Meet Kayy Finn
Kayy is the Founder and CEO of strawberryzskies, and calling her multi-talented would be an understatement. She's an artist, designer, educator, and mental health advocate who somehow manages to weave all these pieces together into something incredibly impactful.
Before launching her brand during the pandemic (because apparently some people used lockdown to start empires), Kayy spent a decade in NYC's public education system. But when the world shifted, so did she. What started as a creative outlet in her apartment has grown into a platform that's raised over $30,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Her work spans everything from silk scarves and leather bags to custom puzzles and pop-up events. But here's what makes Kayy different: every piece she creates is designed to spark connection. It's art with intention. Fashion with purpose.
Also heading back to school to finish her Mental Health Counselling degree, Kayy is deeply committed to supporting those with mental health issues and is always looking for ways to help people feel less alone in their struggles.
Based between Long Island and NYC, she's the kind of person who finds magic in both city rooftops and beach sunsets. And yes, Australia is on her travel wish list, which obviously makes us like her even more.
The Conversation
Q: For those just getting to know you, can you tell us where you're based and what a typical day looks like in your world right now?
A: Thank you so much for having me on Golden Hour Chats with Sontse! I'm really honoured to be featured, it means a lot! I was born and raised in Queens, NY, and right now I bounce between Long Island and NYC. Honestly, my day-to-day is always changing, which is one of the things I love most about being an entrepreneur.
Before starting strawberryzskies, I spent ten years working in NYC's public education system, where my days were super structured with set hours. Now, it's a mix… some days I'm working with clients on educational counselling, consulting, or life coaching, and other days I'm in full creative mode, designing custom commissions or brainstorming new wearable art pieces.
This September, I'm heading back to school to finish my degree in Mental Health Counselling. It feels like the perfect next step, especially since we're planning to open a physical space for strawberryzskies in the near future. I have just a few courses left and will be done by May! I'm excited to then be able to expand into therapeutic service offering and create a place where art and mental health can truly come together in a really meaningful way.
Q: We're all about chasing golden hours… where's your go-to spot to soak up a summer sunset or just unwind outside?
A: Oh, that's such a tough one! There's nothing like a summer sunset on the beach, the sound of the waves, the colours in the sky, and that feeling of total calm. But honestly, I also love a city rooftop during golden hour. There's something magical about watching the light hit all the high-rise windows, making them glisten like glitter. It's such a perfect mix of energy and beauty.
Q: You're such a visual storyteller. Where do you find your everyday inspiration? A walk, a playlist, a person?
A: For me, inspiration comes from the world around me, whether it's a quiet moment in nature or just something unexpected that catches my eye. But what really inspires me are the people I meet along the way. I believe there's so much power in sharing our stories, especially the challenges we've overcome. When someone opens up about their struggles, it can make others feel less alone, and that kind of connection is something I carry with me in everything I create. We all have so much to learn from each other in this life.
Q: What's been one of your most memorable travel experiences, and where's next on your dream destination list?
A: Travel has always been such a big part of my life, and I've grown so much during the times I've explored new countries on my own. One of my favourite travel memories has to be waking up in Santorini, Greece, at sunrise. I remember hearing a knock at the door, stepping onto my private balcony, and seeing breakfast waiting for me against the most picture-perfect view. Pure magic. As for where I'm dreaming of next? Australia, of course! I've got to come experience Sontse Golden Hours in real life, right?!
Q: It's peak summer energy where you are right now. What's your must-have beauty ritual or go-to product for that feel-good glow?
A: I'm all about protecting my skin, especially in the summer, so I never leave the house without a baseball hat or a straw hat. My go-to routine starts with EltaMD facial sunscreen and moisturiser, followed by the Sontse Sun Lit Face and Body Mist… it's the perfect combo for a natural glow that's also gentle on my skin. Then I'll just add a little lip gloss and mascara, and I'm good to go!
Q: Your journey into art and mental health advocacy is so inspiring. What was the moment that led you to create strawberryzskies?
A: I started strawberryzskies during the pandemic as a passion project. At the time, I felt overwhelmed by all the difficult moments people were facing around the world, and I wasn't sure how I could help while living alone in my apartment with my dog. So I began creating monthly print collections, each titled with meaningful words of inspiration, and before I knew it, a community started to form around those online drops.
