Meet Kristie Stephenson | Creator of Story and Myth

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

Hi Kristie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It was a passion project, a curiosity. I had access to gemstones but became really intrigued by these seeds that grew on a grass. There were also stories and folklore surrounding the seeds. I started researching spiritual jewelry and that took me to the Buddhist and Hindu Mala or prayer beads.  I taught myself how to make them using these seeds. I was into yoga and wellness at the time and no one on the island was utilising the seeds how I wanted to.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The art which is the story telling through chalk drawings and the beads are very intertwined. Story is at the heart of almost everything I do. The beads we use that grow on a grass, the charms we use, all have a story behind them.  I am choosing to tell positive stories that lift up and inspire people, that tell of their history and past. It is a dance between memory, the past, the present and inspiring potential.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d probably take them to one of Jamaica’s archipelagos, I believe we have 28 plus or minus little islands and cays all around. I would take them to one, pack a picnic basket and go out there by boat. Hopefully no one else is  there and one can imagine being on your own private island,  as you enjoy the day from either the vantage point of the boat, diving in or getting into the water and enjoying a nice sea swim. The waves hitting the boat and causing it to rock, I find so soothing, swimming unto shore, finding a nice sandy spot to wade in, looking at the pelicans fly by as they hunt for food, sometimes seeing a sea creature like a starfish, makes you appreciate the mysteries of the sea.  It causes me to search for the symbolism of whatever creature I saw out there and the message that animal might have.  Example the starfish is a symbol of healing and regeneration, it can grow back a limb and become whole again.  A reminder if you are going through any trauma and are feeling broken, it reminds us we can renew and regenerate. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Sharon Feanny and the Wellness Community in Jamaica. Sharon Feanny had this beautiful yoga studio called Shakti, it was a sanctuary. I had no idea that there was a significant wellness community here in Jamaica. She was one of the first persons to wear one of my108 Blessing Bead Mala necklaces made from the beads that grow on a grass.  Sharon often invited me to do beading workshops at her yoga retreats, sell jewelry in her yoga studios giftshop.   She was very instrumental in my journey.

Website: www.storyandmyth.com

Instagram: @storyandmyth

Facebook: www.facebook.com/storyandmyth

Youtube: @storyandmyth4789

Image Credits
Kristie Stephenson