Meet Christin Severini | Artist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Christin, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am passionate about personal growth and authentic relating, so it is super rewarding to be a facilitator for others in their self-discovery through the Nature Oracle readings I offer. Animals and nature have always been a source of peace and inspiration for me. I also love storytelling. My interpretation of the cards empowers my clients to frame their stories in a way that highlights their strengths and gifts and validates their own inner truth and knowing. I believe that we all have an innate capacity to actualize our fullest selves in order to experience greater freedom, meaning, and joy in our lives. As a former dancer with American Ballet Theatre in NYC and dance teacher of many years, I have experienced first-hand how co-creativity and collaboration can be a tool for positive transformation and change. Artistry can help us transcend what we believe is possible and spark a conversation with the wisdom of our soul. I think something that we all share in common is our resilience. It inspires me to hear the stories of folks who despite their hardships have persevered becoming stronger and brighter in the process, while still remaining vulnerable and open hearted. I am honored to act as a guide for those who sit with me and to be a witness on their healing journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was very lucky to have had the opportunity at a young age to pursue my love of ballet at a professional level. It took discipline, grit, and emotional maturity to get through many of the challenges and to grow as an artist. My colleagues came from various parts of the country and around the world, and we toured nationally and internationally which opened my eyes to different cultures and experiences. I felt at home traveling and would seek out the native art and natural wonders wherever we went. I’ve always had an interest in human psychology and was especially sensitive to animal and human suffering because of my own traumatic childhood growing up in domestic violence. As an empath, I was aware of how powerful our interconnectedness with each other and nature was for good or harm.

After I retired as a professional ballet dancer, I went on to teach creative movement and ballet to youth of all ages. I developed a unique teaching style and philosophy that empowered students to collaborate in their learning process, inspiring enthusiasm and teamwork. At the same time, I was forging my own healing path, exploring different modalities and the latest in trauma informed therapies in order to recover from CPTSD. When I went back to school for creative writing and psychology, my goal was to better understand childhood development and my own recovery process in order to share it in a broader way and to help others. While circumstances prevented me from getting a degree( yet), I had more tools in my tool belt to embark on a creative business pursuit. Something that being an artist and entrepreneur taught me is that you don’t have to follow a traditional path to be successful or to get to where you want to go. Many times it’s the detours in life that are our greatest teachers.

My passion for travel and nature came together in my Wildcatsister travel boutique business where I sold vintage cat and nature themed folk art, while offering self- guided spirit animal and other inspirational readings and poetry inside the camper. The whimsical art and the readings sparked meaningful conversations and storytelling. My business motto was: Protect Wildlife, Support the Arts, Empower Women, Worship Cats! I designed the camper conversion myself and did some of the basic carpentry —  that experience as well as traveling and camping solo on the road was very empowering. There were many synchronicities and transformative encounters and interactions along the way which solidified for me that there is more that connects than divides us. When we are given the opportunity to talk about the important things in our lives and share our stories, it can be very validating and healing. Sadly, during the pandemic due to financial reasons, I was forced to sell the camper, but my vision persisted. I spent some time that year camping and hiking in NM and CO, meditating, grounding, and praying for guidance. I never imagined that my artistry would find its way through my voice, sitting one- on-one with others. This new venture was a stripped down version of the camper boutique vision, combining my studies in spirituality and psychology, my own healing experience, and my love of nature and storytelling to empower others in their personal growth. The whimsical, cat and travel themed atmosphere of my set-up still embodies my gypsy spirit and invites a playful approach to deep inner work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am new to Colorado and blown away by the beauty of the area and diversity of experiences that both Denver and Boulder offer. I work on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder which is a true gem. There are few places in the country with a pedestrian mall where street performers and personal service professionals like myself are a welcomed, vibrant part of the community. Boulder is a hotspot for artists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

A few of my favorite local places to visit on Pearl Street are:

The Yellow Deli- cozy and community vibe, delicious food
Chiri’s Momo Delight- Food cart with yummy homemade Dumplings. Owners are so friendly and kind
Ruthies Boardwalk Social – fun place right by the splash pad on the Pearl Street Mall for drinks sandwiches and ice cream.
Trident Booksellers and Cafe- local art, books, tasty treats and coffee
Avanti Collective Eatery – local eats and great view of the city

I am a hiking and camping lover and Colorado has incredible spots for both. Some of my favorites are:

Rainbow lakes Campground- Pristine area close to the quaint town of Nederland
Van Bibber Creek Trail- Beautiful open space with trails along creek (Denver)
Mount Falcon Park- gorgeous views of the front range
Golden Gate Canyon State Park- Vast wildlife conservation area

For live entertainment and unique events, the Paramount theater in Denver is awesome. I saw Neil Gaiman speak and read from his latest book, The Sandman, recently.

There are so many amazing festivals in Boulder. It was fun to be a part of the Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival celebrating the first days of Spring and the beautiful tulips on the Pearl Street Mall.

BolderBoulder – “best road race on the planet” was a thrilling event to witness

Band on the Bricks brings local music to the Pearl Street Mall every Wednesday June- August -Boulder’s summer concert series- another community event that makes Boulder so special.

Pearl Street Arts Fest- Every July showcasing a diversity of artists- one of the oldest art festivals in the state!

I am a big fan of Farmer’s Markets and both Denver and Boulder host regular markets that are a highlight of my weekends.

South Pearl Street Farmers market every Sunday and Boulder County Farmers Market Saturdays and Wednesdays.

I am looking forward to tubing on the boulder creek this summer!

Oh and Grandrabbits Toy Shoppe was such a sweet place to get a birthday gift for my 3 year old nephew.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be here today without the women in my childhood who were like surrogate mothers to me. They made me feel seen in ways that connected me to my inner truth and planted a seed of authenticity that guided me as an adult. Sometimes it only takes one kind person to change the trajectory of your life. I am grateful to my family who taught me that being an artist was a worthwhile and valid pursuit. The counselors and teachers who supported me the most in my life were those who expressed genuine interest, empathy, and encouragement and understood vulnerability to be a strength. I learned through these experiences how powerful a listening ear and heart can be to validate and reclaim one’s story. I am blessed with a few close friends who are like family to me and inspire me daily to reach for my dreams. I am thankful to Boulder for embracing me on the Pearl Street Mall and giving me the opportunity to contribute to their vibrant community. And of course, big shoutout to all the cats who have graced my life, especially Miss Anu, my feline spirit companion. She inspired my business to begin with and continues to guide me, whether I like it or not. LOL. Finally, thank you to Shoutout Colorado Magazine for inviting me to share my story.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildcatsister/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christin-severini-770888b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildcatsister

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqWNLYvtvorAc7pYPaiGtDg