Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brooke Kitzhaber. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brooke, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

When I think back to my middle school days, I can’t help but smile at the thought of how thrilled young Brooke would be to see where life has taken her. Back then, I spent hours on my bedroom floor, crafting and tying friendship bracelets. Fast forward to today, and I have a dedicated studio in our home where I create intricate micro-macramé designs, literally tying knots for a living. This transformation into a full-time artist is a recent chapter in my life, one that unfolded over the last six months.

From a young age, creativity was an integral part of my identity. Whether it was through my fashion choices, the way I decorated my room, or my deep love for crafting, there was always an artistic spark in me. However, I never saw myself as an artist in the traditional sense—I couldn’t paint or draw, and I even struggled in photography class. With a degree in mathematics, I found comfort in numbers and logic. But over time, I realized that the title of “artist” doesn’t solely belong to those who can wield a paintbrush.

My mathematics degree led me to teaching 7th grade math at a local middle school. Teaching was fulfilling, but I felt a pull towards something more aligned with my creative instincts. I spend the weekends creating and selling at small local markets.

When the opportunity arose for my husband to start his new job in Tennessee, we knew it was time for a change. I was feeling the strain of burnout, and we both agreed that our transition would be smoother if I took a step back from my career to focus on settling into our new life. This decision was a leap of faith—a risk that involved leaving behind the security of a job with no clear plan in place.

Thankfully, my husband has been unwaveringly supportive throughout this journey. With his encouragement, I decided to dive headfirst into the world of micro-macramé jewelry. It was a leap into the unknown, but one that has brought immense joy and fulfillment. The response to my work has been overwhelmingly positive, and the experience of turning my passion into a profession has been nothing short of exhilarating.

While this risk was daunting, it has reaffirmed my belief in the power of pursuing one’s passions. Middle school Brooke would indeed be proud, and as I continue to weave my dreams into reality, I am grateful for the path that led me here.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Brooke Kitzhaber, and I am the owner and micro-macramé artist behind Mrs. K’s Kreations. Creativity has always been a part of me. When the world shut down in 2020 and we found ourselves confined indoors, I turned to art for solace. Recalling my childhood joy of making friendship bracelets, I picked it up again and began exploring increasingly intricate patterns.

As I delved into friendship bracelets, I unknowingly started venturing into micro-macramé. Many instructional videos I followed were in languages other than English, as this art form is more prevalent in other countries, which made it challenging for me to follow along. Micro-macramé artists typically use polyester string, allowing them to end knots anywhere and burn off the excess, effectively fusing it together. I vividly remember almost burning myself while trying to finish my first piece; using cotton, I accidentally burned the whole thing!

A few months later, at an outdoor market, I learned the term micro-macramé. I was captivated by a local artist’s stunning creations. In the booth for her business, Hermana Luna (hermanalunajewlery.com), I found myself standing in awe, exclaiming to my husband, “This is all knots!” I eagerly asked if she could share insights about her materials and a few knotting techniques. The talented artist, Shana Bertetto, graciously offered to meet with me. Our coffee meeting was enlightening; she introduced me to the right string and taught me a basic pattern. I am endlessly grateful for her teaching, which made such a positive impact on my journey. She unknowingly changed my life!

I quickly became enamored with this craft, tying countless knots until my fingers became calloused! At first I was only able to follow patterns and struggled to use stones, unable to master the technique of wrapping them in string to create a cage. Still, I bravely showcased my work at local craft fairs.

Fast forward nearly five years and thousands of knots later, my skills have significantly improved. I now create my own unique patterns, incorporating natural stones into my designs. I design one-of-a-kind necklaces and bracelets, drawing inspiration from the stones and the natural beauty around me. My work has evolved into a true art form, and people often describe my pieces as wearable art.

Each creation is crafted with the intention of being special to the future wearer. I aspire for my pieces to carry meaning and significance, aiming to bring a smile to someone’s face whenever they wear them. I aim to connect wearers to our precious Earth, allowing them to feel the beauty and serenity of the natural world. In a world that can often be harsh, I hope to add a touch of joy. My online profiles claim that I am, “carefully knotting nature-inspired jewelry pieces to bring joy to your world,” which perfectly encapsulates my mission.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

At first micro-macramé was simply a way to bring calm. I often joke that this is where my inner perfectionist can thrive. While teaching, micro-macramé became my daily moment of peace after work, allowing me to rest and recharge.

As I transition to pursuing this passion full-time, micro-macramé continues to be my soothing outlet, but it has evolved into something much richer. Selling my creations and watching them find new homes brings me immense joy! Each piece I craft holds a unique story, not just in the stones I select, but also in the time and care I invest in their creation, reflecting the experiences and emotions I encountered during the process. When a piece finds its rightful owner, the satisfaction is unparalleled! It’s a magical moment when someone approaches my stand and falls in love with a creation. That feeling is beyond words—it’s as if I had unknowingly crafted it just for them! I cherish hearing the stories people share about the pieces as they wear them.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As I mentioned earlier, I took a leap of faith in the last six months and fully committed to my creative small business. Initially, when people inquired about my plans after our move, I struggled to provide a clear answer. I definitely wasn’t ready to share that I was working on scaling up Mrs. K’s Kreations. Why? I’m not sure if it was embarrassment, but perhaps it was. I wanted others to appreciate how I was investing my time. My goal is for this to become my full-time endeavor. I need to reinforce the idea that being a full-time artist and small business owner can indeed be a “real job.” This is the path I want to pursue and I am really enjoying it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mrskskreations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs_ks_kreations
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mrs-Ks-Kreations-100075878483760/

Image Credits

Elizabeth Kennedy Photography