We recently connected with Bella Kalkbrenner and have shared our conversation below.
Bella, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
My creativity stems from the beauty of the natural world around me. The colors, scents, sounds, and sensations of the outdoors inspire me. Nature is ever-changing and alive; there is never a shortage of unique inspiration. Whether painting the striking hues of a sunrise, creating a necklace based on those same beautiful colors, or capturing the scene in a photograph, nature fuels my creativity.
I am constantly in awe of the world around me. Wonder is all around when you step outside. You can find it in patterned shells on the beach, melodious bird songs, multicolored sunrises and sunsets, fluffy white clouds, green rolling hills, or color-changing trees. Inspiration is everywhere. I find my creativity in living artistry of the outdoors.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Bella. I am 17 and passionate about environmental and human health and art. I love to be outside; whether surfing, hiking, or just sitting out in the sunshine, I am happiest there. With my passions, I started River and Rosemary, my sustainable and non-toxic jewelry business.
When I was younger, the absence of whole shells on the beach frustrated me. In my search for the perfect shell, I overlooked the variety of broken ones scattered over the sand. However, I have come to love the small, unusual fragments of shells that make it to shore. Studying the pieces, I realize that each shell is unique and beautiful in its imperfection.
The authenticity of nature has helped me understand that nothing natural can be perfect. Imperfection is genuine, organic, unique, and undeniably beautiful. The idea of finding beauty in imperfection is paramount for all of us. There is vital importance in embracing the distinctive natural beauty we all possess.
I love sifting through the broken shells on the beach because I never know what to expect. Each piece is individually colored and shaped by nature. What better way to highlight each one’s unique beauty than to create jewelry with them? Several years ago, I began making necklaces from my shell and sea glass collection, most of which I find on the beach while walking my dog River.
My goal with River and Rosemary is to create natural and sustainable jewelry that embodies natural beauty and imperfection. Each piece of jewelry is handmade and one-of-a-kind. Instead of unsustainably sourced precious metals and gems, shells and sea glass are the stars of my jewelry. The gold wire I use is fair-mined, and the beads I use are 100% glass and recycled. In place of a traditional chain, I use organic hemp cord.
When I’m not making necklaces, I have recently been painting. As I paint, nature is my inspiration. I love to depict the colors, light, details, and movement of sunrises and sunsets. Referencing my photographs, I can deeply understand the intricacy of the transient scene in nature.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Self-love, a growth mindset, and passion are the most important things I have held throughout my journey.
Self-love is vital and something I have had to work on throughout my life. As a busy high school student, practicing self-love has helped me find balance, inner peace, and the energy to move forward with my business, artwork, and other obligations. Self-love is the ability to unconditionally love, accept, and be kind to yourself. Realizing my worth is not based on external success has helped me immensely. A solid, self-loving foundation is necessary to sustain personal achievement and meet goals. Remember to listen to your body and speak kindly to yourself; you are always enough.
We are constantly growing and changing. As we practice our skills, they evolve and improve. Maintaining a growth mindset has helped me find peace with living in the moment while acknowledging that I will change. There is a tendency to compare ourselves with others. I do it all of the time. I admire others’ successes and think, “I am not as successful as them, so I must be a failure.” When these self-sabotaging thoughts overwhelm me, I must remind myself that life isn’t static; it’s ever-changing.
Looking back at the first necklace I ever made, my current pieces look entirely different. Over the years, I have improved my jewelry-making skills, sold my jewelry to surf shops, started painting, etc. I never foresaw this growth and these individual successes; they happened organically through hard work, dedication, passion, and purpose. The truth is that success is not innate or fixed; by facing challenges, having passion and purpose, and putting in hard work, you will naturally develop and evolve.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Taking breaks from being “productive” has always been difficult, especially when I am feeling overwhelmed. On high-stress days, I cram work and school into every single moment; in my mind, resting seems like a waste of time. Yet, going all day without taking any time for myself always leaves me feeling mentally and physically drained and even more overwhelmed.
I have found that the only way to ease this vicious cycle of stress is to return to the basics of health, realizing that rest and self-care are just as important as work. This means fulfilling our basic needs and cultivating nervous system health. When I feel overwhelmed, I love to get outside in the sunshine; sometimes, I take a walk or work in the garden.
Try designating time for nourishing meals. Sit and eat without distractions, and genuinely enjoy your food. Prioritize getting 8-9 hours of sleep; this will allow your brain to slow down, detoxify, and recover.
We should acknowledge that rest and self-care are productive because our bodies and brains require them to function. Our body and mind cannot sustain a fast-paced life 24/7. When we feel overwhelmed, we must slow down and honor our needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: riverrosemary.com
- Instagram: @river.and.rosemary
- Other: [email protected]
