Rising Stars: Meet Kayla Sauer-Brown of Aurora

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Sauer-Brown.

Hi Kayla, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
KB Kuddles was born from my journey as a mom and my desire to bring light to something deeply personal—postpartum depression and anxiety. After having my three amazing kids, I found myself struggling in ways I never expected. Creating became my outlet, and what started as a therapeutic hobby turned into a passion for designing custom tumblers and meaningful pieces that bring comfort, joy, and personality to everyday life. KB Kuddles isn’t just about cups—it’s about connection, creativity, and reminding others that they’re not alone in their journey.

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?
The road hasn’t been smooth. There were moments of self-doubt, learning curves with materials and techniques, late nights trying to balance mom life and business life, and times when I wondered if anyone would even care about what I was making. But each message from a customer, each order, and each moment of connection reminded me why I started.

KB Kuddles is more than just custom tumblers—it’s about bringing comfort, creativity, and a little brightness into someone’s day. It’s proof that even from a hard place, something beautiful can grow.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At KB Kuddles, I specialize in creating custom tumblers, glass cans, hoodies, and other handmade items with a fun, bold, and often spooky twist. I’m especially known for my horror-themed snow globe tumblers, like my Scream, Beetlejuice, and Terrifier designs, which have quickly become customer favorites. Each piece is made with love, attention to detail, and a whole lot of personality.

What I’m most proud of is how this business has helped me connect with others who might be going through similar struggles. KB Kuddles started as a way for me to cope with postpartum depression and anxiety, and it has grown into a space where creativity meets conversation and connection. I love hearing from people who tell me that one of my designs made them smile, or that they felt seen through the story behind my brand.

What sets me apart is the heart behind every creation. These aren’t just tumblers or hoodies—they’re handmade pieces with a story. I bring a unique mix of true crime, spooky fun, and emotional authenticity into my work, and I think customers feel that. I also pride myself on listening to my customers, making sure each order feels special, and always staying true to what made me start: creating with purpose.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When I first started KB Kuddles, I didn’t have a mentor or a network—I just had a passion and a whole lot of trial and error. Over time, I’ve learned that the best way to find support and community is to put yourself out there. For me, that’s looked like joining Facebook groups for small business owners and crafters, engaging with other creators on Instagram, and being open to learning from people who are further along in their journey.

One thing that has worked really well is simply asking questions. Most small business owners remember what it was like to start out and are more than willing to share advice or tips if you reach out respectfully. I’ve also learned the importance of community over competition—connecting with others in the same niche has been incredibly helpful, not just for business growth, but for emotional support too.

If you’re looking for a mentor, don’t overthink it. Look for someone whose business or mindset you admire, and start by building a relationship—comment on their posts, share their work, support their shop. The best connections often grow organically from mutual support and respect.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kraftykupsbykayla.etsy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbkuddles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kbkuddles

Image Credits
Kayla Sauer-Brown (myself)