Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Kinder.
Hi Kristen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been surrounded by art my entire life. I became engulfed with art at a very young age; my dad was an artist and would paint many pictures, including portraits. In those times, I believe two things became my tools for my businesses, a camera and a paintbrush. My first camera was a disposable Kodak camera and I’ve been taking photos ever since.
I’ve always loved hats, fedoras being my favorite. Fedoras have always looked like an empty canvas, much similar to my father’s art materials I can remember as a kid. I sat on the idea for two years until I met Bianca Malcolm. I truly believe when you meet the right people, something amazing happens. 1820 Hats was birthed from the idea that “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in the mist of them.” Matthew 18:20. I believe that the perfection of His power is in agreement (covenant/partnership). 1820 is a lifestyle.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe that the greatest struggle is in our minds. I couldn’t wrap my mind around the idea that I could actually own my own business or make an impact in a fashion culture that could change the world. I went to college right out of high school and in the middle of my junior year, the school lost their accreditation. I had to start over from square one because non of the schools would take my transcripts from that college. I was hurt and embarrassed. I felt like a failure and I wanted to quit, but my mom kept encouraging me. I remember hearing her tell me to “just give it one more try.” Kris10 Media was created after experiencing one of the greatest heartbreaks of my life. I wanted to die, but there was more I knew I had to do. I could still hear my mother’s voice in the back of my mind, but the truth is that I was trying to prove a point to people who doubted me. My focus, in the beginning, was solely about proving that I wasn’t a failure to other people. The truth is that I had no idea how to run a business because I was never taught to be an entrepreneur. There’s been a lot of trial and errors. The business became part of my healing and the journey slowly shifted to me proving something to myself. I’m so grateful that the pain fueled me until it became the driving force of my resilience in life. The media company became one of our greatest assets for 1820 Hats.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about 1820 Hats?
1820 Hats was created from the belief of Matthew 18:20, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in the mist of them.” The key to the power of God is in agreement. When we come together, powerful things happen. 1820 is a lifestyle. We are a company that creates custom fedora hats with the artistic expressions of life. We adorn our clients by crowning each head in the thoughts of power, love, and a sound mind. Every hat is uniquely created with a special message of wisdom included for each order. Your hat is your crown and we are honored to share our hearts with everyone. We are honored to serve with a message of hope in the fashion industry. It’s not just about fashion, its empowerment. We desire to change the world, one though at a time.
What matters most to you? Why?
My greatest desire is to live the Kingdom message through love. My faith in Christ has been my anchor and the only thing that has been a constant in my life. I know without a shadow of a doubt that my prayers are answered because God has sent me amazing people to help me alone this journey. I want to share that message to the world. There’s hope when we know we aren’t in this alone. The greatest message Christ taught us about love was how to be a friend. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. We are not in this alone, it’s the message with a foundation of hope rooted in love. My mission is to share this with the world.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@1820hats.com
- Website: www.1820hats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1820hats/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1820hats/
