Creating and Connecting

I had a trunk show in Palm Beach this past weekend. It had been a while since my last show. For a long time, I did them often, and while part of me loved the experience, another part didn’t as much. I needed time away to reflect and figure out whether I truly missed it or not.  

Sometimes, we lose sight of why we do the things we do—they become habits, simply parts of our routine. But for me, it’s important to spend my time doing things that feel meaningful, either on my own or with people who make me stronger, better, or help me grow and heal. I seek relationships where I can give back in positive ways. As an artist, I want to share my heart and my thoughts through my work. Figuring out the best way to do that is an ongoing, ever-changing part of my journey.  

Over the two days I spent at Kirna Zabete at Royal Poinciana Plaza, I realized I do miss the shows. I was reminded of how much I enjoy connecting with the stylists and salespeople in the stores. Kirna Zabete Palm Beach was the very first store to carry my work, and their team has seen both me and my designs grow over the years as I’ve challenged myself to create more meaningful, beautiful pieces. Hearing their feedback and seeing their excitement about my work was such a gift. It amazes me that there are people so supportive of me and my journey—so eager to see what I’ve been dreaming up.  

I love meeting new clients and reconnecting with past ones who have become friends. Sharing my collection with people for the first time is always a special moment.  

One client in particular left a lasting impression. She loved my pieces and wanted to incorporate them into a necklace filled with meaningful charms. She went home and brought the necklace back—a neckwire adorned with large gold charms, mostly hearts, engraved and embossed with words and initials. She wanted to include two of my stone hearts but felt my stitched designs were a little too edgy.  

I explained the story behind those hearts, how they’re inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi—the tradition of repairing broken ceramics with gold and lacquer, embracing the idea that nothing is beyond repair. The story resonated with her, and she chose one stitched heart and one studded design. We talked about heartbreak, love, and loss, and as I drove home that night, I thought about that moment. Did I miss doing shows? Was the time spent worthwhile? The answer was a resounding *yes.*  

That client and I parted with a hug, and I could feel that moment of connection—the healing of both our hearts, even just a little. Feeling seen and understood by someone else is such a gift, and she shared that gift with me. I hope I was able to share the same gift with her.  

Meeting all of you this weekend was an honor. I love hearing your stories and sharing my own. Sometimes, it’s hard to see our own growth until someone else reflects it back to us. It’s a challenge for me to see how far I’ve come day by day, but connecting with you all reminds me. I feel so lucky to do what I love with people I enjoy, and your joy and excitement mean the world to me.  

As Ray Bradbury wrote:  
“The years go by. Time flies. Every single second is a moment in time that passes. And it seems like nothing. But when you’re looking back—well, it amounts to everything.” 

I hope to see and hear from more of you in the coming months.  

xx,  
Christina