We recently had the chance to connect with Liz Karney and have shared our conversation below.
Liz, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
While I love all of these qualities, integrity is number one for me. I’ve been personally working on listening to my own voice, feeling authentic in my actions and choices. It sounds like it should be easy, but I find myself peeling back layers all the time trying to get to the root of what I value. Integrity is so integral to this process for me. I supposed it’s true that someone could be authentic without integrity- but I’m most attracted to people, things, design that has integrity at its core.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I own and operate a little furniture store/ gallery. I have a workshop in the back where I make and tinker with all sorts of things that I sell, and that space is really the heart of the project. But since I’m only one maker, and I love being inspired by other peoples work, the store also sells handmade art, vintage objects, and treasures I pick up at auctions and estate sales. It’s a little bit of al my favorite things. I often joke that the store is full of things I’d love to keep but I don’t have enough room in my house.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to think that success meant someone else thought you were doing a good job. I now think I feel most successful when I listen to myself. It’s not that I think I’m always right! It’s just that the best work I can do is distinctly mine. Getting comfortable knowing not everything is for everyone- in fact I think that is exactly what makes the world interesting.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It’s ok to be messy. Trying in failing is such an important skill! Don’t think about the product, think about the practice of messing up and starting over.
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. But this is a tricky one. I think all of us are so layered and complex. It’s not something easily conveyed in a ‘public’ way. I’m super uncomfortable with this kind of presentation for exactly this reason. I think a big part of who I am is how I interact with others- which is a hard thing to present. Does that make sense? I way prefer IRL interaction/ exchange!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I think about this a lot. I’m fortunate to say, there isn’t a single thing. It’s not that I love every part of every day! But I’m comfortable knowing life is full of ups and downs and struggle and mundanity; the walk to work, and the random chats, the family obligations, the annoying emails. I want it all (well maybe not the emails, but I don’t think I can avoid them!)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sticksandbricksshop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sticks.and.bricks/
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