Kathy was a studio art major at Skidmore College where she concentrated in oil painting, photography, and graphic design. Following graduation, she worked as a set designer/stylist/producer for a commercial photographer in New York City and NJ. Her specialty was large productions with character models. Her work can be seen in national print ads for clients such as AT&T, Coors Beer, and Crown Royal Whiskey. Her work can be viewed through her personal website kathyvayda.com.

Kathy started her own business, Vintage White Elephant, specializing in restoring and embellishing mantels, tables and other rescued furniture and accessories into one-of-a-kind items. She has transformed a baby grand piano into a purple dining room table, converted old movie theatre seats into red leather kitchen seating, and reupholstered numerous antique couches and chairs to fit in with any décor. Her work has been displayed and sold in various galleries and stores.    

Her latest endeavor is creating a line of unique dog beds. Each bed is made from machine washable fabrics that have been collected from around the world and handcrafted in the USA.