Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Stojanoski.
Hi Kristina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’m a 20-something Macedonian-American born and raised in Metro Detroit. My brand, Kiwa Studio, was birthed from my passion for skincare. In 2018, I was diagnosed with an Irritable Bowel Disease called Ulcerative Colitis which changed the trajectory of my life. At the time I was a second-year student studying to finish my Bachelor’s of Science for Mechanical Engineering. After being diagnosed with this chronic illness, it made me realize that life is short and that I should pursue what I truly wanted to. Kiwa Studio is more than just a skincare company; for me it became a lifestyle and a community that helped me keep going. Like I mentioned, skincare has always been a passion of mine, amongst other things. I contemplated the idea of starting my own business often but was afraid of the outcome. My advice to anybody that wants to pursue their dream of starting a business is, go for it! Do the research, put in the work, and if you’re passionate about it then there is nothing to worry about. With time and effort comes success.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think that overall, life is not often a smooth road; which is exactly what makes the journey so beautiful. With having launched Kiwa Studio at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, I have definitely faced hardships that made the journey a bit difficult, but I think that goes with anything. Which is a reminder that there will always be ups and downs. With Kiwa Studio I truly always want to promote slow living as well as intentional buying. It’s okay to take your time; there’s no rush at all. I feel like I discovered what I wanted a bit later than most and I think that’s okay.
Running a business while also having a chronic bowel disease is not an ideal situation but I think in some ways it’s definitely made me stronger and sometimes even vulnerable. It’s important to know that it’s okay to not be strong sometimes and truly embrace every feeling. This sense of vulnerability has just brought me closer to those around me and to those in my community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Kiwa Studio is a sustainable, clean, and gender-neutral skincare brand. Our transparent motto, From Earth to You, says it all. Our skincare products are made with 100% botanical ingredients that are good for you and good for the earth. We currently have a baseline of 3 products including Gentle Detox Mask, Soothing Mushroom Mask, and Revitalizing Facial Oil; which can be purchased as a set or on their own. What is special about our products is that each product is made with less than 5 ingredients and contain no fillers or preservatives. We pride ourselves in being a low-waste company in which we ship all of our orders with recycled packaging. We’re also ecstatic to let you know that we’ve been featured in British Vogue’s Radiance Solutions. Our cult favorite, Gentle Detox Mask, is #1 on our recommendation list if you’re looking to try our skincare products. It’s a chlorophyll-based mask that is extremely easy to use and gentle enough to be used daily.
Kiwa Studio is more than just a skincare brand; we aim to make our space feel like a community and are always looking for new ways to help out in our community online and in person.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m a huge fan of unwinding with a good fiction book. To me, reading is like an escape, and you can often find me most weekends at my local bookstore reading a good fiction book. I also really enjoy journaling. I think that if you’re not much of a reader, then you should definitely at least write. Writing can most often feel cathartic. To me, it’s a great release of emotions and helps me reflect on my feelings and time periods of my life. I’m also extremely grateful for social media. Though it does not always get the best rap, social media is how I’ve made countless connections with such kind and genuine people all over the world. It makes the world feel a lot smaller than it is and I think when used for good, it can be an extremely useful tool, especially in this day and age.
Contact Info:
- Website: kiwa-studio.com
- Instagram: @kstojanoska2 (personal) kiwastudio (brand)
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kiwa-studio-llc/
Image Credits
Alexis Jeffries
Cece Alana
Sam Sklar
Colleen O’Brien
Kristina Stojanoski
