Meet Kala Dickherber | Owner & Artisan of Echo Rises

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

Hi Kala, why did you pursue a creative career?
I am a free spirit with a love of nature, traveling, spending time with my son, helping people, writing, photography, designing, musical and visual arts, and jewlery making. I am an entrepreneur with a background in EMT work, cosmetology, fitness training, and psychology, but I love the freedom owning my own business provides. My soul is not the type to be tied down to a lifestyle of staying in the same place and doing the same thing each day. I have always loved the artistic process and creating things. Owning an art business provides me with the opportunity to do what I love, make my own hours, travel, meet new people, and help people through my work. My business is not just about making money. The mission and purpose is to help people mentally and physically with my organic products and Holistic approaches, and to hopefully be able to connect with them through my art and words in such a way as to lift their spirits and promote mental wellness. This sort of lifestyle and owning a small business like mine doesn’t always provide the financial security one would hope for, and can be quite challenging. However, I would rather struggle and work harder at times for the opportunity to help people, feel a sense of fulfillment and freedom, spend more time with my son, and do the things I love. What in life worth doing is easy?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started Echo Rises as a side hustle offering only jewelry, with a big dream and no real plan other than to do what I love and hopefully turn it into something where I could help others eventually.
It has now grown from there into so much more. I started adding my paintings to the business, as well as my photography and drawings. People seemed to like my style of art which has always leaned more toward a darker side, so I started making and selling prints as well.
I got into resin work and started offering bookmarks, keychains, jewelry, tumblers, and personalized items. The personalized items were a huge hit and got me my first show at Comic-Con in Atlanta!
I decided I wanted to add my poetry and writing into the mix as well since I’m so passionate about it. This also seemed like the perfect opportunity for my words and past experiences that I write about to help others. I very much enjoy writing my poems and making a drawing or painting to incorporate into it. I think this gives more of a visual and thoughtful feel to the peices.
I’m proud to say I have now done many shows, have many more planned for the future, have my art in a shop in Georgia with a possibility of 2 more shops soon, am collaborating and partnering with other small businesses, am still doing and offering all of the work listed above, and now have my own handcrafted organic skincare line as well as organic cleaning & pet products.
I now have my business branded around my love of nature and mental wellness, promoting a natural organic lifestyle, valuing the mind, body, and soul of every living being.
It certainly wasn’t easy to get to where I am, and most days aren’t easy now either, I still have a long and tough road ahead, but I’m thankful for the whole journey and all that is to come. The financial aspect has been one of the hardest things, but what in life worth doing isn’t hard? I’ve learned to find the most joy and pleasure in the smallest things, enjoy every moment, let things go a little easier and quicker, not worry so much as I know I will always find a way because I always have, and be thankful for what I have even when it may not be much.
I would tell anyone wanting to start a journey like mine that’s it’s not easy but if it’s your dream then it’s worth it! Just never give up. Ask for help when you need it, don’t let your pride get in the way. Find like-minded people you can talk to. Have backup plans (side hustles) for when finances are a struggle. Be yourself! Don’t try to be like others, your uniqueness is what will make your business flourish. Be thankful for the good days, and be strong on the hard days. Make time for your mental, physical & spiritual well-being, as well as selfcare and self love without feeling guilty about it; it’s a must. These are things I try to stick to that help me; I hope they will help you too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a tough one! I’m originally from Missouri and just moved to the Atlanta, GA area a year ago. Before then I traveled down here quite frequently though. I absolutely love the art in Atlanta, the filming locations, the music, the live performances, and the night life. I also love the surrounding areas. I’m a huge Vampire Diaries and Walking Dead fan so visiting Covington, GA and Senoia, GA is always a favorite for me. In fact I sometimes sit and do some of my art on the square in Covington. I also love the Savannah area. The history there always amazes me. I love all of the historic sites in Georgia; the gorgeous cemeteries, the abandoned places, the paranormal activity, the food, and all of the different cultures. I love being able to go almost anywhere and find something old and beautiful to explore and new places to do my photography. The fishing spots are amazing, as well as the wooded areas that are great for photo shoots too! People are so friendly and welcoming, the moment I decided to move here it already felt like home, and it will always be considered home now no matter where my journey takes me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First I have to give the biggest shoutout to my son who is the light of my life, my reason to keep going everyday, and can always put a smile on my face. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him. I love you my sweet boy!
Lots of love and a huge shout out to my friend Samantha Langworthy, owner of Jane Moe Designs, for always being there for me, collaborating with me, and partnering together to make our small businesses grow!
I’d also like to recognize my social media tribe that lifts my spirits daily and are always there to lend a kind word or some helpful motivation. You all know who you are and I love each of you; you all rock!
Lots of love and gratitude to the wonderful ladies at the Boo-Tique in Conyers, GA who were kind enough to bring my art into their shop and are now beloved friends!
I want to thank my group of photographers & friends that have helped and inspired me over the years including Kimberly Wilson (amazing friend & photographer), Joseph Wilson (great friend, tattoo artist & owner of Jester Graphix in Winfield, MO), Jennifer Dudding (great friend and small business owner of Healing Hands Massage), Cedric Tellis (amazing friend & artist), Gary Roberson (amazing photographer that has helped me with many shoots), Jefry Moore (amazing photographer that has inspired me tremendously), Katie Barrow (small business owner of Unique Creations by Kate, new business affiliate, amazing person and friend), and the wonderful Enchanted Tarot Tree (amazing person and friend).
I’d also like to thank my coworkers in the acting industry, especially Central Casting, you all have made so many new connections and opportunities for me!
For anyone not mentioned, such as my clients, other friends, family, etc, just know I love you all very much and wouldn’t be here without each of you. I appreciate you all so much; your love, support, encouragement, mentorship, and so much more mean the world to me. I am so blessed because of each of you.

Website: https://www.echorises.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echorises

Youtube: @risesecho

Other: https://linktr.ee/echorises

https://echorises.etsy.com

https://whatnot.com/s/JlyZteu2

TikTok: @echo.rises

Image Credits
Kala Dickherber (photographer)
Gary Roberson (Photographer)
Joseph Wilson (Tattoo Artwork)