We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kerstin Hanson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kerstin below.
Kerstin, 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.
Purpose came from a sort of a mission statement I began using several years ago; ‘to create connection and joy’. Within those guidelines, I get away from the profit and loss of my business and live in the now that fosters creativity when I am working in solitude and fosters connection when I am working in my 10×10 booth at festivals and events.
My mission statement became clearer a few years back as I was developing a collection of earrings that I lovingly called ‘freedom’. That collection was a physical representation of my journey through an abusive relationship and re-discovering self worth and joy. I shared my ‘behind the scenes’ story with a friend who suggested that I share my story along with the collection when it was ready. That was really scary to even think about!
I wrote the story, editing and editing to 1. distill it to the point, and 2. fit on the back of the packaging. When I felt it was ready, and time to send to the print company for the packaging, I was still a bit hesitant to click ‘confirm’. On the debut of my Freedom Collection, I was nervous about being so open about what led to it, and I have learned lessons ever since.
One of our purposes on this plane is to help and love one another. My freedom collection has opened doors in intimate and beautiful ways. Though we each have struggles and challenges with personal details, sharing our story in a heart space of vulnerability and acceptance is a universal healing and connecting moment. Many customers share hugs, thank you’s and glistening eyes after reading my freedom story.
Perhaps I found my purpose by being prodded by a friend to be just a bit more brave, and it’s been affirmed over and over. I now have a little story that accompanies the packaging for most of my collections and it really is a source of connection and joy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Like most, my current reality has been shaped and pushed by past history. I spent many years as a working musician (vocalist/keys) as well as leading a community songwriter’s guild, then I worked in the real estate profession which felt very successful financially but disappointing as far as personal fulfillment goes in many ways. I transitioned to jewelry artist over a three year period in which I remained a real estate broker, and took enough classes to be safe with a torch and understand what metals like to work together. There is a common theme of connection, whether through music, helping others, or creating for joy and human connection.
The process has helped me to learn that I need just the right amount of ‘peopling’! I like quiet to create and make, and I love meeting others who are drawn to my work. Too much interaction feels too noisy and not enough feels lonely.
I am overjoyed that my work has touched many, and I have a dedicated following at many of the annual festivals at which I set my gypsy booth. I feel a great deal of gratitude for what has led me to now, and for now! Most of all, I am grateful to be able to create jewelry, joy, and connection.
My next few months include my annual contribution my local KidsPeace chapter in support of foster children and foster parents, the Mira Music Festival in support of service dogs, the NC Oyster Festival, and Dirtbag Ales annual Christmas Market.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Confidence. Curiosity.
Caring.
Confidence is the trickiest one, but I have made an art form of learning confidence by faking it until I am no longer faking it!
Curiosity reminds one to be quiet; just listen and learn.
Caring creates connection through that beautiful, warm energy.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Many years ago, my husband invited me to attend a class with him called The Pacific Institute. The focus was on cognitive science – learning how the many ways our brain/psychology works whether or not we are aware, and then leaning in to that knowledge to help attain personal and professional goals. Throughout our marriage he has been a consistent cheerleader, teacher, listener, helper, and motivator in many ways – inviting me to that class is just one example.
Having a person in your life who positively and actively reminds you that your most dominant thought is what will happen and so choosing positive goals leads to positive results.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.ksdesigns.jewelry
- Instagram: @ksdesignsjewelry
Image Credits
Dona Marlow Kerstin Hanson
