Bohemian Business Spotlight

Color + Pattern

I read about this talented woman in Better Homes & Gardens a few months back and was instantly in love with everything she does. I believe I placed an order the day I read about her, and then I sent her a tweet to let her know that I was going to be in touch and that I loved her products! What I love about Khristian A. Howell is that her expertise in color and pattern is so spot on. It's trendy but still unique and her work adds life to any home or office. Check out this amazing interview!

I won't ask your age, but what was your favorite T.V. show to watch growing up? 

Ha!  I'll tell…90210 and ALF.

What or who gave you the courage to start a business?

My mom and dad always had an entrepreneurial spirit. They always wanted to be the masters of their own destiny. Both of them tried various ventures, but never made this dream a full reality. I like to think that I learned a lot by watching their successes and failures in business. 

Out of all the creative businesses you could have chosen to start, why did you choose Color & Pattern expert?

I don't think any artist chooses it. This path chose me. 

Lots of people want to be their own boss for obvious reasons, however they don't understand that it takes a great deal of commitment, and hard work. What's your work-day like and how do you stay focused?

My work-day is so different every day. I am constantly trying to stay focused, manage the chaos, and work efficiently.  What I have learned about myself is that I work in very intense spurts. I have times of really intense hyper focus followed by periods of rest. This is just my natural rhythm, and I have stopped trying to fight it. I used to feel really guilty and think I should be working with that kind of intensity every day. I would try to push myself through these periods. I would wind up not getting anything done, and just miserable. I am learning each day on this journey to really listen to my inner voice and my body. 

How do you find the strength to persevere when the challenges seem to outweigh the rewards?

I have not felt a time when the challenges out weigh the rewards honestly. I am so committed to living this lifestyle that I really can't imagine any other way. I am so thankful everyday that I get to do what makes me happy, and live a life to my own beat. Coming back to this place of gratitude gets me through the tough times. 

What inspires you?

Travel! Culture,food, music, laughter. 

What's your go to wine when it's time to unwind? :)

I really love Amarone. Deep, rich and earthy, yum!!

Most people who want to start a business don't know where to begin...any suggestions?

Make a list (and then more lists!) and just start!  There is no formula in my view and there are many, many paths to success!

When it comes to the following words, what advice would you give?

Work: hard and with integrity. 

Self:  don't identify self by what you do for work

Life: don't take it so seriously. Just have fun!

Love: love hard and with total abandon 

Friends:  be loyal, caring, and laugh your face off together!

I define a Bohemian Spirit as someone who is free, unique, and unafraid to make her own stamp on the world. Why are you a Bohemian Spirit?  

Someone recently called me fearless. It made me stop in my tracks and think, who me?!  Then I realized what a compliment it was. Then I realized, even though I would not have said this about myself, I guess I am. My husband asked me a long time ago when we were first together, "What is there to fear?". I could not answer him. That moment, simple and pure as it was changed my life. I mean really what is there to fear?  So I try something and it doesn't work. So what?!  Really, there is nothing to fear and I know each day that I am an endless well of creativity, as we all are. 

Khristian A.Howell

Khristian A. Howell Color + Pattern

khristianahowell.com

I bring life to products and spaces with my keen eye for color + pattern.  Join me as I embark on a color revolution!