Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christina Bjenning . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Christina , so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
I was born fearless. Given up for adoption at birth and spend my first months at an orphanage until adopted at three months old, I was catapulted into knowing life withouth an anchor – and consequently neve afraid of venturing into the unknown.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I founded my company esmeraldadesigns in 2005 because I learned that one gold ring, from mine to finger, generates four tons of wast in the making, and I wanted to combine my educations in arts and sciences to design sustainable wearable art. I work with refineries to cast my designs in sustainable precious metals and with gemstone dealers to source fairtrade gemstones with certified provenance. I also work with silver sources from cellphones and computers to sculpt one of a kind wearable rings and pendants. From the inception of my company I wanted to meet my customers in order to hear their stories and share the stories behind my artwork and the gemstones and therefore have focused to primarily sell my art at Artfairs and market rather than wholesale to stores or online.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe my fearlessness to venture into new territories, my knowledge in the arts and sciences and my passion to connect with customers have been most impactful in my journey. I believe passion and kindness and curiosity are important traits in following in my footsteps and beyond.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Peter Blocks’ book ‘The answer to how is yes’ is wonderful in all areas of entrepreneurship. To me the concept that if we cannot say no then our yes has no meaning has been instrumental. Especially in regards to not overcommitting and to remain true to my commitment to agreements and to my art.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/esmeraldadesigns?utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063496785681&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-bjenning-phd-535528a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
