Hi, I'm Kayla jaynes— founder of Sunny Side Up Marketing LLC.

Originally from San Diego, CA, I’ve called Michigan’s Upper Peninsula home since 2018. Before beginning my marketing career, I was a professional ballerina—a childhood dream realized. While that chapter was magical, I knew it wouldn't last forever. The seed for Sunny Side Up was planted long before I even knew it.

​

From Pointe Shoes to Pixels

In high school, my digital art teacher pulled me aside one day. I thought I was in trouble for eating in class (which I never did). Instead, he showed me my work on screen and said, “You're really good at this. You should pursue it.” I was flattered—but ballet had my whole heart.

Still, my dad insisted I go to college: “You never know how long a ballet career will last.” As it turns out, My career was far shorter than i anticipated. 8 years after graduating college and a few other jobs in between, I landed a job in marketing thanks to my degree in Digital Media—even though i had put those skills on the back burner for years. *Cue the teenage eye roll*- you were right dad.

​

Why freelance Marketing?

After retiring from ballet in 2017, I worked in multiple industries (finance & art management & healthcare administration-oh my), learning invaluable professional and life skills. But I craved more creativity, flexibility, and purpose. I slowly realized the best way to find that was to build my own business—a creative studio rooted in design, branding, and genuine storytelling. It’s my way of combining all the threads of my journey into work that supports small businesses and uplifts communities.

​

So...what’s with the name?

During one of the toughest times in my life, I found myself at Dreamland Bar on an insanely hot summer day (no really, I'm from San Diego, remember? i can do heat. but it was like 97 -in the up!).

i started to tune into a conversation that was happening across the bar. A younger guy was telling this old drunken Yooper about how his Jeep had no AC in this miserable weather and the old Yooper offered his wisdom from across the bar, "Well...you know what they say, keep the windows down low (he paused for dramatic effect - or out of forgetful drunkenness)...and the sunny side up!"

I don't know why it stuck with me all this time. It just gave me the motivation I needed at the time; and seemed so applicable to so many things in life. I've taken it on as my motto for life and work. Do what you can with what you have. Just keep swimming. focus on the bright side.