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

Hi Kyla, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor of Gypsy in My Pocket is women. Women are the backbone of the weaving communities, and it’s a slowly dying art. Our goal is to educate and inform others of this beautiful art form. We strive to be the external voices for women all over the world. Women who weave, share their stories, their hopes and dreams, their hardships and most of all their lives. With every thread, they are choosing what the final piece will look like. They pass down the knowledge from generation to generation.

Gypsy in My Pocket is a nod to my root, my ancestors. I am Hungarian Gypsy in my dads side. My grandpa always told us to be proud of who we are and where we come from! So I carrying the gypsy always in my back pocket!

Our greatest success will be sharing their stories to the world, while supporting them in fair trade and sharing their stories.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I say artist, it’s more of I have an eye for color and design. I love color and textiles, the happiness and security I feel when I am surrounded by them. I think of myself as a creative mind, and with that I love to bring textiles and texture into spaces. For me the vibrant palettes, the stories, the time that all takes place to make a rug, a tapestry, a carpet or wall hanging.. is a true work of art. I have had to overcome many challenges in my life to get to this point, and I still am battling to push forward. I miss my home of 13 years in Istanbul, and this life here in states has been difficult because the recent loss of my father. I feel foreign here in America, too American for Turkey and too foreign for America… it’s a constant struggle. The greatest lesson I have learned and continue to learn, is believe in you… never stop.. people will try to steal your ideas.. but stay true to you. I want people to know what Gypsy in My Pocket stands for, what it is, why it’s called what it is, what we represent, what the goals are and who we hope to be!

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?
Well that’s a fun question as we’re based in Las Vegas! So of course the itinerary would start off with the strip! Nothing beats the strip, especially for someone that has never been here! I always have a great time when we venture over to the strip! All the restaurants and entertainment!

But the real gem here in Las Vegas would be the Arts District! It’s the up and coming spot! Not only for tourists! But for locals.. there are some awesome small businesses ! A few of my favorites are For The Love LV on Main Street, the owners Emily and Nate are the coolest people around. They love their city and love to support all that’s local! The boutique is off the hook! Akin cooperation is also located in the Arts District, 40+ small businesses under one roof, a nice spot to see local makers and artists. My favorite coffee shop is Bungalow Coffee always a good time , the best coffee in town! Good Pie pizza is a great place to grab a slice! Rebar, is a local hangout, 3$ mystery can beers! What else do you need? Recently, had the pleasure of going to the Velveteen Rabbit for a few tasty cocktails, a good place to visit!

The Neon Sign Museum is my favorite stop in Vegas, it’s super cool and you get to learn a bit of Vegas history!

My all time favorite please to eat is Bagel Mania in Casino Center Dr! A real New York Jewish style Deli, the Sliders and blintzes are to die for!

We have food! We have drinks! We have art! We have history! What else does one need?!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I created Gypsy in My Pocket with the inspiration and guidance from my good friend Ruth Lockwood. I met Ruth in Cappadocia, Turkey. She has been living in Cappadocia since the late 1980’s. At that time, it was small, barely budding tourist village, with dusty dirt roads, donkeys and horse carts, Intermittent water and electricity and cave homes to live in. She was determined and resilient. She started to learn the rug trade, extremely unheard of for a woman.. let alone a foreign woman from New Zealand. Many years have past, and she now is well known in Cappadocia’s rug and weaving industry. She overcame overwhelming obstacles and all her hard work and determination has got her where she is today, well respected and a strong role model for other women. Ruth believe in me, she pushed me to find my dream and here I am!

Also my loving husband Kivanc, has stood behind me and has been the supportive drive that pushed me to finally start the brand. His love, understanding and positive drive is what keeps pushing me forward

Instagram: _gypsy_in_mypocket_

Image Credits
Connie Ann

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