Meet Kayla Plush | Graphic Designer

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

Hi Kayla, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work-life balance is an ongoing journey, especially when juggling entrepreneurship alongside being a full-time college student. Balance requires intentionality. When I started my business during the pandemic in May 2020 as a high school senior, my schedule was more flexible due to virtual learning and most places being closed for safety precautions. Balancing my final year of high school and having a business was undoubtedly easier. During the summer before coming to Atlanta for college, I thought I had everything figured out regarding how I would balance everything for the next 4 years while I’m in college. However, upon arriving, I realized I had much more work to do.

I believe balance looks different for everyone, but in my case, it encompasses several key elements. First, maximizing my college experience by networking with industry professionals, pursuing internships, and cultivating meaningful relationships that may last a lifetime. It’s crucial to embrace this transformative stage of life. Second, dedicated self-care through grooming routines and practices that allow me to feel my best self. Third, exploring new horizons through travel, both domestically and internationally, to broaden my perspectives. Fourth, prioritizing time for youthful pursuits and personal growth – going out with friends, trying new activities, and nurturing my interests beyond academics and work. And most importantly, ensuring my spiritual foundation remains strong by keeping God at the center of everything I do through prayer, study, and community.

Finding harmony between entrepreneurship, academics, personal growth, and spiritual grounding is an ongoing pursuit, but one I am committed to navigating with grace and purpose.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs, and I take great pride in Dawn Edits & Designs Company’s ability to navigate those challenges while staying true to our core values and mission. What sets us apart is our commitment to not only delivering exceptional creative work but also providing strategic guidance to help our clients achieve their long-term vision.

Getting to where we are today professionally has been anything but easy. I vividly remember starting this business at just 16 years old while still in high school. Balancing academics and entrepreneurship is an immense challenge, but it taught me resilience and how to prioritize effectively. There are times I had to make tough choices, like turning down social invitations to meet client deadlines or complete schoolwork. However, these sacrifices reinforces my drive and dedication to succeed.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. There will be periods of tremendous growth and excitement, followed by inevitable obstacles to overcome. Maintaining faith in my long-term vision and regularly reflecting on my “why” has been crucial in pushing through difficult times. I’ve also learned the importance of self-care and creating boundaries to avoid burnout.

I want the world to know that Dawn Edits & Designs Company is built on a foundation of hard work, creativity, and a genuine desire to uplift others. We don’t just provide design services; we strive to be true partners in our clients’ success journeys. From content creation and logo development to website design and e-flyer creation, our extensive offerings are designed to bring visions to life and help businesses reach their full potential.

Most importantly, I hope my story inspires young entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to fearlessly pursue their dreams. There is no age limit on making an impact, and with determination and a strong support system, anything is possible.

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.
For a trip to Atlanta with my best friend in for a fun, exciting time, here’s an example itinerary:

Day 1: Grab brunch with Instagram-worthy dishes at a trendy spot like Breakfast at Barneys or Toast on Lenox. Spend the afternoon exploring street art and doing an Instagram photoshoot around colorful areas like the Krog Street Tunnel and Ponce City Market. After that we would head over to Rum Punch.

Day 2: Rent electric bikes or scooters and cruise the BeltLine trail, stopping for pics, snacks and shopping along the way. Check out the huge skyline views and relax on the green at Historic Fourth Ward Park. Evening activity could be something active like axe throwing at Kick’n Axe, bowling, and arcades.

Day 3: Day of relaxation and therapeutic activities. We would go candle making, and get massages and facials.

Day 4: Get the adrenaline going with adventure activities like indoor skydiving at Ifly or driving experiences at Porsche Atlanta. Dinner at Divan or Little Alley Steak House which are my two favorite restaurants followed by a helicopter ride and late night drive through the city.

Day 5: Sports game day – get rowdy cheering on the Braves or Hawks at a sports bar near the stadiums and have a fun pre/post-game vibe. After, keep the party going in the nightlife areas like Buckhead or Midtown.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I must give thanks and dedicate this shoutout to God, for without His divine grace and unwavering glory, I would not be where I am today. My growing faith has been the foundation of my success, providing me with the spiritual strength to persevere through challenges and seize opportunities. In moments of doubt or adversity, it is God’s guiding light that brightens my path forward and renews my sense of purpose. His consistent presence is strength, wisdom, and the reassurance that all things are possible through Him. It is only by His infinite love and favor that I can continue pursuing my dreams while staying grounded in what matters most. To God be the glory for His indispensable role in my story.

My next shoutout goes to my incredible family and friends whose unwavering support has been vital through the beautiful rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Juggling a business while in school is immensely challenging, but my loved ones have never once doubted my abilities to handle it. Instead of doubts, they’ve showered me with endless encouragement and the reassurance needed to persevere during the inevitable ups and downs. Their belief in me has been empowering, and knowing I have such a strong support system propels me forward, even when facing obstacles. More than just cheerleaders, my family and friends provide balanced perspectives to help me make wise decisions along this journey. I’m eternally grateful for their love, faith in my vision, and the tremendously positive impact their support has on my entrepreneurial spirit and drive to succeed.

Last but certainly not least, my mentor Jaylin Bolden deserves a huge shoutout. As a fellow graphic designer who embarked on her entrepreneurial path while still in college, Jaylin and I share a deep connection through our parallel experiences of balancing design work with academics. Hailing from the same area, she intrinsically understands my background, motivations, and the obstacles I face in establishing myself in this industry. Jaylin’s mentorship extends beyond mere relatability; she provides honest, grounding feedback that continually challenges me to improve my skills. Despite her remarkable talents and accomplishments, Jaylin’s humility shines through, exemplifying how to maintain a humble, hardworking spirit regardless of success. I am forever grateful for Jaylin’s nurturing influence as a role model dedicated to my personal and professional development, epitomizing what it means to be a truly giving mentor.

Website: dawnedits.co

Instagram: @dawneditss | https://www.instagram.com/dawneditss/

Linkedin: Kayla Plush | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-plush/