We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristen Jansen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Yes and Yes!

Many times I have questioned if I’d be happier with a ‘regular’ job. When I am at a point where I truly consider thinking of other options, I make my pros & cons list. The pros of staying in my artistic career always knock the cons out of the park. I then regroup, decide to be positive and then make new art! So far I’ve found I’m never unhappy with my career, but possibly just bored. Its then time to put down the things I’m currently working on and pivot to something new. So far it has been just what I’ve needed!

Kristen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello! I’m Kristen, artist and textile designer from northern Minnesota, and owner of Juniper Blue.

I offer art prints and patterns on fabric, tea towels, gift wrap and greeting cards with a scandi-folk vibe. My designs are inspired by nature and all things delightful.

My hope is that my designs bring feelings of joy and peacefulness to others.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

First of all, being able to play and create as a career is so much fun! I often catch myself surprised that I get paid for doing what I’d want to be doing on my days off. Of course there are days that feel boring or uninspiring, but the joyful days far outweigh those. I feel a huge honor to have my art and textiles chosen by people. Each order has me so incredibly grateful and I can share what brings me joy with others. It never ever gets old.

Secondly, the flexibility this career has given our family has been amazing. I’ve been so thankful to be around to help with all the appointments, sick days, summer breaks and in Minnesota- snow days! I’ve been able to do what I love, surrounded by the people I love. Pretty sweet!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When we started our family, I decided to stay home with our littles. I opened an Etsy shop filled with hand-made baby items, to give my creative side an outlet.

I fell deeply in love with the fabric I was working with. So much so, I opened an online fabric shop- Juniper Blue Textiles. During this time, I dreamed of having my own designs on fabric, but had no idea how to go about that. It was a successful venture, which grew year after year until it outgrew our home. We built a beautiful studio on our property and everything was going swimmingly.

Fast forward to 2020 and Covid shutting all the fabric store doors, my online fabric shop completely sold out! I was gifted the opportunity to either restock and continue on, or pivot and chase my pattern design dream into the unknown. I was so scared to take the leap, but am beyond thankful that I did. Now I only sell fabric with my designs! And it is just as exciting as I had hoped it would be.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.JuniperBlueDesigns.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/juniperbluedesigns/
• Other: Not a huge fan of social media, so that’s all I’ve got!