Meet Kyra Cardullo | Graphic Designer & Online Business Manager

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

Hi Kyra, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think about risk as a necessary component of life, especially in order to propel forward. In my own life, I have chosen to take a risk and leap of faith at each major turning point in my life. All of those decisions ultimately worked out in my favor, some immediately and some after a little time. The point is, they created significant opportunities for education and growth in ways that couldn’t have happened for me before the jump. To me, the biggest risk is not taking the risk and thinking, “what if?” The worst that can happen is you have to pick yourself back up, but you will have more experience and direction than before.

Most recently, I took the risk to quit my really great corporate career to work for myself. It’s a full-circle moment and dream come true to be completely honest. It’s a very personal decision, as well, because it came after much reflection and a major shift in priorities when I lost my partner suddenly. He and I both tied much of our identities to our work and career, and as someone in their young thirties, I realized that I don’t want to “waste” more of my precious time burning myself out for a career I’m not truly passionate about. Since I started my own business, I can say that the risk is already worth it because the types of clients I get to work with and the lifestyle that I have adapted to bring me more peace than I’ve felt in a long time. The uncertainty is still there, but it’s just a driving force to keep going each day with good faith.

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.
I am a Graphic Designer and Online Business Manager by trade. I run an agency business model where I consult business owners, CEOs and entrepreneurs through a myriad of creative & operational processes and needs. You can think of my team as a strategic business partner who delegates on the behalf of our clients. The tasks that we take over for our clients become our automatic duty. This can include graphic design, branding, website templates, administrative tasks, systems automation, client onboarding/offboarding, travel arrangements & scheduling, social media management and so much more.

I take great pride in knowing the team and network that I’ve built uses thoughtfulness and care in every interaction with clients and the world at large. Every opportunity is a great one to help uplift others and champion for their success – or at least, that’s how we see it! I am most proud and excited about the opportunity to fine-tune the experience for so many wonderful business owners with my special flare. Each client will bring an entirely new set of tasks which is just as exciting.

It was not easy to get to where I am today. It took ten years of varied roles, companies, moves, therapies and mentors to lead to this particular dot on the map. But, I am a firm believer that things happen the way they are supposed to and in their own time. I’ve learned that persistence and resilience really are the keys to overcoming most obstacles and landing sales or jobs. Always try to exercise gratitude for where you currently are and appreciate what you have.

Our story is mostly simple. It was born of the idea that business owners should find joy and passion in their work as well as day-to-day lives. That they should spend more time focusing on strengths and on enjoying the freedom that comes with being your own boss. My hope is to breathe new life into my clients’ businesses so that we can all flourish together.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It’s hard to summarize the best things to do in the greater Tampa Bay area because there truly is so much to do and see. There’s a little bit of something for everyone in my opinion, which is what I love about it! Florida is known for a mostly year-round outdoor lifestyle, which is certainly true in Tampa, but the sheer variety of everything to do around the Bay never makes for a dull moment in any weather.

If I were leading the tour, my first stop would be St. Petersburg, or “St. Pete.” It is one of the best cities (ever) and what I consider as my second home. I would suggest going to the Dali Museum, Vinoy Park, the St. Pete Pier, exploring Central Ave., Gulfport and anywhere downtown! The Saturday Morning Markets are great for local finds and fresh flowers. I’m also a big fan of Cassis/Cassis Bakery, Saigon Blonde, Hawkers, Sauvignon and Ruby’s Elixir. Fairgrounds St. Pete is a quirky, neon-filled immersive art experience that is unique and perfectly instagrammable. The Don CeSar hotel is beautiful and historic, and of course there is Tropicana Field – home of the Rays. For a day in the sand, Pass-a-Grille and Fort De Soto are some of my favorite beaches/parks to visit.

In Tampa, you can’t miss Sparkman Wharf for indoor/outdoor drinks, activities and live music on the weekends. The Riverwalk, Water Street and Channelside are especially pretty and fun at night. Hattricks is perfect for game nights (always get wings & cheese fries.) Sports fans can also catch a football game at Raymond James Stadium or hockey at Amalie Arena. But, back to food. Loli’s makes the best street tacos around. I definitely like to recommend Armature Works and most of the restaurants in Hyde Park Village for going out, day or night. Oxford Exchange is also a personal favorite of mine for brunch and coffee. If shopping is your thing, the International Mall is best and of course has great spots for eating and drinking, too! Whiskey Cake is my go-to there. Davis Islands has a picturesque park on the water and has a great view of the city. If you want to take a leisurely drive and gawk at expensive, beautiful homes, then definitely check out what Bayshore has to offer.

Be sure to check out Sea Dog Brewing Co. in Treasure Island, Thinh An in Town ‘n’ Country and Green Mint Asian Grill in Clearwater for spots outside of Tampa & St. Pete. And, if you’re up for an eclectic, wild night – Ybor City is always entertaining.

I personally happen to love dogs and am always looking for outdoor adventure locations to bring my pup to explore. Most of Tampa is extremely dog-friendly; there are dog beaches, parks and tons of restaurant/patio options. My favorite parks in particular have become Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, Davis Islands Dog Park in Tampa, the Fort De Soto Dog Beach in St. Pete and Eagle Lake Park in Largo.

Other great beaches (for humans) that are less touristy are Indian Rocks and Indian Shores; I prefer to spend a day there rather than in Clearwater or at St. Pete Beach. They’re just as pretty and more laid-back! Plus, you can find parking a lot easier.

For cocktails, finer dining experiences or an excuse to get dressed up, I like Haven, Bizou Brasserie, Ulele, Ciro’s CW’s Gin Joint and On Swann. I know I’m forgetting many no-brainer destinations around and that is part of the beauty of living here, I think. There’s always something new and fun popping up to try.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be the person that I am, or where I am professionally without the help of many wonderful humans. Family, friends, colleagues and clients all come to mind. Most importantly, my mom Christine, for her unconditional love and unending support. She is a true gift to have in my life and I would be very lost without her. I would also like to thank my dad, “BC,” for the introduction that ultimately started my career in graphic design and proofreading.

My late partner, Kyle, with whom I spent a decade learning and growing with was also very influential in my life. His thoughtfulness, effervescent charisma, precision and innovation will always amaze me. He was also my built-in career advisor at home; we often helped each other through major milestones with great pride. Most people who met Kyle would agree that he was truly a rare breed, and I feel so fortunate to have had his support in my life.

A majority of the companies I’ve worked for provided at least a handful of deeply influential people in my life that I’m also extremely thankful for. I like to use every opportunity as educational if nothing else, and my career was shaped thusly by all of these people and experiences.

Website: kc-virtualsolutions.com

Instagram: kc_virtualsolutions

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kyracardullo

Other: http://kyracardullo.design

Image Credits
Some work was created with for past clients, such as Curativa Bay, Just Tell Me The Recipe, Scent Sluts, and Procera Health (Wave/LVL UP.)