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

Hi Karlie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To be honest, I never dreamed of owning my own business when I was younger or even out of college. At that time, I just wanted to find a job where I could fit in and prove what I was capable of. Looking back, I had no idea how MUCH I was capable of and the places my strong work ethic could take me. I think I have growing up in New York to thank for some of that.

I completed internships that centered around fashion and held roles in merchandising, beauty PR and influencer marketing. What I found was an eventual burnout in whatever job I was in. I always wanted to do more, be more creative, feel more fulfilled. Through experience, I found confidence in knowing that I would be an asset to any company, no matter what I was doing. That was an important turning point for me.

Rather than continuing to search for another job after I made the decision to leave my last position, I leaned into the idea of starting my own business. At this point, I was living in San Diego for a little over a year and the commonality of being an ‘entrepreneur’ or ‘self-starter’ here was something I hadn’t seen much working within corporate industries on the east coast. I was already picking up small design jobs from people who knew my “work” as just something I enjoyed doing on the side, without being a trained designer. This was another important turning point for me.

I thought about the benefits of starting my own design business – I could really use my creativity and be recognized for it, put my effort into something I created and succeed or fail on my own terms knowing that I held the power of making my career whatever I wanted it to be. Of course, there were a million and one ‘what ifs’ that came with it. But since day one, through every growing pain and milestone in my business so far, I have always had this constant feeling that I was going to make it. I trusted my gut, took a few risks, and have never looked back.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
From Karlie focuses mainly on Brand design, Website design and Social Content Creation – the perfect trifecta for the foundation of any business no matter the industry you’re in.

I think what’s most important in this digital age when it comes to growing a business is to know the importance of building your “brand” and executing it in a way that is different but stays true to who you are. It needs to build recognition through every asset that your potential customer comes in contact with. A great brand does not just have a logo or website showing their product – they have creative direction and a voice that can be heard through everything they share.

I work with my clients to learn the root of their business and from there, help capture and build their brand through visual storytelling and full-package custom design. Then, I help bring that same energy and cohesiveness through every touchpoint their consumer engages with on and offline – social posts, business cards, email marketing, etc. I pride the From Karlie Design style not on being trendy, but trendsetting.

I believe in intentional, strategic design and creating assets for my clients that make them feel excited about their business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I always have a running list in my Notes App for anyone I know that comes into town, so I got you!

Drinks & Dine – Kettner Exchange. The Crack Shack. Eggies. Underbelly. Encontro. Craft & Commerce. Trust. Wonderland Ocean Pub. Coasterra. The Rose Wine Bar. The Nolen Rooftop. Juneshine. Nolita Hall.

Coffee Spots – Lofty Coffee. Parakeet Cafe. Communal Coffee. Better Buzz. Holsem Coffee.

First Timers  – Take a walk around Balboa Park (duh). Catch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs. Explore Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve’s hiking trails and then drive over to check out the Torrey Pines Gliderport. Walk through Old Town San Diego and stop at Casa de Fred’s for a margarita. Of course you have to make a stop at La Jolla Cove to see the sights.

Activities – Check out the Sunset Trivia schedule and you’ll thank me later. Start your night with a show at The Shout! House (make a reservation). Hotel del Coronado (the Taco Shack specifically during their live music hours). Hold a Coronado Beach bonfire. Shop at Pigment. Walk the Mission Beach boardwalk. Check out any current events at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Grab a beer in North Park and play a few games at CoinOp while you’re there. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest support system would have to be my fiancé, Andrew. We’ve moved cross country together and he has seen me go from a college student/intern to an employee to a business owner, and every struggle in between. Taking risks can be overwhelming, especially when having to make decisions on your own. He has always been my sounding board, my reminder that productivity does not mean working all day and all night, has shown me the importance of balance, and most of all has always made me feel like I can do anything.

My grandparents that watched me grow up in New York have always shown me love and encouragement throughout this journey. Because of them, I was able to enroll in design courses that gave my business the foundation it has today. I always keep them in the loop of what I’m working on and thank them every chance I get for believing in me.

Website: https://fromkarlie.com/

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

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