Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started as a designer. My 5th grade art teacher told me "Kris, it is a good thing you're good at math because you'll never be an artist". I've never forgotten that day. I never took another art class, never tried to draw, paint, sculpt, glue stuff on other stuff...heck I felt like I could not carve a pumpkin, decorate a cake, make a card, or embellish anything without thinking about her comment.

I was 40 years old and I started to become unhappy in a career I loved for so many years. I was a career non-game wildlife biologist. I went to a therapist who told me I needed a creative outlet...a hobby. I laughed and said, I'm not creative...my 5th grade teacher told me so!" I heeded his advice and went home and Googled "You don't have to be an artist". The first thing that came up was a company that sold sandblasting equipment. They had a video on their website with everyday people happily carving and sculpting fabulous items in glass, stone, and tile. After watching that video about 10 times that evening and after a few beers, I purchased a ginormous professional sandblasting system. I spent all of my free time putting the thing together, making messes, blasting holes in everything and honing my skills.

My initial idea was to etch large-scale architectural glass, hense a large system. However, I was visiting a San Francisco market and noticed some blank gemstone pendant beads and I purchased a few....thinking maybe I could etch a design on them. Nearly a year later, I found them under the seat in my car and gave them a try. I truly loved the finished product and Creative Art and Soul was born. I can't say that I'm a master sandcarver, or even an artist, but I really love what I do. It is magic when one of my sandcarved pendants 'speaks' to someone and their eyes light up, and they seem to shine when they are wearing it. It is a wonderful feeling!

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? I feel everyone has the ability to create (if I can, anyone can). Take criticism lightly, listen, and pay attention, but don't take it personally. And best of all, get your work out there.

What inspires your work? The diversity of people and their cultures, beliefs, and concepts in this great world of ours inspires me the most.

Who are your favorite designers? Wow, that's a tough one. I mainly appreciate designers that really take into account the people that will be wearing their items, and those that utilize eco-friendly materials, and offer their own unique artistic vision without conforming to the "flavor of the month."

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? Beauty and hygiene products that are made with organic ingredients, are not tested on animals, are paba-free, and chemical free.

Where can people find your work? My Etsy shop: http://creativeartandsoul.etsy.com

Anything else? I accept custom and wholesale requests.