Meet Katlyn Hoyer: Owner of Blue Skies & Ko

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

Hi Katlyn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
To be honest.. My business started as a hobby! I had NO plan on creating a business until it kind of just happened! Standing here today is like living in a dream state. It’s pretty crazy that sometimes you can just trust the process and let life unravel the next adventures. Once I realized that my craft was turning into a business I started learning the basics like brand awareness, networking, and what my short-term and long-term goals were for Blue Skies & Ko.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Once I realized that my passion was turning into a business I really wanted to make sure my story and brand had a good meaning behind it all. Blue Skies & Ko was named after the quote “Blue Skies” in Skydiving. My other hobby is skydiving on the weekends and “Blue Skies” basically means good vibes/good days. I thought what a cute way to implement that quote into a brand. Once the hand-stamped jewelry started taking off I started to create little affirmation bracelets so others could live by their own positive quotes. Along the way, I started opening my creativity to adding new items into Blue Skies.. Between hand-pieced jewelry and now clothing I really am excited to see growth in this business adventure.

Starting a business by accident was so rewarding but it wasn’t all easy. It felt like there was a lot I had to learn and catch up on. In the long run though, I am so excited that I have been able to learn so much. I honestly don’t think there will ever be a time where you completely feel like you are ready or know what you are doing. Like I said before it’s just trusting the process and letting things unravel into the next adventure. I’ve learned that the hard way honestly. Since I felt like I had some catching up to do for the business I started trying to plan every moment and it literally would crush me if the outcome wasn’t what I had in mind. If you take one thing away from my experience it’s that “trust the process” quote.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This list could be a book! I love everything in and around Atlanta! I’ll try to keep it short! We would have to start out the day in Downtown Woodstock to grab some coffee and walk around the cute shops that line Main Street. Next stop would be a picnic at Piedmont Park with the city view-Then off to Ponce City Market to walk along the beltline and grab some drinks! City photography walks are some of my favorite days and my absolute favorite restaurant is Boru-Boru.. Sushi burritos?! YES PLEASE! Any hikes in North Georgia is definitely on the itinerary. Whether it’s chasing waterfalls or finding lookout views, it’s a must-do. You already know what the ultimate activity is-Skydiving!! To end the week we would head up to Skydive Spaceland Atlanta and get a sunset jump in!! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Huge shout out to my sweet, sweet grandmother! Growing up my Meme would sit me down at the kitchen table and we would make all kinds of crafts! She really grew my creativity from such a young age and that plays a huge role in who I am today. Another shoutout to all of my friends and family- Both in Erie, PA and here in Georgia! Having the support every which way I turn makes me tear up. Thank you, thank you to my amazing boyfriend’s family-seeing all of you guys chase your goals in business gave me the courage to do the same. The last shoutout is to the community of Downtown Woodstock (you all know who you are!!), you have created so many opportunities for networking and guidance. I wouldn’t have been able to pursue any of these steps in growing a business if it wasn’t for you all. Love you guys!!!

Website: https://blueskiesko.com/

Instagram: @BlueSkiesKo

Facebook: Blue Skies & Ko

Image Credits
Conner Peterson Jamie Fenn