We had the good fortune of connecting with Elisa Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Elisa, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
As a military family, we have traveled extensively following my husband’s career. Stretching seven duty stations from our home state of Maine; Washington, D.C.; New Orleans; to Dallas, Georgia, with a few more in between. Everywhere we go, KyElle Kreations and KyElle Charcuterie are inspired by the culture, history, and awe-inspiring views of the cities we’ve called home. Our travels constantly feed my creativity and provide me with new ideas, colors, textures and cuisines to incorporate into my work. It’s hard to not be inspired by the atmosphere each city has to offer. From simple and rustic to bold and boisterous, there’s beauty in the smallest details. I consider myself extremely lucky to have encountered such an array of experiences and locales throughout our moves and some places truly have become home to us. They are more than just an address; they are integral part of my life. These memories and experiences have shaped who I am today and inspire my meaningful products. They are the pieces that fill my puzzle, and I wouldn’t be able to complete it without them.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At KyElle Kreations, we specialize in blending modern and rustic styles for your home decor needs. My mission is to provide high quality items with a range of options that will allow buyers to customize and build their order to the exact specifications they are in search of. A perfect example is offering personalization to your Christmas Tree Skirt by adding your family name or favorite quote, another giving you the option to choose which color and or print patterns you’d like your Pumpkin Trio in. By giving you freedom of choice, we create a truly unique and individualized shopping experience. Offering a vast collection of Home Decor, that’s not limited to but ranging from our Burlap Christmas Tree Skirts, handmade Flannel Pumpkins, Gnomes for all seasons & holidays, Burlap Garlands, Wreaths and even hand painted Signs. You’re sure to find the perfect piece that will accent your home for years to come. You can shop with confidence knowing that every piece is handmade from start to finish and crafted with quality & care! We enjoy immersing ourselves in our community and regularly attend local events showcasing small businesses and their crafts. We update any events we will be participating in on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
At KyElle Charcuterie, I enjoy experimenting with bold and flavorful accoutrements. Initially, I shared my dishes with friends and family at events and gatherings, which further inspired me to explore new tastes and techniques. What began as simple cheese & crackers has evolved into extraordinary Charcuterie for all occasions. Different-sized options are available, from a “little brown box” for individual snacks while our small, medium, large, and extra-large party sizes provide options for larger gatherings. Our impressive Grazing Tables offer a delightful flavor experience for events like Birthdays, Retirements, Bridal showers, or simply for any special occasion. Sweet and savory flavor profiles make these charcuterie tables a fan favorite.
My goal is to provide an eclectic blend of flavors and textures in all my Charcuterie presentations. Combinations like sweet crackers with a creamy Blueberry Goat Cheese topped with hot honey, or a bold Tomato Basil Cheese with Italian crusted Salami on a Bagel Crisp are a few of my personal favorites. No matter how you mix and match your Charcuterie, every bite can be a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Crafting unique flavor combinations can truly delight the palate! I try to offer a full sensory experience with every order.
Having food allergies, I pride myself on accommodating as many food restrictions as possible. I currently have Keto, Gluten and Dairy Free Charcuterie options available.
I strive to be distinctive in my creations, aiming to be one-of-a-kind in a crowded marketplace of gifted Charcuterie artists.
To stand out, I began to source seasonal chocolates and other edible ingredients to incorporate into my charcuterie. This proved to be challenging to stay consistent. So, I began my journey with chocolate work, I was instantly hooked! No KyElle Charcuterie is complete without our signature homemade chocolates. They add a unique and customized touch to any box or tray and are perfect for any occasion. From Baby Showers, Appreciations, Anniversaries, holidays and all the fun themes in between there’s no shortage of possibilities. I love to bring a themed box to life! My new favorite addition is our custom edible images. I can add any edible image to your order, small or large. Such as personal photos, quotes, or logos, set inside our handmade chocolate frames in your choice of color. They truly are the ultimate way to personalize your charcuterie.
It is immensely gratifying to create meaningful pieces for our customers by both KyElle Kreations & KyElle Charcuterie. From a Christmas Tree Skirt filled with gifts on Christmas morning, or a first-time homeowner setting a Welcome Wreath on their new door to sharing a full-sized Grazing Table for a Marine Corps Seargent Major celebrating his Retirement. I take pride in knowing our creations serve as special additions to memorable experiences in life.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in Atlanta comes with its own set of unique experiences, which we delight in sharing with visiting friends and family. My family and I are proud members of the Atlanta Zoo, where one of our favorite exhibits are the giant pandas. We have been fortunate enough to visit the pandas at both the Atlanta Zoo and in the national zoo in D.C. Recently, The Atlanta Zoo has recently relocated 2 new Red Panda sisters, which we were thrilled to observe last month.
Piedmont Park is a well-known destination that Atlanta has to offer visitors. My family regularly enjoys the recreation and picnic sites this park provides, it is quite distinct from other areas we’ve visited. The sunsets are truly majestic! Just a short 20-minute drive away, you can hop on over to Centennial Park where the 1996 Summer Olympics were held. My husband is the biggest Olympics fan in my life, and this was first on our sightseeing list upon our arrival. It did not disappoint.
Enthusiasts of America’s favorite pastime, we come from Maine but relish watching the Braves play in Atlanta’s Truist Park. Games at this stadium are captivating; the city’s enthusiasm for its team is contagious. Partaking in the appreciation for the Braves is an unforgettable experience, we highly recommend!
Marietta Square Market offers a wide variety of treats from many small businesses. Cousins Maine Lobster offers delicious lobster rolls, Forno Vera Pizza has fresh pizzas, and Momoiro Ramen has a delectable Duck Ramen that’s an absolute must-try. With a little something for everyone, the whole family can find their ideal snack and meet up in the middle.
Lastly, attend the weekly Farmers Market in Marietta Square on Saturdays for a unique experience. Support small businesses with ambition and dedication to their craft. Get close to the culture and hustle of Atlanta through the market’s merchants. It’s fun for the whole family.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, my husband Gary is an integral part of the KyElle brand. By day he goes by Marine, and by night my #1 employee. His support has enabled me to realize my dreams and ambitions without hesitation. I owe him an immense debt of gratitude for his undying dedication. He motivates me daily to overcome my apprehensions and uncertainties to manifest my dreams, and to slowly build up to my goals. With every puzzle piece I lay, he’s there to add one himself.
KyElle is more than just a name; it is a fusion of our 2 daughter’s names which formed the basis for the KyElle brand. They are the origin of our name and my motivation for success. KyElle truly wouldn’t be what it is today, without them!
Lastly, my late mother Annette deserves recognition for being the catalyst of my creativity. From as far back as I can remember she and my dad were always teaching me to incorporate creativity into daily tasks. From showing me to hand-sew clothes for my dolls with old jeans t handmaking jewelry, even cooking a full meal with what was left in the fridge. Anything to get my imagination turning and to use my hands to create. I aspire to emulate that example and guide my daughters as they embark on their own life journeys. The smallest of inspiration can open a new path of creativity.
Website: KyElle Kreations Website: kyellekreations.com
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