The Summer I Redefined Success

This was the summer I walked away from my creative director role and finally bet on myself. No commute. No endless meetings. No missing the little things.

It wasn’t an easy decision—walking away from a title, a team, and a steady paycheck always comes with its share of “what ifs.” But deep down, I knew the life I was craving couldn’t be found sitting at a desk for someone else. I wanted to create, but I also wanted to be present.

Instead, I gained time—real, unhurried, coffee-on-the-deck, sandy-feet, spontaneous-lunch-date kind of time. I didn’t miss a single family moment. I got to say yes to last-minute beach days, weekday adventures, and quiet moments at home. My quality of life didn’t just improve—it skyrocketed.

I realized quickly that “success” for me wasn’t about climbing higher on a corporate ladder—it was about designing my life so I could be there for the things that matter most while still using my skills and creativity in meaningful ways.

I took on three amazing clients, which turned out to be the perfect balance for working from home with the kids. And I couldn’t have done it without my husband’s support—he’s been all-in from day one. We originally talked about me going back to work this fall, but the work I’ve been doing with Saltwater Collection has been such a natural fit for our family that we decided… full send into owning my own lifestyle and design company!

It feels liberating to work on projects I choose, with clients who inspire me, and on timelines that work for my family. There’s a freedom and joy in knowing my business is built on intention, not obligation.

My Creative Journey

For those new here, I graduated from UMass Dartmouth with a degree in Graphic Design and Letterform. My very first summer after college, I worked at a newspaper on Martha’s Vineyard—a season filled with creativity, island sunsets, and the kind of fun you can only have in your early twenties.

That first job wasn’t just about learning the ropes—it was about learning to adapt, take risks, and think on my feet. Those lessons have stayed with me through every career pivot since.

From there, I joined a boutique screenprinting shop, where my love for apparel design began. Life took me north to Portsmouth, NH for my husband’s job, where I found myself working in political design before landing a full-time role as a graphic designer for a global tech company.

Each role added new tools to my creative toolbox—whether it was understanding production processes, learning how to tell a story through design, or figuring out how to manage multiple projects while keeping the creativity alive.

Then came baby #1 and a move back to the South Shore, where I spent almost eight years at a design agency working alongside friends—and making so many more along the way. It was an incredible run, but eventually, I knew I needed a break—to slow down, focus on family, and make room for the work I truly love.

Leaving wasn’t about burnout—it was about clarity. I finally understood that the next chapter was going to be written entirely by me, and that was both exhilarating and terrifying in the best way.

Where I Am Now

And that’s how Saltwater Collection was born—a brand that blends my love for design, the coastal lifestyle, and the freedom to create on my own terms. This summer has been proof that I can run a business I love while still being the mom, wife, and friend I want to be.

It’s the sweet spot I didn’t think I could have—doing fulfilling, high-quality creative work without sacrificing the very life I’m designing it for.

My days look different now. I get to start the morning with coffee on the deck instead of in traffic. I can take a midweek beach break with the kids, have lunch with a friend, or sneak in a creative burst of work during screen time. There’s no rigid clock to punch, just the flow of projects and life weaving together in a way that finally feels balanced.

And honestly? That balance is the real win. I’m no longer measuring my worth by hours logged or emails sent—I’m measuring it by the joy and energy I have for both my work and my family.

Saltwater Collection isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of everything I’ve learned in my career, my creative style, and my belief that life should be as beautiful and intentional as the work you do. I’m saying yes to projects that excite me, working with clients who inspire me, and building a portfolio that feels authentically me.

This fall, I’m excited to kick off a brand-new project—so if you’re ready for a glow-up (or have no idea where to start), I do! Let’s grab a coffee and make it happen.

Stay Salty

XOXO

Kristin