I can hardly believe it’s been two decades since I started Kristen Mara. What began as a simple artistic vision has grown into a journey I couldn’t have fully predicted, filled with twists and turns, invaluable lessons, and an incredible community.
From long nights crafting designs to seeing a piece of jewelry bring joy and empowerment to my customers, I’ve come to embrace both the beauty and the challenge of being a creative entrepreneur.
To celebrate and honor my 20th year in business, here are 20 truths I’ve learned along the way.
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The most important task we have in life is to love ourselves.
Self-love isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a foundation for everything. I’ve learned that the relationship we have with ourselves influences our ability to create, connect, and be true to who we are.
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Creativity is a gift to be enjoyed.
There’s no joy like bringing a new design to life. Creativity has been both a gift and a teacher, reminding me to see each day through a lens of curiosity and appreciation.
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My children are my greatest creation.
Of all the things I’ve created, my children are by far my proudest accomplishment. They’ve taught me more about love, resilience, and joy than any other pursuit.
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Love is a choice, an action, and a feeling.
Over the years, I’ve come to see that love is more than just a feeling; it’s an everyday choice. It shows up in our small actions, in our devotion to people, and even in the way we care for ourselves and our work.
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Being a creative entrepreneur is both challenging and satisfying.
The path of entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but the satisfaction that comes from building something from nothing has made every challenge that much more gratifying.
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Friends and loved ones make life rich and full.
While work is rewarding, it’s the relationships in my life that make it truly fulfilling. Friendships and family are the center of everything we do.
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Whatever your passions, a supportive community is the key to success.
Whether it’s in business or in life, surrounding yourself with people who believe in you is everything. I’m incredibly grateful for my community of clients and fellow creators who have been part of this journey.
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My love of chocolate is a gift to be enjoyed.
In the hustle of running a business and raising kids, I’ve come to see that simple pleasures—like savoring a piece of chocolate—are gifts we should treasure. Small moments of joy are just as important as the big milestones.
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I love the alchemy of a wax or clay model turning into metal.
Every piece begins as an idea in my mind and takes shape in clay or wax before it becomes the finished product. Watching this transformation feels like pure magic to me.
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Every new design is a personal challenge and feels a little scary.
No matter how many designs I’ve created, I still get butterflies with each new piece. There’s always a bit of uncertainty, but I’ve learned to trust the process and dive in anyway.
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The most important part of being an artist is trusting my intuition.
In a world full of opinions, it’s easy to doubt yourself. Over the years, I’ve learned that the most powerful tool I have is my own intuition. In art, as in life, there’s no single “right” way to do things. The creative process is personal and intuitive, and each piece is unique because of it.
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There is no wrong way to be a loving being in the world.
Kindness, love, and empathy come in many forms. I’ve learned to let go of expectations and simply show up as I am.
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We are on this planet to find our own way—there’s no prescribed path, schedule, or expectation.
Life doesn’t come with a rulebook. One of the most freeing things I’ve learned is to allow myself to move at my own pace and trust that I’m exactly where I need to be.
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We are all allowed to take all the time and space we need to care for ourselves.
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. When I prioritize my own well-being, I’m able to show up better in every other area of my life.
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Self-nourishment and replenishment are essential to our well-being.
Over the years, I’ve come to see self-replenishment as a fundamental part of life. Whether it’s through quiet time, creative expression, or time in nature, nourishing ourselves keeps us whole.
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Jewelry can’t make you happy, but it can be a beautiful reminder and talisman of the power of love.
Jewelry doesn’t define us, but it can symbolize what we hold close to our hearts. Each piece I make is a little reminder of love, strength, and peace.
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My impulse as an artist is to create something beautiful that captures the essence of deep peace.
At its core, creating jewelry is my way of capturing beauty and peace. It’s a way of sharing a little piece of calm with others.
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Creating is a spiritual quest: to represent in form that which is formless, eternal, and deeply peaceful.
My work is more than jewelry; it’s a way to express a feeling of connection, both to others and to something larger than myself.
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I love being in nature as much as I love being in the studio.
Nature is my constant inspiration. Time spent outdoors reminds me of the natural beauty I want to capture in my work.
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Taking care of our planet is a shared responsibility.
I believe in living and creating with care—using recycled materials, making sustainable choices, and treading gently on the earth. Protecting our one and only planet is both a personal commitment and an essential part of the Kristen Mara brand.
Looking back, each one of these lessons has been woven into my journey as an artist and entrepreneur. Whether it’s in the pieces I create or the values that guide me, I feel incredibly grateful for every truth, every experience, and every person who has been a part of Kristen Mara.
Here’s to many more years of creativity, love, and connection!
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Enjoy this specially curated collection of 20 designs to celebrate our 20 years of being in business: 20 Years | 20 Favorite Designs.
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