Hi! I'm Kristin (and that's my soul dog, Trinity kissing my neck). Here’s my short story:
Hi! I'm Kristin (and that's my soul dog, Trinity sniffing my neck).
Here’s my short story:
I am a mixed bag of labels. Some would say I’m a wife, stepmother, daughter, sister, friend, and animal lover.I would say I am a cis-gender white feminist woman in The US, using the privileges I have been handed, as a white person, to (as best as I can) help end inequality for ALL humans. Period. If you are human, you deserve to live fully, joyfully, and authentically. All humans deserve to live with the safety and privilege that most white cis-gendered males enjoy in this country. Obviously, this is my personal perspective. And since this is on the internet, if you want to debate the above topic and you are a cis-gendered white male…let’s agree to disagree until you learn more, OK?
With that said: Pit Bulls are my jam. I mean, people are alright. But DOGS are far better than we are, IMO!
I’m obsessed with all things design and skin care.
My reality TV addiction was replaced during the pandemic with a True Crime addiction I can’t shake yet.
I only have one (complete) big toe. Long story, but it was stolen from me after being smashed under a falling pallet of marble tile.
I swear. A LOT. I don't swear AT people (unless warranted), so if you are offended by prolific F-bombs, I am probably not your jam, and that’s cool. It takes all kinds, right?
I come to this website honestly with a history in retail and design. I’ve loved interior design all of my life. I still covet the circa 1974 matching wallpaper and fabric my mother used to decorate my childhood home. I owned a high-end plumbing showroom during the housing boom and thankfully got out just before the economic crash in 2008. I’ve spent untold hours in vintage/junk/antique shops, wholesale furniture, plumbing, and have been privileged enough to shop in some European markets.
I love and obsess over well-designed and thoughtfully put-together spaces. My favorite rooms are a combination of old/new/handmade/thrifted/ and repurposed treasures. “TEXTURE” should be my middle name. I could probably shop for rugs for the rest of my life and be as happy as a bug in the said rug. (see what I did there?).
In 2011 I had to admit my occasional drinking (alcoholism) was a “tiny” problem, and my life was a "tad" chaotic. Just a tiny bit. You know, days in a blackout are normal, and burning through a case of cheap wine (on your own) in a week is clearly within the doctor's recommended range. Isn't it? Well, I actually KNEW that much booze wasn’t helpful, but I wasn’t ready to give it up, so I went down with a fight (and a total life reset). I’m oversharing all of this because it’s an integral part of who I am 12 years later.
I come to you today with a new appreciation for my life and immense gratitude for the people in it. I now see connections where I once saw differences and division. I’ve had my ass saved, and I’d like to return the favor however possible. So, with my dear friend (and catalyst in that little life “re-set”), Rachael, we focused our passions and intentions on creating Holistic Habitat. With our mutual passion, our intention is to be able to give back to those in our global and local communities who need help the most.
This is the space we wanted to create: a place where you know that what you're buying has roots in compassion and assistance to the creators of those products. Holistic Habitat is a place where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures for you and your loved ones that create connections to your environment and your relationships within it. We source our products thoughtfully and holistically. We believe we can use our dollars to make a broader impact beyond just our pretty living rooms. We sell things we would buy at prices we would pay. This business is our labor of love to the world of design, artisans, and human connections. Also, we’re addicted to pillows, so we became our own dealers.
XOXO- Kristin
Co-Founder, Holistic Habitat
Hi guys! I have been in the South for 20 years and still say "guys" when referring to "y'all" because I'm a Midwest girl at heart. I waited until the very last minute to write my intro because, apparently, I’m more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of girl. I don't dig organization...but I'm improving because I HAVE TO. Thank God for Kristin! She is brilliant, organized, and has a business head, so she keeps my tangents in check! Did I mention I’m ADD as heck? Case and point…I forgot the actual INTRODUCTION! I’m Rachael, Co-Founder of Holistic Habitat. PHEW! Glad we got that out of the way!
My husband, Brian, is an artist and a massage therapist by trade. He will tell you he was put here to help others, so that’s his day job, but it doesn’t stop there. He is the guy you call when you need help. He never says no. He shows up…ALWAYS. He has a heart full of love, and he gives it out freely. He teaches our daughter important lessons through his actions. He’s the best kind of guy.
Now, my daughter Riley… My eyes well with tears when I think too long about her. She made me a mom, but more than that, she expanded my view of the world. To say that she is special would be an understatement. She has a personal relationship with God that goes far beyond anything we could’ve taught her. She holds His light in her eyes and his empathy in her spirit. I do not doubt that she will continue to make the world a better place. She was called to be His light…so shine, she will!
Wow, we’re getting DEEP!!!
Before I stray too far, I guess I should move on to me.
My grandmother once shared with me that when she wasn't creating, she felt "off balance". She described it as walking down the street with one foot on the curb and one foot on the pavement. I was born to create and was given the tools to be creative long before I can remember. I grew up with a sketch pad, a paintbrush, and a journal. I would often escape to the highest branch of my backyard tree with at least one of those things in hand. Art runs deep in my genes. I come from a family of creative people, and my grandmother was the start of it all. Whether we were spending the day painting a still-life portrait of her fruit bowl or making dolls from her peonies, we were constantly "creating." It is a part of who I am. Without it, I would be lost… “off balance,” if you will.
I have channeled that creativity in many ways throughout my 33 years. As an adult, I have found my creative “balance” in design. Turning a room into a collected and comfortable space has become my passion. I see an empty space, and within minutes (or a few hours) I have it visually mapped out in my head. And don’t get me started on accessories… throw pillows, lamps, and art, OH MY!
Have I lost you yet? Now, for the "who, what, when" of how we got here. Kristin and I believe we were “called” to this journey. We have been friends for years, but in April of 2017, simultaneously, we shared this vision. I was working, doing what I love, with people I love, but felt led to do something different. Holistic Habitat is a journey of the heart. Kristin and I are big “feelers,” so we ran with it when we felt like this was meant to be. We found that when we walked through one door, we were directed to the next…so we walked through that one too. That’s sort of how it’s been: a series of open doors on our divinely inspired journey. We come to you gratefully and authentically. We can’t wait to see where this road takes us. We can’t wait to share the experience with you all. And for gosh sake, could we ever get sick of throw pillows? We think not. HERE…WE…GO!!! We hope you’ll come with us!
Rachael
Co-Founder, Holistic Habitat