Background Behind the Blogger
Nice to meet you!
Oddly, this post has been the hardest to write thus far, not because I’ve lost excitement for this blog-venture but because I’m not the keenest on talking about myself. Nonetheless, I think it’s imperative to share my story, share my excitements and name my passions. First, my name is Kendra Gilts, nice to meet you! I live with my wonderful husband in Austin, Texas. If you were to ask me what I thought about Austin three years ago, when I first moved (without any plans, a car packed with all my belongings and no community) I would have given you two thumbs way down. Everyone seemed to love it here. All transplants were living their young lives with blissful joy in the summer heat and I kept asking myself, “What am I missing?!” I missed my friends and family back in Mountain View, CA and my friends from college in Oregon. But I had this calm understanding that Austin was where I should be; God knew exactly what he was doing. He had a plan and He gave me massive amounts of serenity even though I didn’t exactly love the location. To be honest, I’m not absolutely in love with Austin even now. But it’s home.
Why I Love Design
I don’t want to make this a historical lesson on my past, but I do want to divulge how proud of my parents I am. I grew up in Silicon Valley during the 90s where the entrepreneurial spirit went viral and people were working hard in this digital network where technology was moving faster than anything else we’ve been alive for. My parents are extremely hard working and I’m so thankful to have that foundation. With the world moving so quickly, I observed–first hand– how great design made a difference for technology, companies and individuals. Great design can make an impact. I studied Cultural Anthropology and American Ethnic Studies in college which encouraged critical thinking, dimensional research of people and cultures and a holistic worldview. All this merged with the optimism, common sense and creativity has built my current adoration for brand design and communication strategy.
People Matter, Always
I cry at the drop of a hat. If you know me, you’ve seen me cry. I use to be so embarrassed about it; I’d do everything at the movie theater to make sure strangers couldn’t see my mascara running at the end of a movie as we funneled out of the musty room. I cry if I can’t stop laughing or if I see the joy in someone’s eyes after they describe their true passions. It wasn’t until I met one of my best friends in college who relayed over and over, “emotions are power.” I wasn’t the craziest person in the room; I just cared, a lot. I care deeply for people. I love to hear stories of adventures, passions and strife. I know I like someone the moment we meet if they are honest and we can go deep. Deep conversations are my joy; they encourage me in ways nothing else does. Deep conversations with humor; now that’s a sweet spot. I only hope to one day create works that proliferate deep connections and foster an encouraging community because…people, matter. You matter.
“What Will NY152 Say Today, I Wonder”
I own all my favorite movies on VHS; it makes me happy. I love the grain of the tape, the curvature on the screen and the discoloration when the tape stretches. My most favorite movie in the world, lives in the VCR because I can never get enough. You’ve Got Mail. I can watch it at any time, in any mood and it makes me feel like me. I can’t explain it. Zac, however, doesn’t enjoy watching movies over and over again. He doesn’t like the collection of VHS tapes, or the collection of dust that lives on them. But he’ll watch it with me on days I really don’t want to do anything else. And that’s why I love him so much. He loves so well. I’m far from perfect, but he’s taught me that the little things matter when showing someone you care deeply for them. It’s not the extravagance, it’s the quiet moments, the simple moments.
This is only a little piece of me, but I can’t wait to share more as I grow with courage. I would love to say hello and hear your thoughts so leave comments or sign up for the (very new) newletter (to the right) so we can start a little pen pal chain.