We were lucky to catch up with Kristen Griego recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept—it’s deeply personal, shaped by our values, goals, and the impact we hope to make. But regardless of the path, true success requires a combination of vision, discipline, resilience, and integrity.

First, it takes clarity of purpose. You need to know what you’re working toward and why it matters to you. That sense of direction becomes your compass when the road gets tough.

Second, it takes consistency and discipline. Talent can open the door, but it’s daily effort—the small, repeated actions—that builds something lasting. The ability to show up, even when motivation fades, is often what separates those who dream from those who achieve.

Third, it takes resilience. Failure, setbacks, and rejection are part of the journey. You have to be willing to learn from them without losing momentum or belief in yourself. It’s about adjusting the sails, not abandoning the ship.

Fourth, it takes humility and a willingness to grow. The most successful people are often the most teachable. They seek feedback, learn from others, and never assume they have it all figured out.

Finally, success requires integrity. Staying true to your values, treating people well, and doing the right thing—even when it’s hard—builds trust and credibility. And in the long run, character is just as important as achievement.

Success is not just about reaching a destination—it’s about who you become on the way there. When your goals align with your values, your work is driven by passion, and your actions are rooted in persistence and purpose, success naturally follows.

I was never handed anything, I gained experience in my career and with my faith and background I pushed myself and took risks that seemed impossible and scary. I would say the peace from that decision is what showed me I was already succesful. Learning and growing are the things that keep me motivated and questioning whats next.

Kristen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Kristen Griego, and I reside in Santa Fe, New Mexico – an absolute art mecca! I had a passion for making my own art as a little girl and was inspired by growing up in the art world. While I was persuing my Bachelor degree from The University of New Mexico, I worked in one of the best art galleries in Santa Fe – where I gained a lot of my experience. Fine art is mostly a luxury, so unfortunatley when the pandemic happened I had to persue another dreams. I relocated to Denver, CO for a year where I became a speaker for a brilliant organization called COVA (Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance). This organization is very important to me because when I was seventeen my father was murdered and this organization helped me through such a traumatic experience. It inspired me to offer support for others who have gone though similar experiences. At this point I also decided to persue a second Bachelor degree in Nursing to eventually become a Nurse Practitioner, and my Master Degree as a Liscensed Clinical Social Worker. I am currently still working on both simultaneously. I eventually came back to Santa Fe, after being offered a position as an art gallery director. I did that for a year and learned everything I needed to know about having my own gallery, which happened as a surprise exactly one year later. My biggest accomplishment thus far has been building and owning a high end art gallery in a prime location in the downtown Santa Fe plaza area at the age of thirty! Opening this gallery happened unexpectedly and fast all because I took a risk and a leap of faith. Now I am in my fourth year as a business owner and am so blessed to have such wonderful artists and clients and the best part is I get to be surrounded by beautiful paintings and sculptures everyday. iI represent over thirty artists from all over the world which provides a diverse variety of subjects, but focused on more of a southwest style. My gallery also carries authentic Native American jewelry as well as fine jewelry such as 14 and 21 karot gold and diamonds. I would have never imagined myself here even five years ago, so I am forever grateful for this opportunity. Each year that I host national shows or private events, I give back to different art schools like Santa Fe Prep, or charity organizations like SLC6A1, and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. I would like to expand that to the American Cancer Society, St. Judes, Animal foundations, the Alzheimers association and much more. I have so many ideas for the future of the gallery and am excited for what is to come. As a latina woman, I am proud of my accomplishments but will always remain humble and grateful. The business side of the art world isn’t always easy and being so young I have had to work so much harder in many ways to become successful because there are people out there who will want to see you fail and even try to make that happen. However, I can say that as long as you are a kind and good person, show up for yourself, have self-respect and good intensions, things will always work out at the end of the day. Looking back at all of the hard things I have gone through in life, it feels good knowing that I was an exception to the rule.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Some of the books that I liked to read were; Playing Big by Tara Mohr, Own It by Sallie Krawcheck, Gallery Girl Podcast, ArtTactic and much more.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My journey has had moments where it’s been incredible and moments that have been scary. The art market fluctuates and Santa Fe has a tourist season. In the off time it can become slow and especially when elections happen. Always trying, keeping good relations, having new artwork available and keeping good faith are what keep me resilliant. I have to tell myself “You didn’t come this far just to come this far”. It’s easy to want to give up at times or be lazy but you can’t. People think that having a business is easier, but you actually work harder and more with less freedom and money at times.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.legendsofthewestfineart.com
• Instagram: legends of the west fine art