In case you didn’t know, March is Women’s History Month! This year, we’re highlighting the next generation of trailblazing women on our Blawg with our Ladies Who Lead interview series. Today, we’re highlighting Christine Howell of Dear Survivor. 

Vital Stats:

Occupation: I’m a jewelry designer, specializing in transforming recycled materials and sustainably sourced gemstones into your new favorite accessory. A portion of every sale is donated to Generate Hope and their fight against human trafficking.

Background: I have a BA in Sociology and Sculpture from San Francisco State University. I struggled to choose a major in college because I wanted to do something to help humanity, but have always loved art and design. Couldn’t decide on one, so I did both. As a student I couldn’t see how I could intersect my passions, but when the idea for Dear Survivor came to me, I realized it was the place my passion for helping and creating could collide.

Power Lunch: Kale salad and a bag of sour gummies. 

The Good Stuff: 

1. Was your path to your current work linear, or did it take twists and turns? Yes very twisty, but it all connects very logically to me now. I wanted to work for a non-profit when I graduated college, so I moved to LA and worked with an organization assisting the folks on skid row.

After a year I felt so dry creatively, so I got a job as a seamstress making baby shoes, and kickstarted my sculpture career back up. That lead me to a 3 month stint living in a sculpture studio in Budapest, and eventually another stint at a studio in Mexico City.

In 2015, the idea for Dear Survivor struck, which utilized my seamstress and sculptural skills, and enabled me to follow my passion in fighting human trafficking.

2. What does leadership look like to you? Determination, strong work ethic, kindness, and seeing the value in every person around you and helping them see it as well.

3. What is your biggest motivator in your work? I’m motivated to prove that the consumer market is a powerful place for positive change.

4. Can you describe a time when you faced a challenge or setback in your work, and how you overcame it? I have no formal education or training when it comes to business or jewelry, so I feel like I’m always fumbling my way around. Recently I’ve had designs in my head that I’m not technically skilled enough to create. I’ve sat on them for months, holding myself back and telling myself that I can’t do it because of x, y, z….

But this past month I’ve sought out new manufacturing partners, and with them I’ve been able to bring my visions to life. And it’s liberating because these new techniques will allow me to branch into the new places I’ve dreamed of aesthetically. I wish that I hadn’t held myself back for so long.

5. What advice would you give to others who want to create a purpose-driven or innovative space in their industry, but aren’t sure where/how to start? Follow your gut and be true to who you’ve always been. Be nimble, be frugal, ask questions, and don’t hold yourself back.

6. Are you one of those people who “enjoys” networking? What tips do you have for others who are a little less enthusiastic about it? I do enjoy networking! I’m excited for the day when I organically meet people at events again, lol.

You never know who you are going to meet, or how they will come along side you someday in helping you fulfill your dream. The team of graphic designs, web developers, marketing managers, creatives, etc. who have helped Dear Survivor become what it is is a hodgepodge of amazing people I’ve met throughout my years in SF, LA, and SD. It’s always worth it to introduce yourself and share about what you do.

7. If you were going to embark on a new business opportunity, who would you want to be your co-founder, and why? The amazing Cortni Dennis. She was my friend who, years ago, encouraged me to start Dear Survivor, and just in the past year I’ve been able to bring her on as my marketing and business strategist. She’s incredibly smart, has the most work ethic of anyone I know, and has been pivotal in helping see my own potential as an artist and designer.

8. Any resources you’d like to share with our readers that will help them level up their leadership skills and empower them to keep changing the world? How I Built This podcast has been really inspiring for me, it’s helped me see that anyone can follow their dream and become a leader in their own industry.

How to Support Christine: 

Social Media: Follow her on Instagram @dearsurvivor; 

Shop: Check out all of her designs on www.dear-survivor.com (and sign up for her texts/emails to get exclusive updates on new collections!). 

Thanks for sharing with us, Christine!