We recently had the chance to connect with Justine Krohn and have shared our conversation below.
Justine, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of my work that brings me joy not just lately but everyday are my kids. I have two boys, 5 & 2, and watching them grow up is one of my biggest blessings. I am so thankful to have a home filled with little running feet and laughter. Being a mom is my biggest joy
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Justine, I’m 33 years old, I’m a stay at home mom of two boys and I paint love stories. I’m a commission artist and I paint watercolor paintings of your most special place and memory. This can be your childhood home, your grandmother’s house, where you said “I do”, where you had your first date or even where you met your significant other – this is what I mean when I say I paint love stories; I paint your love story.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I remember in middle school my art teacher told me that I wasn’t talented and would never be an artist. I carried that with me for a long time and eventually decided not to pursue art even though it had been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. I stopped drawing and painting when I was in high school and went to college pursing a degree in Hospitality and Tourism. It wasn’t until I had my first baby that I decided to pick up my paint brush again. I told myself that if my son had a passion and talent for something that I would want him to purse that and so I had to do it for myself and set that example for him. My business was born before his first birthday and since then he has seen me draw, paint and create, and I am constantly reminding him to chase his passion.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
There have been many defining wounds in my life, the most recent one being a miscarriage I had about three years ago. We lost our baby at 14 weeks and it was a very hard and defining time in our lives. I wouldn’t have been able to heal from it without my faith and trust in God. My faith gave me the strength I needed, to continue to show up for my family and my business.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I hope that my closest friends would say that my family and the way I show up for other people really matters to me. To my family, especially my kids, I am irreplaceable and they always will be my priority but the way I show up for others really matters to me as well. You never know what someone else is going through or the battles they are silently fighting, I try my best to be kind and supportive to everyone I meet and that includes my clients. They trust me to paint a place or a moment in their lives that are so important to them and I feel so honored to be able to connect with them and their story.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
One of the times I feel most at peace is when I am painting. Whether I am painting or simply creating, it has always brought me so much peace and its the time when my mind goes quiet. I don’t think of the long to do list I have to do but instead I stay present with every brush strokes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theloveliestdesigns.shop
- Instagram: @theloveliestdesigns
Image Credits
@momentsbymo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
