Life & Work with Kaytie Keck

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaytie Keck. 

Hi Kaytie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Hi! I am Kaytie Keck, a visual artist who currently works under the moniker “Dangly Ones.” Shortly into the 2020 lockdown, I found myself biding the time by drinking wine and making clay gifts for friends. Of course, nobody let me get away with sending them things for free, so I started charging. It was all so organic, and the business just naturally sprouted from there! These days I focus mostly on jewelry, each batch is handmade, unique, and limited. My designs are created to make you do the thing we all need more of – smile. 

Aside from keeping the lights on, Dangly Ones also raises funds to support some of some of my favorite charities — lately BlackWomensMovement.org, The Trevor Project, #HATEISAVIRUS, Marsha P. Johnson Project, and more. 

And yes, for all you movie buffs out there, the name “Dangly Ones” is the Home Alone reference you think it is! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ah, the woes of the self-employed! Balancing roles is difficult for everyone in my situation – wearing hats from marketing, design, production, finance, and logistics while staying motivated and not succumbing to fatigue. My initial passion and skills were in creating art, so the rest has been a learning experience that continues to challenge me every day. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I design and hand-sculpt clay jewelry. Designs typically start on paper, before I mix colors, and start shaping. Inspired by my ancestry, lately I have also been incorporating native beadwork. I would love to be able to sum up my “style.” But the truth is that I am a patchwork of aesthetics and try not to limit myself. I really do love my work, but what I’m most proud of being able to create art that connects with other humans in these isolated, turbulent times, all while highlighting nonprofit organizations that I believe in. 

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Doing a thing you love as a way to make a living. 

Contact Info:

• Email: Danglyonesdesigns@gmail.com
• Website: www.danglyones.com
• Instagram: @dangly_ones

Image Credits
Windy Haven
Spilled Milk
Giulia Bartolotta Photographer
Megan Rainwater