SelfMade Speed Round - Krista Trpkovski
I met Krista only recently and was immediately struck with how warm she was. Little did I know that she was the force behind Imperfect Grace which has been a social media profile I had been admiring, specifically on Instagram, for the last year. Her elegant, dainty jewelry designs are ideal for the urban momma on the go. Unique and minimalist with a touch of rock star. My kinda profile.
If you don't know the skinny behind this iconic brand, meet the babe who started it all...
And if you missed last week's self-made babe, click here: Melanie
ENTREPRENEUR: KRISTA TRPKOVSKI
CITY: CHICAGO
COMPANY: IMPERFECT GRACE
What’s the name of your business? Imperfect Grace
Two sentences or less...what is the goal of your business? I’ve loved jewelry since I was little, it has always been my way to express my style. When I started looking for a few fine jewelry pieces to add to my collection, I couldn't find what I was looking for, so I had to design them myself. I wanted my pieces to be unique and versatile, classic but with a modern twist, and so Imperfect Grace was born.
How long have you had your business? I was dreaming it up for some time, but officially in business for over a year
What was the hardest part about getting started? Actually doing it! I was pregnant with my daughter, had a full time job, and decided that was the optimal time to get started a business (insert rolling eyes) - but it was one of those points in my life that I knew if I didn’t do it then, it might have never happened.
What is the biggest triumph you’ve experienced thus far? Launching my first collection and getting it into stores.
What’s for breakfast? Coffee, belvita crackers or banana with peanut butter
Kids - yes/no and if yes, how many/ages? Yes, one and she is one, although if you ask her, she will tell you she is two
Workout? What do you love to do? Power yoga, it keeps me sane
Favorite snack? Dark chocolate, dark chocolate is good for you, right? Otherwise, greek yogurt
Favorite guilty pleasure? Cadbury eggs, i have no self control when it comes to cadbury eggs
Best vacation you’ve ever taken and why? Paris, hands down Paris. It truly left a life-changing impression on me, it’s a magical city, everything about it is incredible. And I was truly impressed with how effortlessly chic the Parisians are, really something to aspire to.
One must have item in your purse? Baby wipes, they solve every crisis.
Go-to everyday uniform? Jeans, tshirt, leather jacket and my staple jewelry pieces, I never leave the house without at least a piece of jewelry.
Favorite luxury beauty product? YSL touche éclat (aka 8 hours of beauty sleep in a click) because #momlife
Favorite drugstore beauty steal? Loréal Infallible pro matte lip gloss, it’s actually quite good
Milk or dark chocolate? Dark
What did you want to be when you grew up? Jewelry designer!
What’s your party trick? Abundance of alcohol, similar to baby wipes, it fixes everything
Name one destination on your bucket list? Amalfi Coast
Favorite TV program? This Is Us
Beyonce or Jay Z? Beyonce
Wine or cocktail? What kind? Wine, red
Your friends’ nickname for you is? K (creative, right?)
What’s next for your business? Continuing to grow the awareness of Imperfect Grace and new sparkles
Pets? What kind/name? Sadly I’ve never had a pet
Favorite neighborhood in Chicago? West Loop, only because that’s where my family and I currently live. I think every neighborhood in Chicago is unique and has a lot to offer
Podcast listener? Which one? Used to be, but since I don’t have a commute to work now, I’ve dropped the ball on keeping up with my podcast game
Biggest pet peeve? Loud chewing
What’s your sign? Aquarius
What’s your favorite quote? “The world belongs to the brave” - mom
Thank you Krista. xx
My agency is moving towards it’s 10th anniversary. (@oakstsocial) I’ve been waking up frequently wondering, “how did I/we get here?” Tbh, it’s a bit of a blur.