Meet Kelsey Champagne-Smith

We were lucky to catch up with Kelsey Champagne-Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kelsey, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose during a season when life felt heavy and uncertain. While going through IVF, I started making art as a way to cope; it was something small I could control when so much felt out of my hands. That creative practice stayed with me through early parenthood, which happened during the isolation of COVID becoming a steady place to process, breathe, and reconnect with myself.

Over time, I realized that creativity wasn’t just helping me survive those moments, it was helping me translate complex ideas, especially around science and nature, into something approachable, joyful, and understandable by my little humans. That’s where Acorn & Artisan was born. What began as a personal outlet grew into a way to make curiosity, humor, and connection more accessible to others. My purpose now is to create work that reminds people, especially in hard seasons of life, that joy, wonder, and learning can still exist in simple, everyday ways.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the artist and founder behind Acorn & Artisan, where I create playful, nature-inspired goods that blend curiosity, humor, and thoughtful design. With a background in natural science, I’m especially drawn to using art as a bridge between learning, joy, and everyday life.

Whether it’s a laugh sparked by a bird pun or a moment of wonder inspired by a nature illustration, my goal is to create pieces that feel like small, joyful pauses in a busy world. Everything I design is meant to feel accessible and inclusive, inviting connection through lightheartedness and shared curiosity.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding Acorn & Artisan’s collection of product offerings and growing our presence through events and wholesale partnerships. I’m also continuing to explore new ways to blend education and creativity, keeping curiosity and connection at the heart of everything I make.

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?

First, finding myself before trying to find my audience was incredibly important. Early on, it was tempting to seek external validation, especially while navigating the identity shift that comes with new parenthood. Acorn & Artisan didn’t truly click until I focused on what I cared about and what felt honest to me. When your work is rooted in your values and interests, it naturally attracts the right people. My advice is to spend time experimenting and paying attention to what lights you up before worrying about who’s watching.

Second, learning that rejection isn’t a reflection of your worth or your work. A “no” usually just means it wasn’t the right fit, at the right time. That shift in perspective helped me stay open, resilient, and willing to keep showing up. For anyone early on: treat rejection as information, not a verdict.

Finally, remembering to have fun—and finding the intersection between what you love and what you’re good at. Joy is contagious. When you’re genuinely enjoying what you’re making, it shows, and people respond to that energy. Protect that sense of play and curiosity; it’s often the thing that makes your work stand out the most.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was modeling what dedication and belief really look like. My mom owned and ran a restaurant for over 40 years, working seven days a week. Watching her build something through consistency, sacrifice, and sheer determination showed me early on what it means to commit to your work—even when it’s hard or unglamorous.

Just as important, my parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders. They celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and they’re still the people I FaceTime to show a new design or talk through an idea. That combination of strong work ethic and unwavering support gave me the confidence to take creative risks, trust my instincts, and keep going. It’s a foundation I carry with me every day in both my work and my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.acornandartisan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acornandartisan
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acornandartisan