Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Junk & PO (Krissy Fernandez) . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Junk & PO, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
In high school, I felt a growing urge to see beyond my existence on Guam—a tiny island where you can drive around the entire perimeter in a couple of hours. I was living in a metaphorical fishbowl, yearning to break free from the familiar and predictable. This relentless desire to explore the unknown fueled my decision to make a major shift in my environment and leave home.
At 18, armed with the belief that I could carve my own path, I set my sights on San Diego, driven by curiosity and a thirst for new experiences. In those days, before the era of social media, my plans were often made on the fly. I didn’t know a single soul in San Diego except my cousin, didn’t have a job lined up, and after buying my one-way ticket, I had only $200 to my name.
Making the decision to leave was tough. I was in my 1st serious relationship, my baby sister was about to be born, and my childhood besties were starting their college lives on the island. The term FOMO didn’t exist yet, but I felt it deeply. Yet, I realized that staying would only hinder my growth. So, with a mix of excitement and nerves, I boarded the plane, trusting that I would figure things out.
That pivotal moment boosted my confidence and set the foundation for future risks. It taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone was essential for growth. Whether it was leaving relationships, starting new ones, switching careers, buying homes, moving to Las Vegas, or changing directions in my creative journey, each risk pushed me further.
None of these decisions were easy, but they were crucial for my personal evolution. Whenever faced with fear, I asked myself: “What do I fear most, and what would I do if it happened?” Writing it down helped me see that my worst-case scenarios weren’t as dire as they seemed, reminding me that I had overcome hard things before and could do so again.
I also pondered: “What’s worse—staying stagnant but comfortable or failing but learning a lesson?” More often than not, the lessons turned out to be blessings in disguise, preparing me for what I truly wanted in life.
When contemplating a big decision, I also asked myself: “What if this leads to something better than I’ve ever imagined?” I have to let life surprise me! When I remember that I’m being pulled *towards* something, rather than being pulled away from something, my energy shifts towards courage and optimism.
Above all, this is my go-to approach: I close my eyes and listen to my intuition, trusting my higher self. Recently, this “higher self” has taken the form of my future 90-something-year-old self offering guidance. I ask, with all her wisdom, what would she want for me? This inner trust has become the most effective way for me to develop my ability to take risks.
Two decades have passed since I ventured beyond my island home, embracing the full spectrum of risk-taking—from the internal debates and strategic decisions to the undertaking, setbacks, triumphs, and most significantly, the personal growth each step brings. This journey of taking risks and embracing uncertainty has guided me toward a more expansive and fulfilling life!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Established in 2008, my art alias Junk & PO is a playful take on “Jan Ken Po” (Japanese for Rock, Paper, Scissors), the first game I remember learning from my father. It’s impossible to play this game without another person! This name serves as a reminder that we are never truly alone, no matter the circumstances. It reflects the ethos of my art, which seeks to forge connections and share collective experiences through creative expression. (There are other layers of the name Junk & PO – it’s kind of like an onion – but I’d be writing a whole novel here.)
Since childhood, my passion for art has driven me to explore and master a variety of mediums. With dual degrees in Fine Art and Digital Media, I have honed my skills across oil and acrylic painting, digital mixed media, jewelry design, film & digital photography, and graphic design. My artistic expression seeks to materialize the unspoken narratives of our consciousness, capturing fleeting thoughts and emotions that resonate deeply with viewers.
Junk & PO has evolved over the years, initially focusing on jewelry and art prints, and now expanding into new creative territories. Recently, I’ve ventured into the realm of mural art in Las Vegas, aiming to transform spaces into vibrant canvases that foster connection and dialogue. Earlier this year, I completed my first mural—a thrilling experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and required me to acquire new skills.
I’ve also started to take social media more seriously to connect with a broader audience, offering inspiration and support to those juggling their passions with a full-time job, just like me. Through my posts, I share updates on my artistic endeavors, including my digital and mural work, as well as sneak peeks of my upcoming products like coloring books and journals. Follow me on Instagram (@junkandpo.art) to stay updated and get a closer look at my creative journey!
At its core, Junk & PO celebrates both the resilience of the individual spirit and community, highlighting the deep threads of human connection that intertwine our lives. As I continue to explore new artistic avenues, I remain committed to bringing more light and connection into the world, one creation at a time.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
There are countless! But here are the qualities that come to mind at the moment:
Self-awareness: If we only had one “job” on this earth, it is to truly understand and connect deeply to ourselves. My approach involves persistent self-reflection, where I often ask myself, “What brings me joy and fulfillment?”, “How have my past experiences shaped who I am today?”, and “What beliefs are limiting my potential?”. Regularly checking in with my physical, mental, and emotional states also help me stay aligned with my authentic self. I also ask myself, “What is my body telling me right now and what is causing me to feel this way?” and “How can I show myself a little more love today?”. Engaging in practices like journaling, mindfulness, and channeling creativity have been instrumental in learning more about myself, uncovering patterns, and shining a light on growth opportunities.
Relating to Others: Relationships with others serve as powerful mirrors, reflecting back parts of ourselves we might not easily see. By questioning, “What can I learn from this person?” and “What qualities of theirs do I see in myself?”, I am able to cultivate empathy and compassion. Actively listening to others and reflecting on our interactions has deepened my connections. I recognize that everyone is on their own journey, dealing with their own challenges in the best way they know how to. Understanding this helps me approach others with greater patience and support, especially during challenging times. I’ve found that building a community around these principles enriches our collective experience and supports personal growth.
Growth Mindset: Embracing a growth mindset is vital, no matter where you are in life. Starting new endeavors without prior experience can seem daunting, but everyone has the potential to learn. And every expert starts somewhere! My growth has involved seeking knowledge from diverse sources, including books, online courses, mentors, and hands-on experiences. I constantly challenge myself with questions like, “What skills do I want to develop/improve on?” and “How can I push my learning one step further?” Every challenge is a chance to evolve, transforming doubts into strengths. I look back at my first digital painting (it was the equivalent of a stick figure) and I’m glad I never stopped trying to improve!
Developing these qualities into my life has required ongoing introspection and the courage to ask myself tough questions. To those at the beginning of their path, I recommend staying curious, tackling challenges head-on, and maintaining honesty and kindness towards yourself and others. A piece of advice from early in my art journey that I cherish and wish to pass along is, “Stay tethered to the light.” This speaks to staying connected with your life’s purpose and staying true to your values.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone on a path of self-discovery, eager to explore their own narratives through the lens of art. They find resonance in the emotional depth and stories embedded in my paintings, using them as mirrors for their own experiences. These individuals see challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation.
Clients with a thirst for knowledge and curiosity about the human condition engage with my art on a profound level. They seek to understand not only the artwork but also themselves, valuing the emotional honesty and vulnerability that my work portrays.
Moreover, my ideal mural clients are interested in transforming spaces to connect people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, enhancing community and interaction through art.
Ultimately, my ideal client believes in the power of art to heal, inspire, and transform. They appreciate the beauty in the struggle and the light that emerges from it. If you see yourself in this description, I invite you to explore my work and join me on this journey of artistic and personal growth!
Contact Info:
- Website: In progress
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/junkandpo.art
- Other: Red Bubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/junkandpo/shop
Image Credits
Marissa Rachelle Photos
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