Today's The Nature Of features a brand new Heartmade maker who we are honored to have visiting us from Austin: Krista Lacey of Roux St. James. With her "intention-based botanical compounds" she's going to leave us all smelling fantastic and feeling even better!
Which living person do you most admire?
Currently I would have to say Deepak Chopra. I recently saw an interview with him and I love his constant sense of calm. He is so in tune with himself and the world.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Righteousness and Justice. In the current state of the world I see so much anger and hatred and it saddens me. I like to believe that people inherently are kind and loving creatures. Things happen in our lives that are cruel, angry, unfair, but that is what teaches us lessons. We need to learn forgiveness, acceptance and how to love again. Traveling down a path of righteousness, or searching for justice, separates us from each other and keeps us from learning acceptance and understanding.
Sorry...this got a little deep!
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Well...I have struggled since my teenage years with this. I currently have to keep myself in check. These days I have to remind myself that this is the body I was given and I need to learn to love an accept what I have. I live in this body and I it is the right body for this time and place. I also don't really believe in plastic surgery...and have better things to do than work out all the time. So I am kind of stuck with what I have!! Ha ha ha (Preach, sister! -- Tracy)
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Honesty. I like a man that knows how to be honest with himself as well as others. A sense of humor and intellect also help!
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Confidence...but not vanity. A confident women knows herself, accepts herself and rules her world. She can handle problems, roll with the punches...and the guys.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Oh..there are lots of them. Like "don't touch that" or "what do you say?" I have a 3 year old so there is a lot of repetition of phrases. It is sometimes mind-numbing, so I have to find ways to switch it up but get the same point across. Sometimes I turn it into a game. ha ha
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Obviously I have to say my husband and my son. They are my world.
However, ART and creativity are truly my greatest loves. I cannot imagine my life without creating something. It is a passion that drives everything I do. So much so, I have a hard time being idle or doing things that do not stimulate that creative spark. I find inspiration wherever I go and in just about everything I do. My mind is constantly reeling...even when I sleep.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
I wish there were two of me! I know, that sounds crazy. There are so many things that I want to do in this world and if I could split myself in two I could maybe do it all, as long as the experience is shared between us!
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing what would it be?
Maybe a cat. They seem to have the life. Sleep all day, get rub downs, climb trees, chase stuff....and they get nine lives!
What is your most marked characteristic?
I am sincere. I try my best to put my heart into everything whether it is related to my business, a conversation, or a person. I try to be as genuine as possible at all times because I feel that people deserve it. It is really all part of my philosophy of sharing love and kindness, being mindful of others and elevating the human experience.
Who are your favorite artists?
I got my undergraduate degree in studio art, so there is a long list of artist. But, I have to say my all time favorite would be Marcel Duchamp. I have a thing for old object, collage, and mixed media work. But I also love when art can make a statement, but also be visually interesting. I feel like he was able to do both.
Which local artists or makers most inspire you?
I can't really pick one. I am inspired by all of my fellow makers and locals. I know how tough being a small maker can be, the ins and outs of show schedules, managing inventory, filling orders, having time to create...then balancing all that with a personal or family life. We are all a veritable hat stand. I also found that the majority of the makers I meet are women, which is even more inspiring.
What is your motto?
Be yourself. Wear what you like (in regards to perfume, but it applies to many things). Be kind.
From Vanity Fair: "The Proust Questionnaire has its origins in a parlor game popularized (though not devised) by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that, in answering these questions, an individual reveals his or her true nature." We've taken the original Proust Questionnaire and modified it a bit for our artists and makers so that they can share more about themselves with all of you. Check out the series to see how they all answered.
