Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristie Stephenson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kristie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I’ve literally been the only one in the room that looks like me many times, as well with what I am doing with these local, sustainably sourced seeds, I’ve learned to create a space for them. That often means pitching an idea, creating something and showing it to someone, planting a seed so a potential client can see how it could work for them. We are using a seed that grows on an ornamental grass, these seeds have stories of resilience and over coming.
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?
We make island inspired jewelry using a local seed that grows on a grass, incorporating different symbols and charms. We have done some equestrian themed bracelets for The Caymanas Pony Club fundraiser badge which helped to raise funds for the Montego Bay Animal Haven. We had stirrup charms, the horse shoe, horse, unicorn and my team made handmade tassels that were paired with the tear shaped beads that grow on an ornamental grass. Along with the Pony Club and Montego Bay Animal Haven custom dangling charm. We collaborated with the Pony Club on the design and our team of artisans made them. Pony Club members were tasked with individual sales which became a race as to who would be in the lead, second, third etc. Displays made from old polo mallets were placed in some retail stores that served as point of sail for the Pony Club.
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?
Being copied is a compliment, it means you are doing something right. Having true passion, creativity and love will outlast the copycats. Keep going, keep creating and having that spirit of relentless resistance.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
We love collaborating with organisations like the Caymanas Pony Club, a riding school in Jamaica that adheres to the Pony Club horse riding standards in the UK, I took their adult course and loved it, especially the horse grooming. We worked with the owner Heidi Lalor to create bracelets for her riding school to raise money for the Caymanas Pony Club Fundraiser badge, selling out and exceeding their target.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.storyandmyth.com
- Instagram: @storyandmyth
