Meet Ayla of "The Ayla View" #womeninbusiness

“A boutique design studio specializing in wedding and event calligraphy, invitation suites and letterpress stationary. Ayla creates heirloom pieces for wildly-in-love couples and discerning creatives, to preserve your memories into something you cherish until you’re old and grey…”

FOLLOW, LIKE, ENGAGE @aylapena www.aylapena.com

AYLA PENA INTERVIEW:

What did you want to be when you grew up? “Growing up, I changed my mind all the time, but I’ve always known I wanted to do something in the creative field, using my hands. In high school, I accidentally taught myself Photoshop for our school magazine. That was when I fell in love with graphic and print design.”

What 2020 has taught you about your business, or being an entrepreneur in general? “This year, I learned that having an accountant is important, so I can focus on staying happily creative! Also, it’s ok to rest as much as it’s ok to push forward, as we can't serve from an empty cup.” (Thanks for the shout-out Ayla!)

What do you want to tell “Women In Business”? Or those who aspire to start a business? “One of my mantras that I want to share is Rumi’s “Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.” I revisit this quote whenever I feel distracted or when I need motivation. As women, we already have what we need within us and we are more than capable of doing whatever it is *they* said we *can't*.”

AS SEEN ON:

Creators Magazine ~ Dear Bride ~ Joy Wed ~ Martha Stewart Weddings ~ Pacific Weddings ~ Real Weddings ~ Rocky Mountain Bride ~ Ruffled Blog ~ Style Me Pretty ~ Wedding Sparrow ~ WedLuxe

Female Founded Brands Ayla Loves:

· Artisaire (@artisaire | www.artisaire.com) – “an artisan wax seal shop located right here on the Vancouver Island”

· Kilig Candle Co. (@kiligcandleco | www.kiligcandleco.com) – “non-toxic, eco-friendly soy candles in Vancouver”

· Cambio & Co. (@cambio_co | www.shopcambio.co) – “an online community of entrepreneurs and artisans celebrating Filipino craftsmanship, culture, and heritage”

· Kunye (@kunye.co | www.kunye.co) – “a health and wellness company whose goal is to provide more accessible resources for people seeking to deepen their relationship with their well-being”

Charities Ayla Supports:

· The Loveland Foundation – provides financial assistance to Black women & girls seeking therapy @thelovelandfoundation | www.thelovelandfoundation.org

· The Hogan’s Alley Society – advocates for Black Vancouverites who have endured the legacies of urban renewal and their erasure from the official historical narrative. @hogans.alley| www.hogansalleysociety.org

Ayla’s studio, The Ayla View (like “I love you”) is based on Vancouver Island, and caters to both local and worldwide clientele. You’d most likely find Ayla, “comparing handmade sheets of paper, mixing inks, or collecting typefaces” or with her two “pawsistants” Heisenberg and Gustavo.