Meet Kristina Sefeldt | Jewelry Designer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristina Sefeldt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
“There is no discovery without risk, and what you risk reveals what you value.” I came across this Jeanette Winterson quote in my late 20s, and recall it every time I’ve come to a fork in the road, or a big decision needed to be made. I left my job about a year ago to pursue my jewelry business full time, knowing it would not be without challenges and that I would be relying on my limited savings while I got things moving. It was a huge gamble. Of course I was nervous, (what if I failed?) but the idea of not doing it began to feel so much worse.

I knew timing would play a big part in the move between careers, so I started looking for ways to set myself up for success where I could. I waited until I was entirely sure this was the move I wanted to make, and only then did I start sharing my idea with friends and family, seeing if my plan would garner support or criticism. It’s different for everyone, but for me personally when I feel deep conviction in my decision, it only grows stronger when people try to talk me out of it, which also shows me I’m indeed on the right path.

I do think it’s only natural to be a little fearful or uncertain while ushering in a new experience- “new” can often feel uncomfortable or clunky because you’re stepping outside of what’s familiar and known to you. It’s important to remember that you are the one choosing this, so at least part of you is ready. My advice is to trust yourself. Believe in good things happening: Sure, what if it doesn’t work out or go as planned? But also, what if it does? What if it’s even better that you could have imagined? I use any “failures” as information and keep going. You figure things out through the doing of them, there’s an inherent learning curve and you keep figuring it out along the way.

My life has taken several pivots through the course of following my heart in search of a path that’s true to me. That truth is even ingrained in my brand: the name Saint Vagabond came from the idea that we are all constantly searching, changing, discovering, creating and the importance of honoring that journey. I believe we are here to create our own unique versions of a beautiful life experience and that risk is often necessary to “level up,” build character and expand into a deeper sense of fulfillment. I’ve always landed on my feet, always believed that the Universe has my back. Remember that the unknown can also be exciting. The worst thing you can do as a creative is deny your authentic voice or cut yourself off from that flow of creativy, so it’s important to keep your focus on what’s possible, amplify the positives and allow the change you have asked for to come through.

When I took that initial leap of faith, trusting that I had this desire to build my brand for a reason, the fear evaporated and the support showed up. My business started to grow and so did my confidence. Sometimes trusting your gut is simply the best advice. Taking the leap of faith in myself has been its own reward. Sometimes we forget the power of believing in our own value, because once you see it then the world can too.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I started Saint Vagabond in 2015, drawn to learning the ancient art of lost wax casting. My pieces are inspired by old world ritual and a love for making things by hand- timeless pieces that reflect a modern interpretation of old world adornment.

I am most inspired by connection: what brings us together regardless of our different backgrounds, and what is innate to us as individuals, that is inherently unique. I draw from various cultures and histories, generations of storytelling, the silence and wisdom of the natural world, and find my own way of weaving these things into wearable creations and personal talismans, for men and women alike.

The entirety of my business has been a journey of self discovery: from learning basic jewelry-making processes to self-taught skills, learning how to build a brand and be a business woman, how to trust myself as each new challenge appears. Running my own business isn’t easy, but I was never looking for easy when I started it! I wanted to create something unique and inspired, something meaningful to me, and I wanted the experience of working for myself and creating my own world.

Saint Vagabond isn’t just about making beautiful jewelry, it’s about expressing yourself and exploring your own story- your own sense of personal discovery, because I believe we all have a story to tell. The jewelry is built to be an extension of that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I’m all about exploring the hidden gems and best local spots, and since I’m currently based in the Highland Park area, I’d want to grab a coffee at Collage or Kumquat (both on York Blvd), then have a light lunch at Kitchen Mouse or Homestate (depending on if we’re in the mood for healthy food or Texas-style tacos). We’d have to save room for dinner because Cafe Birdie is a must, then perhaps finish off with a drink at Good Housekeeping. Ideally, we would have hit up La Cuevita for Happy Hour too.

There are usually interesting shows to check out at the Masonic Lodge or Permanent Records, plus some amazing cocktail spots to meet up at beforehand, like The Grant on Eagle Rock Blvd, and my new favorite hidden gem Apotheke, for its charming atmosphere and unique drink menu. If we’re going the beer route, then it would have to be Benny Boys!

The great thing about LA is that every neighborhood has so much unique style and flavor. Honestly, I’ve lived in Highland Park for 6 years now, and I’m still discovering new hangs. There are so many great local small businesses to support.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course I have to recognize the multifaceted support of all of my friends and family, but I’d like to give a specific shout out to my longtime friend Monica Reyes, not only for her unwavering encouragement and belief in me, but for her direct contributions to the growth and success of my brand. As a creative director, stylist and photographer, she has played a key role in building strong brand visuals, expanding my audience and providing stellar advice for each step of my journey. I feel so fortunate to have someone like her in my corner to celebrate and collaborate with!

Website: https://www.saintvagabond.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintvagabondjewelry

Image Credits
Monica Reyes