Kara Leena, nickname Kya, was born in Katowice, Poland on February 15th, 1995. She was adopted by her loving parents Eva and Ronald Tomashefski and brought home to Pennsylvania on December 19th, 1997. She grew up with a passion for horses, drawing, and playing violin. She eventually went on to study illustration and found a passion for character design, tabletop RPG games and muay thai.


Kevin was born in Tampa, Florida to Kevin and Catherine Wilson. His birthday is on December 19th, 1990 (if you see the similarity to Kya's arrival to the US and his birth date... yes, we we're pleasantly surprised too!). He grew up with a passion for martial arts, nature, Tabletop RPGs and video games. Eventually he took a chance and trekked to Arizona with a friend, leading to a chance encounter with a certain lovely lady at a Dillard's.


Our first meeting with each other took place at the Dillard's Department Store we both worked at. Kya was a Sales Associate and Kevin was one of the Security Guards. During closing, she was waiting for a coworker who offered her a ride home. Kevin was making bag checks for all associates as they were clocking out. During a lull, Kya had sat on the floor, patiently waiting. Kevin, dramatically slid along the wall, sitting down across from her. With the cheekiest grin, he said to her, "So... we're floor people now?". Kya's face knit into a confused yet amused expression, replied, "yeah... sure, we're floor people".


The next week become meetings in the lunchroom during our breaks, and eventually conversations revealed our mutual interest in RPGs, stories and character concepts. Kevin learned of her skills in illustration and character development, and Kya learned of his plethora of character ideas and seeking an Original Character portrait. With a bit of animated back and forth, the two quickly and steadily grew closer: a blossoming friendship emerged!


During and after the commission, we would hang out on fridays, like clockwork. Our time was spent conversing over ideas, drinking tea and playing video games. Eventually our talks bled over to our time at work, as well as talking over text and calls whenever we were apart. This only strengthened our bond through sharing personal experiences from our pasts, our individual interests and goals, both for the present and into the future.


Months of hangouts and "spilt tea" later, Kya told Kevin that she would be going over to her parents' home to be a petsitter for an extended weekend. She expressed being more than stressed with watching over three animals who did not get along (Echo, Kya's cat, Patches, her mother's cat and Mho, her brother's dog). During this weekend, we remained in contact, Kevin knowing this would be a handful for Kya. He checked in often to make sure she was holding up well. She held up like a champ and everyone survived!


The following month lead to a tension neither of us could parse... feelings we hadn't considered seemed to be bubbling to the surface. Neither of us were sure of where the other stood and we feared losing the other if these thoughts were shared and not reciprocated. With encouragement from close friends (Zoe and James, you know who you are and what you did, you beautiful people!), we admitted to ourselves and each other how we felt... and here we are!


With our families and friends, we are coming together by the grace of God, to celebrate a choice lead by our hearts and supported by our loved ones. Join us on September 26th to celebrate the beginning of our adventure together!