Daily Inspiration: Meet Kris Stephenson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris Stephenson.

Hi Kris, 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?
Slow Burn was a passion project that I started when I felt I had run out of other options. There were many reasons why it began. Maybe it’s too intense to say that I started Slow Burn as an act of self-preservation, but it feels pretty true. I’d had a series of both beautiful and also tumultuous experiences working for other farmers in the area. I’d come to really respect and love those I worked for and with but felt that there was a lot lacking. Stinginess and competition were rampant on the farms I worked at and it felt like it was getting in the way of the purpose of having a farm; to give when there is abundance, and to call on community when there is scarcity. I struggled to believe that I could create a business that had all the things I thought were missing, but I knew I had to try. I knew that trying was how I could heal the parts of myself that had given too much before I had known what too much was. I knew that I loved making wood burned art and growing flowers and vegetables and giving these things away to all the people I connect with. In many ways I had already been doing that for years. So I made it official.

I was recovering from gender affirming surgery when I built my first flower cart. The whole process was transformational in every sense of the word. That summer I wheeled it all around downtown Durham, following night life and events. I made enough cash and connections to start selling at more official markets in the area. I moved my garden from my backyard in Efland to an acre plot in Hurdle Mills and I’ve been expanding ever since. Very slowly but surely.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m not sure it’s ever been smooth. The process of starting a small business has been more about learning to enjoy the bumpy ride. Take the chaos and turn it into something beautiful. That’s the whole idea of art anyway isn’t it? We’re not looking for easy. We’re looking for the opportunity to create something that stops someone in their tracks. I just want to take all the extreme things I’ve experienced and turn it into something digestible. And to find people along the way who relate.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have two main specialities: wood burned illustrations (pyrography) and cut flowers. I suppose what I’m known for is my attempt to merge these two mediums as often as possible. I love the way the colors in my flower arrangements complement the details on the wood. I love the way things glow when I can tell that I put my soul in it. I feel set apart from others because I don’t know many full time farmers who are also full time crafters. Most tend to prioritize one over the other. When people walk up to my stand, my intention is for them to see that there is no business without the wood and flowers coming together. My illustrations are the stories that the flowers told as I cut them. I want it to feel whimsical and light yet deep and healing. Some of my illustrations focus more on bones and death while others are bright and hopeful. That spectrum to me feels full and inviting and honest. I want to give texture to the extremes we’ve all experienced as human beings.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Find your soul and never let it go. Not even for a high price point. This is an act of service. If you treat it with that level of reverence, your community will take care of you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://slowburnnc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slowburn_nc/