Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen Filos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Karen with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My journey starts with the courageous journey of my parents who immigrated to this country in 1970 from Brazil and planted roots in New Jersey with nothing in their pockets but fifty dollars and a lot of hope. My mother a hairdresser since age 13 and my father a tailor since the age of 14, their relentless work ethic and unwavering perseverance (and style) became the blueprint for my own ambitions. My upbringing laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial spirit and creative drive.
Through their guidance, I learned to channel my creativity into avenues that not only fulfilled me but also uplifted those around me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
If I were to define what I do I’d consider myself a visionary.
I’m an artist, hat maker, educator, creative guide, cancer survivor, philanthropist, wife, mom to three young adults, and connector of community.
I’m passionate about living a life grounded in creativity and sharing it to inspire others.
I integrate my experiences in how I was raised to work at age thirteen and became independently on my own at age seventeen after my parents divorced.
In my formative years we relocated often, forcing me to be adaptable to new environments and people.
I’ve owned and operated multiple businesses, raised three children, and am a thyroid cancer survivor.
My expertise ranges with a background as a holistic hairstylist, educator, fashion stylist, makeup artist and yoga instructor.
My journey has lead my commitment to continue to work on personal growth and a holistic lifestyle informs every aspect of my professional and personal life.
Drawing inspiration from my current base in Montana, I’ve embarked on a journey to expand my artistic horizons. When I’m not exploring the West with my husband, I’m channeling my creativity into crafting custom hats called “Frik n Frak Designs” inspired and created in memory of my late friend that lost her battle with colon cancer.
My husband of 26 years and I have a united passion for hosting and creating welcoming, engaging environments that foster unforgettable memories.
We set out to create a space where these elements merge with an event venue “Peace of Paradise” set on 20 acres in the heart of Paradise Valley, Montana.
Karen an artist @friknfrakdesigns and creative guide at heart, will host our first creative retreat this summer at “Peace of Paradise” along with local and national artists.
Our mission is to create an inspiring haven for creatives — a place where every season of life and milestones are celebrated, connections grow deeper, and memories are made.
All set against the breathtaking backdrop of Paradise Valley.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
-Adaptability is a quality that essential in personal and professional growth. Growing up my family relocated often. At the time it was challenging to make new friends every school year and feel stable in a new home. However as an adult it has helped shape my life and open my mind to the growth and opportunities that are available through exploring new places and cultures.
-A curiosity to learn. At age 16 I learned a trade. I went to vocational school to earn master cosmetology license. This supported my lifestyle and dozens of other workshops, educational certifications and travel that enhanced my life experiences. An opportunity to learn something however small you think it might be at the time can be the stepping stone that leads you to your purpose.
-Purpose.
Behind your purpose must be passion. My work has always allowed me to creatively express myself while creating happiness for others.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My mother was the most influential person in my life.
I recently lost her to pancreatic cancer and these are some of the lessons she has left me with.
*Resiliency- I witnessed her resiliency as she worked endlessly to accomplish success and happiness in a new country away from family and familiarity. Through her perseverance she learned the english language, became a successful and sought after hairstylist of 50 years, and a United States citizen.
Her example taught me how to adapt to any situation and see change as an opportunity to grow and learn.
*Encouragement – The words “I can’t” and “ I don’t know” were never part of her vocabulary.
She would say, “If you don’t know, learn it until you do know.”
Never miss an opportunity to learn. You can do anything you put your mind to.
*Strength – She exemplified strength as she had to start over so many times in life. She always fought for what was right, and spoke her mind.
*Faith- She taught me to talk to god daily and that he hears our prayers and answers them. With hope and faith you will never feel lost.
*Confidence- Never go back on your decisions. If you make a decision have the confidence to move forward. When you believe in your decisions you earn the respect of others and yourself.
*Altruism- There are endless stories of the ways she helped people. Through giving dozens of people a home to live in, mentoring and helping her family and loved ones in Brazil.
She would involve me in experiences that gave back to the community and world.
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Love – She taught me to love unconditionally and always keep my heart open even if it’s been hurt. With love in your heart anything is possible.
*Forgive- to forgive people that hurt you. Most of the time it was never really about you.
*Passion- Live, create, and love with a lot of passion. Use the gifts God has given to make people happy.
*Work- She taught me her trade as a hairstylist at age 16. I was her apprentice after school. She told me as long as I have my scissors I will never go hungry. Boy was she right! She prepared me to be an independent woman years before I was married.
*Gratefulness- Be grateful. The world owes us nothing. There is always someone that has less than you do. If you have a grateful heart you will find joy in the simplest things and that is a gift.
*Pride – She taught me to take pride in everything l do, but most of all remain humble.
*Compassion- She taught me to show compassion for people, never judge them, you don’t know where they have been or what they have gone though.
Be a friend to those that need friendship, even the smallest gesture can change someone’s life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karenfilos.com
- Instagram: @friknfrakdesigns @peaceofparadisemt
- Facebook: Karen Ribas Filos
- Other: https://www.peaceofparadisemontana.com
Image Credits
Photo: Chloe Nostrant
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