Kristina Lewis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kristina , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I have been creating a native garden for the past 2 years outside my house & workshop and it is this year that it has truly filled in and grown into the jungle that is it meant to be. I saw my first monarch caterpillar this season and always love seeing the bees flitting around! I am overjoyed to be sharing that with my daughter who loves watching the bees “eat” the flowers. Even now, seeing the monarch butterflies migrate through and stop for a drink is just magical.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I am Kristina Lewis, the owner and operator of The Garden Gallery KC (GGKC), a floral preservation company. We create magical art pieces out of live flowers that have been fully preserved to last a lifetime. It started out of a desire to keep my wedding bouquet from 6 years ago because I was not ready to say goodbye to it after one special day! And from there it slowly blossomed into helping other people do the same for their special flowers.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I got the seedling of an idea for GGKC from my grandparents. They had a garden bouquet shop called The Garden Gallery back in the 90s in Missouri. Although it is no longer in business, I think of them and their work ethic every day I turn on my shop lights. I even have images of the original The Garden Gallery shop hanging in my studio space for added inspiration. My grandpa always had a vibrant flower & vegetable garden growing up and that was always one of my fondest memories was to run around and explore what was growing with him when we would visit. It is still a habit of ours to take a stroll in his garden or wood workshop.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were several moments during the initial start up stages (the first year and under) where I had an infant child and an “infant” business and I didn’t know which one was crying louder. Needless to say, I was at a breaking point almost every week. Luckily, I have the most supporting husband and partner that would always talk me off the ledge and keeps my head on straight. I wouldn’t be where I am without his unwavering support.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
That we can live sustainably and also have very fulfilling lives. I think the word “sustainable” gets a bad wrap and make it sound like you have to live in a clay hut without running water and only eat dandelion leaves.. We as humans/the most dominate species has a stewardship role to play in making sure this world around us isn’t falling apart. That means treating everything with respect and doing our part in keeping the world healthy. It will take everyone being imperfectly sustainable verses a few being perfectly sustainable to make this happen!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Worrying what other people think. Life is too short to be worrying all the time! Easier said than done I know… People pleasing has been engrained in me, so to give that up and understand I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea would be very freeing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thegardengallerykc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardengallerykc?igsh=eGNkZW1wNG1idjEw&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardengallerykc?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Kathleen Straub Photography
