Behind the Counter- June
Welcome to Behind the Counter. Take a glimpse behind the scenes at Thistle & Bess to connect with people who inspire, hear the thoughtful stories behind the goods that I love and find out what is currently sparking joy in my life.
I first connected with Kriten Drozdowski of Worthwhile Paper at a tradeshow in the early years of T&B (probably NY Now 2016?). I started carrying her work and then we began working together in other ways as well. Kristen taught hand lettering workshops at the shop, she has painted our shop window three times now, and we have collaborated on photo shoots and other creative projects. Along with Worthwhile Paper, we have also been lucky enough to carry Kristen’s original art in the shop. Through the years she has become a dear friend to me and someone that I can rely on to offer support, especially when it comes to the ups and downs of running a small business. I truly admire Kristen as an artist, business owner and as a human in general.
In February Kristen was interviewed on the podcast “Off The Grid: Leaving Social Media Without Losing All Your Clients” about finding creative freedom and success beyond social media. Kristen discussed her recent decision to take her business off of social media and instead to focus on other ways to connect with others. The part of the podcast that particularly resonated with me was the idea of redefining success. When running a business, “growth, growth, growth” is typically fed as the only measure of success. What if we measured our success outside of growth and instead focused on what was truly important to us? I highly recommend giving the podcast a listen for yourself.
Kristen will be joining us at T&B On June 21 for a Summer Solstice Party! Come celebrate the start of the season with some of Kristen’s original paintings on display. She will also be doing a live paint-making demo from flower pigments. While supplies last, guests will receive a free botanical watercolor paint that she made herself from flowers in her garden. Botanical Bakeshop will be making us some floral treats and we are planning to have a fun nature craft as well. Our friends down the street at Tea Haus will also be serving some special cocktails and floral teas to celebrate the arrival of summer. It is sure to be a lovely evening. More details to come soon.
We are beyond excited to welcome designer and jeweler Ruta Reifen to the shop this Saturday, June 8. She will be traveling from NYC with an extra special assortment of fine jewelry. I instantly fell in love with Ruta’s colorful, nature-inspired pieces. Each one is a tiny work of art. I recently asked Ruta some questions about what is currently inspiring her. We hope you join us at the shop this weekend to meet Ruta for yourself and browse her gorgeous collection in person.
What does jewelry mean to you?
I do not wear any jewelry (I don’t even have my ears pierced). For several reasons, I come from a line of women that barely put lipstick on let alone a string of pearls, secondly we have no “family jewels” as my grandparents left Europe post second world war with no precious belongings. My mission is to decorate others and that is my true passion.
What led you to start making jewelry?
My first ever introduction to goldsmithing was at Central Saint Martins School of Art & Design in London. I was 17, and took every evening class available. It was love at first solder. The craft involved in creating jewelry fascinated me. I knew working with metal was an art made for my hands.
I adore how colorful your jewelry is. Do you have a personal favorite stone or colorway that you like to work with?
My favorite stone is amethyst, also my eldest daughter’s birthstone. I adore its shade range of purple. Its formation, and relative (to sapphires and diamonds) fragility, is a challenge that I appreciate.
What is currently inspiring you or bringing you joy?
Most certainly my daughters. Their pure happiness inspires me daily. It’s that level of content and excitement I wish every wearer of my work receives when enjoying their chosen piece.
You are a mother of two (adorable!) young children. Do you have any advice for others who are juggling parenting and a creative business?
Ask for help. It took me years to learn that simple yet hard task. Growing your business while raising kids is possible and their growth feeds into my studio creativity constantly.
Nothing brings me more joy than summer evenings in my little garden at home. After putting my son to bed I have a nightly ritual of going outside to care for my flowers. There is something so relaxing and satisfying about ending the day admiring the growth and noting the changes taking place. Gardening acts as a bit of a comfort to me during this unsettling time in our world. My flower garden truly is my happy place and I savor these days while they are here. The New York Times recently published this article about the health benefits of gardening and I was delighted to read that my favorite hobby is potentially good for me as well.
One constant source of gardening inspiration is Monty Don from the UK’s amazing program Gardeners' World. I first discovered Gardeners' World when I was home on maternity leave and I continue to watch it when I need a dose of wholesome, feel-good content. It is such a wonderful show highlighting different plants and gardens and the host, Monty Don, is a true gem. Monty just finished hosting the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London and my sister and I have been plotting a trip to the show next year. If you need some gardening inspiration or just an uplifting moment, give Gardeners' World a go (I watch it on Amazon Prime). Enjoy some photos from my garden and one of Monty Don for good measure. Happy flower season!
Thank you so much for your reading BTC! I hope that you are enjoying the start of the summer season and that I see you in real life soon. Enjoy the flowers!