Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Gilley.
Hi Kristin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been creating since I was a kid. It never mattered to me what I was making… art… music… friends…as long as I was busy. I’ve been busy creating myself ever since. After high school, I started working as well as stepping into the Music Festival Circuit, playing music and vending my artwork. It was there that I heard the calling. The same energy that has carried me to this day.
I spent a few years traveling, doing acoustic gigs before landing again. During that time, I discovered jewelry making. Something that I told myself I’d never do when I was younger. (Funny how life has a way of humbling you over and over again until you figure it out). Those years were packed full of lessons of patients, forgiveness, self-acceptance, and love.
As the years have continued, I’ve only dug deeper into self-discovery. Although I typically find myself to be a private person, I share my story as an offering. My mission is to encourage others along their path to finding true peace…
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Any road you take is going to have potholes. The year I turned 25 was a huge transition period for me. To the common eye, I was restarting. New home, new friends, new excitement, and a new confidence that I would have never had if I hadn’t had the courage to step through my fear of the unknown. On the road, you meet a lot of new people in strange places. Sometimes situations are uncomfortable, but those moments are often the most rewarding. Through all of the fun and all of the struggles, I found new love. I clung tighter to my roots. It taught me the importance of family and exploring yourself. Circumstances can change in the snap of a finger. Self-Love is the ultimate win. The beauty lies in the details.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For most of my adult years, I have specialized in making custom stone/copper jewelry as well as performing as a singer-songwriter at public community events. In all my endeavors, I strive to represent the true nature of humanity with its ebbs and flows. From the natural materials used to create each piece of jewelry to the tender lyrics of a song birthed from joy, struggle, and life experience, each song and each unique piece carries the essence of the moment it was created.
Authenticity is the key to any accomplishment. Sometimes you have to break through the walls of right and wrong to get to the core of what you believe in. It’s within that core that you find the strength of your voice to uplift another. My best advice would be to remember that in all things, little things make big things happen. It’s up to us to decide how far we want to take it.
These passed two years have been a huge transition for me. Along with newly performing solo, I now have an amazing, custom-built mobile studio that I use to write and create jewelry in. I am also about a month away from releasing my first studio-quality “single.” Life and love transform me every day.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I wouldn’t be half the woman I am today without the support of my family, my friends, and the community we’ve all worked together to build. From Ohio, down to Tennessee, and to all the places & faces I’ve had the honor of communing with. Thank you! I owe a special thanks to my parents (James and Dianne Gilley) as well as my siblings (Nathan, Derek, Devin, Elisha & Maria… the kids, and Grandpa!) for always pushing me to do my best and encouraging me to do what makes me happy.
To my favorite human, Clu Coggins for loving and “learnin“ me through everyday struggles. Helping me along, guiding and believing in me through each process, always by my side. The one who lifts sorrows and puts a smile on my face, thank you.
To Kevin Holycross, the believer, musical mentor, practical joker, oldest & best friend I’ve ever had the honor of knowing. You’ve helped guide and transform me from my core. Thank you is never never enough.
To the wonderful music makers of INDUBIOUS for inspiring me daily and writing the soundtrack of truth and soul. Your words and rhythms have helped align me with my life’s profound purpose from the moment I first saw you perform. Our friendship has opened up another realm of reality. For all that, I thank you.
And to every other supportive soul I’ve met and am yet to meet along the way, your love doesn’t go unnoticed!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Elementalstatedesigns_ @kaygeemusic_
- Facebook: Elemental State Designs KayGee Music
Image Credits
Robin Ford
Britni Fout
