Meet Kris Picard-Kerscher: Brand/Web Designer & Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kris Picard-Kerscher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kris, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As someone that has struggled with anxiety my whole life, you’d think starting a business is the last thing that would have crossed my mind. A combination of trauma, financial stress, and general anxiety lead me to choose the safest path whenever possible. Why risk failure or hardship if I could avoid it? It’s what led me to go to school online at home when I wanted to travel the world. It’s what led me to get a degree in business management when I wanted one in design. I honestly looked up one day and found myself at my tiny corporate cubicle working as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist – whatever that means. A wave of overwhelm came over me and I knew in order to be happy I had to change everything, I just didn’t know how. A friend recommended I take a trip and within minutes I had booked an 11 day trip to Belize with people I’d never met. Little did I know that first jump would change the entire course of my life.

You see that was the first time I finally put my fear aside and said “my dreams are bigger than my fears, it’s work the risk.” I met my soulmate on that trip. Several months later I took an even larger risk when I left that corporate cubicle, and moved states to be with him – leaving everything I knew behind. Shortly after that I took the dive I had always dreamed about and started my design business.

So what came of such big risks? The man I met on my random trip to Belize is now my husband. The little business I started is now a global studio. We work with women around the world to build the businesses of their dreams, booking their dream clients at their dream prices. Has the anxiety gone away? Absolutely not. If there is anything that I can stress, it’s how much I understand those who suffer from anxiety and are hesitant to take risks. But I share my story in hopes that it might inspire someone else to take the leap and remind them that their dreams are bigger than their fears. You are worthy of the space you hold, and you are worthy of your wildest dreams.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Femme Collective is a design & education studio dedicated to easing the burden fellow women face when branding their dream business. My studio works with women all over the world to build their brands & websites so they can book their dream clients at their dream prices.

The women we work with are often in a cycle of overwhelm and stress. They’ve tried DIYing their brands and have likely purchased web templates in the past, but find not only is their business not doing as well as they want it do, but they’re constantly stressed.

We put a large focus on our clients mental health and easing any stress they have and do so strategically through their personal brand. Hearing how we’ve helped someone quit their toxic 9-5 because they’re now booking clients steadily, or helping someone sleep better at night because we’ve addressed the parts of their business that were keeping them up are both examples of why I started the business in the first place. It’s stories like that, that keep me pushing.

If I could pass any advice on to fellow women in business, it would be that you are enough just as you are. You are worthy of the space you hold. Your voice carries tremendous value. I’d also want them to know that they can absolutely run a successful, fulfilling business while also dealing with anxiety/trauma/depression. You are not alone and my studio is always here if you ever need support.

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?
If my best friend was coming into town I we’d absolutely be setting up a little camping and hiking trip. I find with Covid what I’m really craving is time in nature so I’m picturing a spot near a river where we can have a campfire, roast some marshmallows, and have some good wine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank my husband Ben for his endless support of my big ideas.

Website: Femmecollectivestudio.com

Instagram: Femmecollectivestudio

Other: Tiktok: Femmecollectivestudio

Image Credits
Not applicable all images are my own.