#STUKGIRL OF THE MONTH: KARA
“A #STUKGIRL is a multidimensional woman of substance. She wears many entrepreneurial hats in this life, embraces her own creativity and self love to the fullest. She does what she loves and inspires others while doing it. And she helps teach girls about self love” – STUK Designs
INTRODUCTION:
Okaaay.. so like how did I meet this fabulous light being that is Kara? At an art event of course! Lol of course, but not really at all. Jasmine (a STUK Team member) and I went to my (no big deal, but famous lol) artist friend Blue’s Zine launch party at the Standard on Sunset. Ah, I miss those days. After sippin, hangin, laughing and lounging, we saw these two fabulous girls who looked like actual #stukgirls - I’m talkin’ the illustrations come to life! So, we introduced ourselves, because we aren’t those girls at the party who never speak to or introduce themselves to other women. We ended up chatting, hangin out that night, exchanged contacts, and the rest is history. I guess Kara is more a real life friend before an internet friend ha, but it’s now a little of both. I ended up following her after that fun night and became obsessed with her interior deign aesthetic. It’s really to die for!
This was filmed awhile ago (at the beginning of quarantine), but quarantine had me very uninspired in the beginning, hence the delay. But HEY, I believe in transparency and divine timing and I think now is the perfect time to release this powerful interview with Kara! Get INTO it babes!
- xo Brette (STUK Founder)
Your Name:
Kara Thomas
Your Zodiac Sign:
Gemini
Career?
Interior Designer
Where are you from?
New Jersey (but, now I live in LA)
What’s your focus, purpose, passion, and contribution to the world?
I’m actually still trying to figure that out. I’m an interior designer, but, I want to do something a little more meaningful than interior design, which is basically catering to wealthy people who have the privilege of hiring a designer. So, I’ve actually been brainstorming ways to make it more beneficial to people. As I grow, I would love to give a portion of my profit to a charity for kids, or do pro-bono projects for nonprofit centers/facilities.
How do you do it and who do you do it with?
For the most part it’s just me. I work freelance for other designers, but I have my own clientele. I also have e-design clients and two clients who are in the NBA here in LA. I am currently rebranding my own shop. I am going to sell candles, I’m going to paint planters and create original pillow designs.
What are your special talents?
Crafty DIY projects; trying to find a way to make design fun on a budget.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am really excited about my shop and different textile designs for pillows. I am also working on a house. I love when people have good taste and trust me, because the owner is making me take lead on this design.
What does your art mean to you?
Art means freedom! It’s a place to be yourself without judgement. You don’t have to be a skilled artist to pick up a pencil, or pen, or paint brush and just have fun with it!
What does love mean to you?
Love is the entire meaning of our existence. Because if you’re living a life without love… then like… what are you even doing, you know? We always seek that too. Whether it’s your kids, your parents, your significant other, or your dog, I feel like we all just want to be loved. I feel like that’s just what we’re doing, that’s what we’re here for.
How does your zodiac sign impact the way you lIVE?
I definitely think that I am true to my zodiac sign, with maybe like a mix of Taurus, because I am on the cusp, so I feel like I have tendencies for both signs. I am true to a Gemini in the way that I am adventurous, maybe a little flighty, not super grounded or disciplined, but I will get it done eventually - maybe not on a strict timeline, but I will get it DONE.
What does God mean to you?
I am still trying to figure that out now that I am an adult. I grew up in church, so I came from the whole black church experience. But then I ended up seeing a lot of stuff within the church that was the total opposite of what these Godly people should be doing. So, for awhile I was turned off from church. And as an adult I have been trying to connect with church more. But I’m realizing that I don’t think, that, is where I need to have a relationship with God. So, now I don’t force church anymore like, I will go every once and awhile, but for the most part I feel like it is just a personal thing. Because there is a higher power (God), whatever you see him/her as. I feel like it’s just a personal thing however you chose to do that. If someone prays over every meal vs. me praying in the morning does not make one person better than another. It’s just a personal choice.
When did you learn self-love?
An intense time in learning self-love, was when I moved to LA actually, almost 7 years ago. My boyfriend and I broke up (the one I moved to LA with). I fell in to a really deep depression. That was my first time really experiencing self-love, because I pulled myself out of that depression by hiking, and spending time with myself and really learning who I am. I was also in my very early twenties too, so it was a lot. But I was really proud of myself for getting past that. I feel like that was my first real experience with having to figure out how to love myself.
How has practicing self-love changed your life?
I just move from a more genuine place of love. I have way more empathy for people. I also have way more self confidence. And I just stopped caring what people think. Well… I never really cared what people think, so I can’t really say that, but I definitely will say it has molded me into who I am right now.
What is your philosophy of life?
It’s short. Enjoy it. Have fun. Take risks. HAVE FUN! We’re here, let’s make the best of it!
What advice would you give someone who is attempting to make a dream into a career?
Try to intern with someone, anyone, just to get a feel for it. I know working for someone for free is not ideal, so I recommend negotiating a fee, but if not, interning will open up a lot of opportunities; especially if you work really hard, it’ll take you somewhere. I would also say to a person stuck in a 9 to 5 job, in a totally unrelated field, GRIND a little. Keep your full time job, grind a little bit, see what you can do in the evenings and on the weekend. Once you feel like you are doing ok, go down to part-time if you can. TAKE YOUR TIME WITH IT. I feel like people are so quick to jump into things without learning about it, and even seeing if that’s what they truly enjoy. Be patient, do your research, intern, and keep your full time job as long as you can.
Nobody knows I… am left handed!
I wish I could stop… poverty.
Self love means… constantly being kind and patient with yourself.
I find true beauty in… authenticity!
I want to teach my child or children that… they can do whatever they want in life as long as you are happy!