Meet Kaila Piepkow of Ann Arbor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaila Piepkow

Hi Kaila, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Creativity has always been a cornerstone of my life. For years, I poured my energy into running my own design studio, Dox Design, building a business I was proud of. But after selling the studio and stepping away, I found myself wondering, “What’s next?” Becoming a mom changed my perspective entirely. My daughter, Winter, made me reflect on what truly matters—not just to me, but to the world I’m shaping for her.

When I became a mom, something shifted. Watching Winter explore the world with curiosity and wonder reminded me of the pure, unfiltered joy of creating—of making something not for perfection, but for the experience. Somewhere along the way, I had lost that. In the rush to build a business and navigate the structured world of graphic design, my relationship with art became transactional. I had forgotten what it felt like to create simply because it felt good.

That’s when I found Doodles Academy. Their mission spoke to me on a level I didn’t even know I needed: to provide high-quality art education that fosters creativity, empathy, and connection. It wasn’t just about teaching kids how to make art—it was about empowering them to think critically, express themselves, and see the world through a lens of curiosity and possibility.

I started as a lead educator, teaching Tempest’s thoughtful and engaging curriculum to kids. And every Friday, I teach art at my daughter’s Montessori preschool, reconnecting with my own inner artist as I guided little hands through our lessons. Seeing the impact art had on those kids—the light in their eyes, the pride in their creations—rekindled something in me. Art became joyful again, a space to connect and grow.

As I continued teaching, I started to learn more about the nonprofit side of Doodles Academy—a world that was new to me but felt so exciting. My background in running a business, combined with my passion for creativity and education, made me think: What if I could use my experience to help Doodles grow?

When Tempest, our incredible founder, asked me to consider to apply to step into the role of Executive Director, it felt serendipitous. Here was the chance to combine everything I loved—creativity, business, and making a meaningful impact. I’m now working to bring Doodles Academy’s vision to more schools, more teachers, and more communities. It’s not just about teaching art; it’s about giving kids the tools to thrive in a world that often feels uncertain and heavy.

At Doodles, we’re empowering everyday educators—whether they think they’re artists or not—to deliver a curriculum that inspires kids to explore, create, and connect. We’re helping students develop critical thinking, empathy, and confidence while giving them the opportunity to express themselves in ways that are uniquely their own.

Becoming a mom brought me back to the joy of art. Joining Doodles Academy gave me the opportunity to turn that joy into a mission: to bring creativity and connection to kids across the nation.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Motherhood brought me immense joy, but it also brought challenges I wasn’t fully prepared for. Balancing being a mom and working toward professional fulfillment felt overwhelming at times. I struggled with the tension between wanting to nurture my daughter’s growth while also rediscovering my identity beyond motherhood. The life I’d built before Winter no longer fit, and I didn’t know where I belonged.

One of the things that drew me to Doodles Academy was how much they understood this balance. Our founder, Tempest, is a mom, and half of our board members are, too. They know the unique struggles of being a working mom—how you’re constantly walking a tightrope between giving to your family and pursuing your passion. Doodles offered me the flexibility I needed to be both: a present mom and a creative professional.

Also moving from running a for-profit business into the nonprofit world was like stepping into a whole new universe. I had to learn the ins and outs of fundraising, grant writing, and building community partnerships—all while ensuring that the curriculum I was teaching reached kids in a meaningful way. I also had to let go of perfectionism, something that had been ingrained in me throughout my years in graphic design. Teaching art to kids isn’t about polished, perfect results—it’s about the process, the mess, and the growth.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I consider myself a mixed-media artist and preschool art teacher who thrives on creative exploration and messy play. As the Executive Director of Doodles Academy, I specialize in making art accessible to everyone, focusing on the process rather than perfection. My work is known for its vibrant use of color, texture, and pattern, with a playful, whimsical aesthetic that invites people to reconnect with their inner child.

What sets me apart is my belief that art is about the joy of discovery, not the pursuit of a finished product. I create environments where creativity can flow freely, and my approach to teaching helps young artists embrace the fun, messy side of creation. I’m most proud of fostering spaces where the unexpected is celebrated, and the joy of the process takes center stage.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I wasn’t teaching during COVID I was still running my business so I don’t have anything to add here!

Pricing:

• Our lessons are freely available on our website to download via email

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Doodles-academy.org
• Instagram: @Doodlesacademy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19rnQqHshF/