This year at the 13th Annual Women’s Forum, local business owner, and community advocate, Christy Kinsman will be honored as the 2018 Woman of the Year. Christy makes Ridgefield a better place.
1. How do you feel about receiving such a PRESTIGIOUS award like this?
Answer: It’s an amazing feeling to be honored just for being yourself! My parents instilled in me a love of family, love of community and love of country. I have been so fortunate to craft a life that allows me to give my time, share my resources and open my heart to those three things.
2. After years at The Little House Shoppe, you’ve recently opened a new store The Angel Cooperative on Ethan Allen Highway which you co-own with Laura Ancona. Tell me how that came about.
Answer: We have been best friends for over a decade, affectionately calling each other "soul sisters" long before we ever imagined just how far that divine connection would take us. We met through our mutual connection to real estate. Laura has been practicing real estate since 2004 and I have been providing staging and interior decorating services to Laura's clients long before "staging" was even a well-known term. As with everything in life, timing is everything. My lease for The Little House Shoppe was coming up and Laura and Joe’s tenant next to Tusk and Cup had moved out. So, Laura and I had been batting around ideas when one day she called and said, “I have it! We’re going to open a store together, sell rose quartz bracelets (Laura’s favorite!) and call it The Angel Cooperative!” I said yes immediately and added that we’ll be purveyors of positivity. The rest fell into place!
We are Purveyors of Positivity (POP) for the home, body, and soul. POP in and see for yourself.
3. You are President of the Board at BearHug, Inc which was started by your daughter Campbell. Tell me about your involvement in the organization and its mission that helps bring joy to so many.
Answer: Campbell started BearHug as a service project for school. The idea of thanking a military child whose parent is deployed for his/her service to our country really struck a chord with people. She realized she had something special because people were asking to donate like crazy! Immediately, I took on the role of making sure we were registered with the state and IRS so we could accept donations. She started with 50 kids and has since sent thousands of packages all over the US.
4. You’ve had one blessing after another this past year in a half! New store! Woman Of The Year! You’ve even got a WEDDING coming up this summer! What’s next for Christy Kinsman that you pray will happen in the future?
Answer: A few years ago I decided to start each day by stating something I’m grateful for. That simple task changes your perspective. I already have so many blessings but I am hopeful the future holds more time to spend with those I love, good health and the ability to continue to spread love and positivity in the world.
5. Anything you wish I had asked?
Answer: I’m just so thankful for our community. It’s really an honor to create a space and have such amazing feedback!