From there, strawberryzskies slowly evolved from framed photographs into wearable art. I began to produce my mixed media designs onto silk scarves, and I eventually started working with hotels in NYC and Los Angeles – the Loews Hotels and Viceroy Hotels. We worked together designing custom pieces that would resonate with their guests and remind them of their beautiful moments while travelling. After a few months, I took the leap of faith and decided to leave my career in public education to grow the brand full-time. That's also when I began incorporating mental health advocacy into strawberryzskies, weaving together art and healing in a way that feels really meaningful to me and all of my experiences, both personally and professionally.
Q: You've spoken openly about grief and mental health. What has helped you move through those darker seasons creatively or personally?
A: During seasons of grief and loss, I've leaned heavily on supports like therapy, and the love of good friends, and, of course, my family. I always tell people that therapy is just like any other relationship… it's so important to find the right fit, and that doesn't always happen on the first try.
When I was in the thick of really heavy times in the last few years, it actually took me two or three different professionals before I found someone I really clicked with, and that connection helped me build healthy coping skills that I still rely on to this day.
Now, I have a toolbox of practices that I turn to when I'm struggling. Meditation, prayer, gratitude journaling, exercise, mindful healthy eating, and spending time with genuine friends who truly fill my cup are all things that help me stay grounded, no matter what life throws my way. These tools have been such a gift in navigating both the good and the bad days.
Q: You recently embarked on a new visual series ‘Sundayzsunset’ which is a powerful series on creativity, mental health and resilience… tell us more:
A: Absolutely, ‘Sundayzsunset’ is our approach to truly destigmatise mental health struggles. Mental health has become a bit of a buzzword lately, and while I'm so glad to see more people talking about it, there's still a long way to go in erasing the stigmas that surround it. I really wanted to take a deep dive into the real-life struggles that everyday people have overcome, in the hope of spreading encouragement and resilience to those who might need it most.
This was my first experience with production, and I've been so overwhelmed (in the best way) by the responses we've received so far since premiering just a few weeks ago! Your community can check out the docushort on YouTube here. I love hearing thoughts from viewers, so feel free to connect with us after you tune in!
Q: At Sontse, we're all about rituals that build confidence and remind us to take a moment of self-care. What does self-care look like to you?
A: I'm a big believer in habit stacking and the power of starting with baby steps. Doing little things every day leads to big things. Self-care for me really means taking care of my mind, body and soul.
Q: If you could leave everyone with one piece of advice or lasting message, what would you want them to know?
A: Keep going, because the world needs your unique light. Don't spend your time trying to be like anyone else. We need you exactly as you are. That is, and will always be, enough. You are loved, and you matter, more than you'll ever know.
Q: Can you share a glimpse of what's on the horizon for you and Strawberryzskies as we look ahead to the remainder of 2025?
A: I'm excited to be heading back to grad school to dive into internship hours in clinical mental health. Alongside that, we're continuing to plan for opening a retail space in Manhattan by 2026. And if the Universe has any surprise travel in store for the end of 2025, I'm definitely open to it!
Thoughts from Sontse
Talking with Kayy left us thinking about the conversations we don't have enough. The real ones about how we’re ‘really doing’ in body, mind, and soul. About finding the right support. About how building a toolkit for tough days isn't weakness, it's wisdom. And, that sharing our struggles doesn't make us broken, it makes us human.
For those who are comfortable realising that the old ways of doing things just aren't working anymore, conversations like this stir reflection. Whether it's choosing therapy over suffering in silence, or choosing sunless tanning over UV damage, sometimes the healthier choice comes with outdated judgments attached. But maybe that's exactly why these conversations matter.
Kayy's work through Sundayzsunset is doing exactly what we need more of: breaking down the stigmas that keep us isolated and ashamed. Because when we share our real stories, we help someone else feel less alone in theirs. And when we make choices that prioritise our wellbeing over what others think, we give permission for others to do the same.
If this conversation stirred something in you, check out Kayy's work at strawberryzskies and her documentary series. Sometimes the best way to heal is by witnessing someone else's journey and recognising pieces of your own.
Want to share your story or nominate someone for Golden Hour Chats? Get in touch with us today. Or, looking for more inspiration? Read our past Golden Hour Chats with other leaders in fashion and beauty, including Lorna Murray, and Maku Fenaroli.
Written By Liana Pantalone — Beauty & Skincare Copywriter at Climbing Vine Co.
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