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Meet the Maker

2020 was an incredibly difficult year for all of us in so many ways.

Kristian wrapped in a green scarf and beanie and tan coat singing joyfully at a camera in the streets.

As a New York actor and singer, I am no stranger to uncertainty when it comes to work and finances. But when COVID-19 rocked our entire planet, I found myself experiencing a deep creative block with no prospects of new gigs in sight, my family across the country, and an abundance of time to sit, wait, and stay safe.

After months of personal reflection, I was finally in a place to create again. I decided I would no longer make art that didn't speak to me or amplify the stories of POC communities

I explored my voice in poetry-writing and finally began writing a film script I'd been dreaming of for years. I was also more connected to community, albeit virtually, than I ever had been before. But it was the #womensupportingwomen campaign that ultimately catapulted me into this creative endeavor. I didn't want to be tagged in folks' black and white selfies without action.  If people wanted to truly support me, I was going to have to tell them exactly how I wanted to be supported.

So I shared some of my macramé.

 

 I asked my circles not to tag me in their photos and instead asked them to commit to shopping from and amplifying BIPOC artists and small businesses to show their support. My inbox flipped from chain messages to over two dozen orders for plant hangers in one weekend!

Needless to say, I had to learn how to run a business overnight. Okay, it actually took much longer than that, and to be honest, I am still learning, messing up, and learning some more. But for the first time in months I am feeling inspired. For the first time, I'm not working a "side hustle" but rather actively building my business to exist alongside my storytelling career.

How Bout Knot was born out of vulnerability and courage. Some may say those things are one in the same. It was built on and is upheld by solidarity with communities of color and commitment to sustainability. Some would also say those are one in the same.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about where you shop from. And thank you for shopping BIPOC small biz.

In solidarity,

Kristian
she/they/siya

Artist and Owner | How Bout Knot

*Kristian currently resides on the unceded lands of the Massachussett people, known today as Boston, MA. To learn more about Kristian as a storyteller, you can visit her personal website.