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

Hi Khrystian, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
As a creative one of the principles I value most in life is having a creative outlet. I found after years of a dutiful day in, day out sort of existence, my soul seemed to shrivel and die. I became a fraction of my true essence. One day an idea and an investment sparked this creative flame again one year ago, and it didn’t take long to fuel my creative flame into an inferno. I found art again and I forgot how much I need art in my life! I will never forget that valuable lesson life taught me. To create you must imagine, to imagine you must tear off the constraints of in-the-box, “right and wrong” to make something new, extraordinary, or edgy.

Additionally, creating requires tremendous risk and even vulnerability, and that is scary. So it challenges us. The act of creating embodies risk, courage, forward movement, play and growth. And these are essential to a vibrant life and satisfying life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I do wood burning art by hand on antique Colorado barn wood at least one hundred years old. I find the old barn wood sold online and drive out there to shop for boards that are both rustic and beautiful. Each board is measured, stenciled and then burned by hand, a tedious process. My boards start at small one foot by two foot signs, to large three foot long hanging signs or six foot tall standing signs. My work is custom and by hand, so it is hard to compare to anything else out there that is done my machine or made in a factory, and I am very proud of that. I take custom orders like family names or home towns and add not only date established, but grid coordinates of the location or property, which is a design that makes it completely original! Some of my favorite designs are the last name with the coordinates of their wedding venue to celebrate their marriage and family. Or a sign with the home town name and the city coordinates. My art is perfect for weddings, anniversaries, house warming gifts, or personalizing your home or property!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hands down the first and most unique spot I take my friends to is District 11 in downtown Colorado Springs. There are many restaurant experiences you can replicate but this place is in a league all of its own! I am always proud to take my friends there, especially the out of towners and each one is wowed by the originality! After that extravaganza I think live Jazz is always a must and we would head down the street to the new Epiphanies for outstanding live music and Cuban food. Locally owned of course! For your breathtaking outdoor experience, which is a must in Colorado Springs, I would take them on a hike at the Garden of the Gods. Drinks, music, and glorious views, there is not much more to say than that.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout out goes to my sister Jordyn, a wife, mother and fellow entrepreneur! We all need cheering in life, and she has cheered me on at each step. Being a Mom is hard, and becoming a working Mom is even harder! She understood the weight of a hard day and all the plates I had to keep spinning while I was creating a business from the ground up, and because of that her encouragement meant the most to me! So thanks, Sister, for all your texts and hugs. I felt seen by you at each step and that gave me the bravery to keep stepping and create this business I am proud of!

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