Crafting culture through design and journalism

02/27/25 • 39 min

'We belong to any space we choose to be in.' - Kala Paul-Worika

In this episode of Creatives Like Us, host Angela Lyons speaks with Kala Paul-Worika, a freelance journalist and the founder of By Kala X, a brand specialising in Afro-chic home interiors and clothing. Kala shares how her Nigerian heritage and love for vibrant African fabrics inspired her to start the business, initially making baby clothes and homeware as gifts before turning it into a sustainable brand. Alongside her creative work, she also writes for The Guardian Labs and reflects on her journey in journalism, from reporting on local news to covering the entertainment industry.

Kala discusses the balance of running a business, freelancing in journalism, and navigating spaces where representation has been limited. Kala also talks about the importance of sustainability in her work, particularly through her upcycled denim collection. She shares insights into her creative process, her future ambitions, and how workshops have become an important part of her brand.

Links and Resources

Website: https://www.bykalax.com

Instagram (By Kala X): https://www.instagram.com/bykalax

Instagram (The Media Mummy): https://www.instagram.com/themediamummy

Guardian Labs (for her writing work): https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-labs

We Are Black Journos : https://www.weareblackjournos.com

Leave a review.

Support the show

Contact Information
This podcast is hosted by Angela Lyons of Lyons Creative.
If you have any questions or suggestions or would like to be featured on this podcast, please email [email protected]
You can follow and connect here:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Podcast website
Instagram - Creatives Like Us Podcast
Join the mailing list
Produced by award-winning media and marketing specialist Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub
Connect with Heather on LinkedIn
The opinions of our host and guests are their own.
If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice or leave us a Google Review here. Thanks!

'We belong to any space we choose to be in.' - Kala Paul-Worika

Links and Resources

Website: https://www.bykalax.com

Instagram (By Kala X): https://www.instagram.com/bykalax

Instagram (The Media Mummy): https://www.instagram.com/themediamummy

Guardian Labs (for her writing work): https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-labs

We Are Black Journos : https://www.weareblackjournos.com

Leave a review.

Support the show

Previous Episode

Making Art Work: David Oku on Valuing Your Craft

"As a Black creative, I’ve had to work ten times harder to be taken seriously – that’s why my work speaks for itself." - David Oku

In this episode of Creative Like Us, Ange speaks with London-based freelance illustrator and animator, David Oku. David shares his journey from a childhood passion for drawing to establishing himself as a professional artist. He discusses the impact of early encouragement, the challenges of navigating the creative industry as a person of colour, and the importance of valuing your work.

David also reflects on his experiences in retail, his transition into freelance work, and how perseverance and skill development have shaped his career. He offers insight into balancing personal projects with commercial work, the significance of creative collaboration, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're an aspiring creative or an established professional, this conversation is full of inspiration and practical advice.

Where to Find David Oku:

Instagram: @DOKUart

Website: www.davidoku.com

Links & Mentions:

Big Fat Minimalist - Anirudh Mehta

UAL - University of the Arts London

Leave a review.

Support the show

Next Episode

Lights, Camera, Breakthrough! A Journey in the TV & Commercial Film Industry

"We have a very London-centric view of Blackness in the UK, but Black people exist everywhere. Our stories deserve to be told too" - Makeda Matheson

In this episode of Creatives Like Us, host Angela Lyons speaks with filmmaker, writer, and producer Makeda Matheson about her unexpected journey into the creative industry. Beginning her career in fashion styling in New York, Makeda transitioned into filmmaking and TV writing, demonstrating that persistence and self-belief can open doors, even without industry connections. She discusses how celebrity stylist Robert Verdi became a vital mentor, the challenges of breaking into film, and why black stories, particularly those beyond London, deserve more representation in media.

Makeda also discusses taking risks, trusting her instincts, and how her teenage dream of working with Chanel has come full circle in a way she never anticipated. She now concentrates on writing and directing fictional films, bringing fresh northern black voices to UK screens.

Links and Resources

Visit Makeda's website: https://www.makedamatheson.com/

Follow Makeda on Instagram:
@makedamathesonfilm
@makedamatheson

Follow Makeda on LinkedIn here

Leave a review.

Support the show

Creatives Like Us - Crafting culture through design and journalism

Transcript

Intro

Hello and welcome to Creatives Like Us, where I speak with creatives of colour, who share journeys and stories and ideas, and how they can inspire and open up avenues in creative industries. I'm your host, graphic designer Angela Lyons, and with the help of my guests, I will bring insightful interviews and compelling stories that can inspire you to think about things differently or shape your next move. Being a creative of colour can bring its challenges - highs and lows and in bet