We recently had the chance to connect with Kristin Royster and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Kristin , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’ve always had a clear goal in mind: opening my own boutique filled with my own artwork. But life as a military spouse means frequent moves and constant change, so my business has had to transform and adapt along the way. My newest adventure is exploring digital art and the print-on-demand space! Each new place and circumstance shapes what I create and how I share it. It may look like wandering from the outside, but every pivot is a step toward that boutique.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Kristin, owner of Set Sail by Kristin. I’m a painter and now, also a surface pattern designer, with a heart that’s always been tied to the ocean. I grew up on the beach, and a benefit of life as a Navy spouse is being carried to so many different coasts; each one leaves its own colors and moods in my work. My dream is to open a boutique where all those ocean-inspired pieces can come together, but for now, I share them online and through pop-ups wherever we’re stationed. What makes my work unique is that every piece carries a little bit of every shoreline I’ve called home.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I was sure every idea I had was gold! I started dreaming up businesses early and even launched a jewelry and accessories line as a teenager. Back then, I thought the very first thing I made was amazing. I’d crank out a million of them and wait for the world to love them as much as I did. What I’ve learned since is that good work takes refining, and sometimes you need to start small and let a concept grow. I still get swept up in the excitement of new ideas, but now I know how important it is to edit, test, and polish before I go all in.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been plenty of moments when I’ve had to step back and pivot, which can feel a lot like giving up. The most recent was in the last two years, when the overseas base we were stationed at added strict rules that made selling in person and via traditional online marketplaces (e.g. Etsy) incredibly difficult. I finally decided to pause craft shows and in-person sales, not forever, but for now. With more Navy moves ahead, I shifted my focus to digital art instead. I do miss the buzz of markets and shows, but letting go of that pressure has opened space for new creative growth and a more sustainable way to keep my business alive through all the transitions.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me when it comes to my art and my work. What I share about my creative process and business is completely authentic. But as a parent, I keep a different boundary. I share very little about my young kids because I want their lives to stay private. Part of that is intentional: if someone wants to be part of their world, I believe that should come from real effort and in-person connection, not from following along online. It’s my way of protecting their childhood while still showing up honestly as an artist.”
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I’ve come to understand that hustle culture isn’t what we’ll want to be remembered for when we’re gone. It’s easy to get caught up in late nights and constant work, but in the long run a healthy balance matters so much more. I love my art and my business, but I never want it to cost me time with my kids or my own health. Making space to be present with them, to exercise, and to eat well isn’t a distraction from success; it’s what allows me to keep creating and to be here for the people I love. That balance is the real measure of a meaningful life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Setsailbykristin.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/setsail.bykristin?igsh=Nm9qYTE4bXdiNHp4
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F5PfUS53A/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@setsailbykristin?si=Ycckrs33IGgfaFU8
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
