Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Smith.
Hi Kristen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
A few weeks ago (June 2022), I was walking through a field of rhododendron in the mountains of North Carolina. I wasn’t familiar with rhododendron before then, yet when I saw those wild mountain flowers, I was in awe of their beauty, but most notably, their wildness—free to bloom without the restraints of cultivation or control. They were growing true to their essence and flourishing thousands of feet above sea level. Only in this wilderness were they liberated to truly bloom in color with sincere authenticity and untamed beauty.
My name is Kristen Smith, and the year I discovered the rhododendron has paralleled my own journey of self-discovery. At its core, and perhaps most profoundly, my story is one of liberation towards sincere authenticity and untamed beauty.
After graduating with my Master’s from Vanderbilt University in 2011, I started a decade-long sprint working in the field of education. I led teachers to the Tennessee State Capitol. I grew an organization to a national level. I mentored educators in Kenya. I coached girls in a remote fishing village on the shores of Lake Victoria. And in the height of COVID-19, I ensured the safety and well-being of over 400 students. Finally, in June 2021, I could not sprint any longer. I could no longer chase that pavement. With all my love for kids and teachers and schools, I knew at the core of my soul that I had to move in a different direction. I had to move further into my wilderness.
The call to transition out of my school leadership position wasn’t a sudden one. There was a loud daily reminder that something was not aligned in my life. Starting in May 2020, I battled with mental health crises that led me to several mental health institutions. Initially, it was stress and anxiety that led me to seek help. But soon after seeing my first therapist, nothing began to make sense. At my core, I was searching for answers. And the more I searched and sought answers, the more I became disconnected. Until there was a point that I didn’t have much will to continue living.
In April 2021, while still trying to find me, I was walking in the woods in Arkansas, and in desperation, I called to the Creator, “God, please show me how to finish the race.” That night I announced to the world that I was queer. And it was in that moment, I finally stepped into my wilderness and for the first time, I could actually breathe. At least since I was 12 and bullied by my peers for being “gay.” Although I rejected those malicious taunts knowing that I couldn’t be gay, those rejections further contained and restrained me.
For the longest, I knew I wanted to write, and finding my wilderness has given me the freedom to do that. I started a blog and website. I traveled and began to find my voice again. Then, as life does, it sends a message sometimes quietly, like that April day in the woods, but often loudly and more disruptive.
On September 25, 2021, my mama, the rock of our family and a well-known attorney in Memphis passed away a few weeks before her 66th birthday. She found out she had colon cancer and a week later, she died. I delivered her eulogy, and as she received her freedom from this earth, I awakened every day with a renewed sense of finding my freedom in the here and now, and as always wished to help others along the way.
Traveling and walking and hiking and nature have always been cathartic and healing for me. Lost in the woods, I found myself. And my goal now is to bring others with me on their own healing journeys. My goal is clear— I want to continue to grow in my own self-discovery and help others, especially black and brown girls and women.
Over the past 12 months, I’ve focused on writing while also allowing my imagination to dream big, huge even. I wrote a few columns and a cover story, and I’m growing my social media presence. In the coming weeks, I’m launching a new website and organization focused on mentoring through nature and meditation for girls in Memphis and in a remote fishing village on the shores of Lake Victoria. But most importantly, I’m listening to myself and loving myself, and trusting the process each day.
Like the rhododendron, I found my wilderness, a place to grow unrestrained, and I want the same for others. Because there is no wilderness without first liberation.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For me, the biggest obstacles have been self-doubt and insecurity. The lurking feeling of not being worthy to hold space as an entrepreneur, as a creative, as a freelancer, as a dreamer. As a black, queer woman, I’m learning to own my space and my story. I continue to expect obstacles along the way, but as long as I trust the process, I’ll continue to conquer my biggest obstacle—me.
I’ve also noticed that the community is not always ready to accept divergent paths. We learn from an early age the socio-economic and puritanical values and norms ingrained in American society and culture. When I chose to leave my 9-5 and believe in myself, I began a new journey without the security that comes from a more traditional path. And one of the things that have helped me to continue moving forward is listening to and reading the stories of other POC who have listened to the call of greatness in their lives —Cicely Tyson, Stacey Abrams, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Michael Jordan, Viola Davis to name a few. I’ve also found a community among creators on social media who are living and sharing their dreams in real-time.
Bottom line, I alone possess the vision for my life. And while others can be supportive, even influential, I have to decide daily to move forward to act upon that vision.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
On the simplest level, I want to be known as a storyteller, healer, and warrior. On September 25, 2022, I’ll officially launch Take a Hike Girl Inc. Through this organization, I’ll continue to use writing to amplify the voices of others, while also introducing a mentoring and mindfulness club for girls. My goal is to focus on wholeness through nutrition, nature, meditation, storytelling, and all forms of artistic expression.
No matter my adventure, I could always count on my mama for support and encouragement. And just as my mom was a big supporter of mine, I want to spread that support to others. One year from now, I’ll be most proud if I haven’t quit and many, many others have joined and started their own journeys to the rhododendron.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think more Millennials and Gen Z’ers will be moving into more non-traditional paths seeking lives aligned with their dreams and visions. I see social media platforms like TikTok creating space for creatives to share their voices and their stories. And as mental health continues to be a priority, more will be searching beyond normal avenues to find wellness and wholeness.
As more people step into authenticity, our world will become more colorful and hopefully, more accepting.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.takeahikegirl.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comewithkrissy/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comewithkrissy/
Image Credits
Maya Smith
Dalia Molina
