We recently had the chance to connect with Kirsten Hellmer and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kirsten, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, I’m headed into the holiday season, as well as my biggest art show of the year, so my days are pretty busy. I wake up and answer some emails, do some design work, etc. then I head out to my shop. Some days, I’m pre-cutting frames for Christmas, other days I’m making items for my art show. In the coming weeks, I’ll be focusing on updating product listings and marketing before the holiday season hits.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kirsten Hellmer and I’m the owner of From Tree to Home. I specialize in 3d layered wall art, such as 3d lake maps, topographic maps, 3d layered shapes/scenes, etc. I went to Michigan State for Marketing and Market Research, but was never happy in corporate. In 2015, I discovered a makerspace, and then a laser cutter. I learned the laser and fell in love, starting out making projects for friends and family. It quickly expanded into a business and in June 2019, I started working for myself full time. Nowadays, you can find me in my Corydon, Indiana workshop, cranking out new designs!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me most about work. They were both hard workers and instilled that in me and my sisters.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Christmas of 2024, I had my worst nightmare happen, my laser cutter broke down right in the middle of the holiday season. It greatly stressed me out, but it taught me a few different things. It taught me my back up plan (a local makerspace recently purchased the identical machine that I have, so I can use theirs if need be) that I didn’t have in place before. It taught me that I had some really good people around me that were willing to help out when times got stressful, and it taught me that despite the suffering and stress, I could get through it. and come out on the other side.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think they would say a work hard play hard mentality. I like to work, probably too much, but I also like to play, meaning go hiking, snowboarding, kayaking, walk my dogs, plant my garden, hang with my chickens, etc. I believe that while working hard is important, so is having many hobbies and a balanced life. I tend to keep busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I’m learning new skills that I will slowly be able to expand into new product lines. I would hope it would pay off before 7 to 10 years, but by then, I would expect to be highly skilled.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fromtreetohome.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com.com/fromtreetohome
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fromtreetohome
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
