We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kaila Banks. Check out our conversation below.
Kaila, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Spending time with my son. He’s only 18 months I want to show him any and everything. I love taking him out to experience the world, go to the zoo or museums, do fun little art projects together and even making things for him. It reminds me of when I was younger and really helps me foster my inner child. It’s like you’re experiencing the joys of life again and I absolutely love it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi Friends! My name is Kaila Romei and and I’m the owner of Made By Romei, a custom art and clothing business. I was born in South Jersey and moved out to Cali to start my education at UC Davis and also have a real shot in the art world. I started drawing in middle school, copying mangas, comics or anything I could get my hands on. From there I found a love of art and started painting in high school. I then went on to create Made By Romei in 2018 as an entitiy to channel my love of art and share it with the community. I mostly enjoy not just creating custom works for your walls but specifically for you to wear. I feel like wearable art is a statement. My favorite pieces to create are grad caps, dad hats and fitteds, shoes and jeans. I also really love making pieces with my son, who is now starting to find his spark in life too.
Today, I still do customs, but have also begun hosting luxury paint and sip experiences as well. I host for organizations to build employee morale, groups of women for girls’ nights, birthdays and even kid’s parties. I love helping people to not only experience their inner child, but also unwind from a hard week at work or anything else that may be on their mind.
Art is my passion and I just want to share that feeling with others.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My mother taught me the most about work. She was a craps and black jack dealer in the brightest and most beautiful hotels in Vegas and Atlantic City. At least that’s what I remember as a kid. I watched my mother come home from work late and leave early in the mornings to provide for our family. There is nothing I wanted for. But watching her work ethic for something she loved made me want to figure out my spark too. She has such a fire about her, and she always had her own and that was very inspiring for me. I never wanted to depend on anyone for my happiness. I was going to create it.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that there was always a light at the end of the tunnel, and I NEEDED to keep going until I reached it. There was a point of my life in high school where my parents struggled. We lived in hotels, we went without electricity or water, I lost everything I owned in a storage unit. My life was kept afloat my a generator we rented from home depot. I needed that. It taught me what it looks and feels like to not have. I feel like it humbles you, but it gives you a drive you could never know if you’ve always had or always been successful. It helped me to be confident in my decisions and what exactly I needed to shape my life into when the time comes, but to also go with the flow when things don’t go your way or change trajectory. Those moments showed me exactly what happiness was and sent me on a mission to find it.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
When I was ready to go to college, I wanted to go for Art. Instead I went for Veterinary Medicine. Once I was done, I realized I still wanted to be an artists, but I didn’t start with that major since everyone said I would be a “starving artist” and I wouldn’t make money in that profession. Some artists make MILLIONS of dollars off one piece. There are also so many different professions you could choose int he art world. Right now I also do accounting for artists on the side, which I never even knew was a thing!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Taking breaks from traveling. I would probably just be a nomad with my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madebyromei.com
- Instagram: @_romei_
- Facebook: Made By Romei
