Why are you and your business ready for a makeover?: I have struggled for some 16 years, teaching myself how to paint watercolor, and oils for roughly 3 years ,aside from some technical assistance. Recently winning the Master Grant Award validated the need to move to a new studio which will help me to produce more work.
I have been blogging for about 3 years now and have tried at various times to create a website that I am happy with but have been frustrated at not being able to achieve this goal. The next option that I would have is to make some expensive purchases that would assist me in website creation. At this time I have decided that I only have the funding to purchase what I can to create more work, as I do need to sell to be able to create.
I realize how important it is, in this day and age, to have a good cataloging source to show up to date work that is easy to navigate.
I do have work cataloged at http://www.ugallery.com/ProductList.aspx?RC=1&Search=kayleen+horsma , however, these are only artworks that are juried and accepted on their site, which can also be found by googling Ugallery and then enter my name on the site search engine.
What makes you an extraordinary mompreneur?: I am not going to say that I am better than any other Mompreneur. I really don’t think I am. I am not going to say that I have done more than any loving mother would. The neighbors probably wouldn’t say I was the Martha Stewart of moms but I would say ‘it’s a good thing’. I am what I am.
I am not going to say that I have ‘loved’ every minute of it like a ‘supermom’ would. Being a mom, secretary, receptionist, nurse, maid, taxi, cook, seamstress (at the last minute), counselor, fun haver, grocery getter, pant, pant…did I miss anything? Yup, I know I did. The bottom line is it isn’t easy being a mom who has a dream, though sometimes I could refer to ‘the dream’ as a handicap…. I don’t just want to be an artist. It is who I am. I NEED to create. I NEED to push myself. I don’t care if I am successful in terms of money aside from money is what allows me to expand and push myself further. To continue to be who I am. And that is ok. Some might say I am an extraordinary mompreneur because I am teaching my children that it is ok to be who they are and to follow their dream. It’s a good thing.