Christie Lynch Ebert shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Christie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently volunteered to help grow a children’s music ministry at church. Music and the other arts have the ability to allow us to express ourselves in ways that go beyond words. Having the opportunity to joyfully sing, dance, listen, move, and play instruments with these young people has been good for my heart and soul and is hopefully opening doors through music and the arts to these children!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a dedicated wife and mom of three children. I have a background in and love of music and the arts. I recently retired, having served as an educator and administrator for nearly three decades for my state public school system. I love and cherish ways that I can spend time with and support my family members and dear friends, as well as working with prospective and current college students, music and arts education, our church, and the community.
Creating art and handmade items, making music, cooking, and writing are some of the ways I honor my heartstrings tied to all those who I love and who have gone before me. If you walk through our house, you will see connections to heartstrings of our family: furniture that was once my grandparents; pictures from my great Aunt Jo; quilts made by my husband’s grandmother; pictures painted by my father or other family members; and the list goes on. Each of these physical things are visible reminders of loved ones and cherished memories that weave us together across generations. Walking by and glancing at these physical items is like receiving a hug from the person or people connected to them – whether they are living now or remembering the love they shared with us while here on earth.
I created my small business to be able to share these special connections, or heartstrings, that bind us together and bring meaning, joy, and purpose to our lives. My hope is to inspire others through handmade items that lift spirits, connect hearts, and bring joy!
Each item that I create is unique and handmade by me. I choose themes, colors, textures, and media that speak to me in some way and that I hope will touch, speak to, or inspire others. Some items are seasonal and others are simply fun or charming. I am known for making angels in particular and make them in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials, such as out of vintage and antique fabric, wood, seashells, pinecones, vines, seed pods, and other natural or up-cycled materials. These one of a kind and unique angels are suitable to give to someone you love, as a token of friendship, in honor or memory of a special person or pet, new baby, or whenever you want to give the gift of an angel to send messages of peace, hope, love, energy, warmth, or comfort. They also work well for Birthdays, retirement, health or healing, or general well-being.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My family has shaped who I am and how I see myself. My parents and grandparents modeled for me a strong faith, the ability to persevere through hard times, and the importance of service to others. They shaped my perspective not just as an individual person, but in terms of how I can give back to others during this short time that we have on earth.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
As is true of the human condition for most, I have experienced devastating and shattering times in my life. These times have taught me the importance of trusting in God that there will be a path forward even when you do not know what it will be. Experiencing tragedy, suffering, pain, or sorrow helps us to gain perspective to “not sweat the small stuff;” to appreciate the most important things, such as the well-being of those we love; and to treat others with grace and kindness.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My friends, colleagues, and clients would probably all say that the things that really matter to me are the health and well-being of my family and loved ones; my passion for the importance and value of the arts; being able to listen and communicate with others; having the drive and commitment to see things through; and the importance of showing respect, purpose, and love in all facets of life.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I look at our kids and see that they are doing great! They have all of the ups and downs that we all experience in life; but when my husband and I look at them and say, “Hey, these kids have turned into really great people” – this is what makes me the most happy and at peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cleheartstrings.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cleheartstrings
- Linkedin: Christie Lynch Ebert
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/cleheartstrings
