Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristen René Guest.
Hi Cristen René, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Since early childhood, I have used my own two hands to shape the world according to an inner vision. In doing so, I have learned to transport myself from the proverbial valleys of life into beautiful worlds blossoming from within. I believe that imagination and love are two of the most powerful tools in life, and I use them in all of my design work. Growing up in a small Texas town sparked an affinity for wild open space, storytelling and warm southern charm. I had the bare essentials, no frills and no fluff. As a result, I quickly learned to use my unique vision to create the surroundings and art I craved. My parents taught me to be self-sufficient and to find the gems amongst the rubble, so I never fell for the lure of branding but – rather – enjoyed the treasure hunt. In grade school, I began to create my spaces so that they reflected a story about who I aspired to become and how I wanted to feel, rather than the latest trend emerging amongst my peers. Jewelry design became my passion, beginning with beading on a loom (inspired by my father’s Cherokee heritage), making my friend’s hemp anklets in class and rebelling against the traditional Senior Class ring idea, designing and co-creating my own with a local jeweler.
During college, I apprenticed under a local jeweler in the Renaissance Art Market on The Drag and launched my business the second semester of my freshman year at UT, in 2002. I began traveling extensively around the world finding inspiration in cultural diversity, spirituality, art and history. In the past few years, I have focused more energy toward Interior Design, working with friends and clients in California. Last July we relocated to Austin, landing in a perfect oasis to raise our three children. I have taken some time away from work after giving birth to our youngest son in November last year, and am now slowly gearing up to design a new jewelry collection while taking on a few Interior Design clients in the Austin area. Travel remains an essential part of my life, as it feeds my creative spirit and offers unparalleled opportunity to integrate unique findings and ideas.
My design style is resourceful, thoughtful and bold. I encourage my clients to release what no longer serves them, repurpose meaningful items in an innovative way, and to selectively invite new pieces and arrangements that provoke positive growth. By expressing one’s ideal story with decor, composition, energy and color, we create a nurturing environment and facilitate a sense of belonging and purpose. Whether you hope to create an environment for restoration, inspiration, spiritual serenity or productivity together, we will shape a harmonious space that feeds, fuels and heals you.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Living life as an Artist and Entrepreneur offers great freedom and responsibility. I have always been a big risk-taker, try out ideas as they arrive with little to no fear of failure. Each collection and project bring on new challenges and rewards, some more profitable than others, but all accompanied by valuable lessons that serve as clarifying guides for future endeavors.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I design Jewelry and Interior Spaces.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success for me has been the ability to dream something up and bring it to life in a tangible way that enhances the quality of my life and those that are touched by the creation. I practice this every day with my children, husband and clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CristenReneDesign.com
- Instagram: @cristenrenedesign
