Tête-À-Tête | Kristina Stojanoski
Collage by Aylea Skye; Original Images by Kristina Stojanoski @kstojanoska
Tête-À-Tête is a new series in which The VogueCIEL speaks to a plethora of women who epitomise ‘cool’. Authentic, urbane and affable, these women have caught the attention of The VogueCIEL not only through their nonchalant sophistication but through their social and political engagement and admirable work ethic.
Let’s start with an introduction. Tell us a bit about yourself.
It’s nice to virtually meet you! My name is Kristina Stojanoski, I’m 22 years old, and I am a first generation Macedonian-American living in Detroit, Michigan. I’ve always had a love for wellness and clean skincare/beauty.
You launched KIWA Studio last year. What was the inspiration about the brand?
I’ve always had a great love for skincare and self care rituals. To me, my skincare routine is a moment where I can take a moment to relax and some time to focus on myself. Which is definitely important for everyone! I’ve always found inspiration in women and nature, something about both is so strong and nurturing and really inspires me to keep going to pursue my dream of creating this skincare brand.
I’m also constantly inspired by the people and other creators around me. Community is a big thing for me at KIWA Studio and I think it’s amazing that there are so many talented people in the industry that motivate me.
What challenges have you faced since launching the brand and what are the most rewarding attributes?
I think the major challenge I’ve faced when launching the brand was doing it by myself. I’ve definitely taught myself a lot when it comes to graphic designing, marketing, and accounting. I knew that it would be a lot of work but that didn’t stop me.
I’ve been so passionate about creating this brand and seeing that people truly enjoy the products is so rewarding. I really do this for the community! I’ve always wanted to do something that would benefit others and make people happy.
KIWA Studio focuses on minimal beauty. How do you apply the brand’s ethos to your everyday life?
The ethos of the brand was something that were really important to me when creating the brand. In my daily life I encourage the idea of using what you already have at home unless you really need to buy a refill. After a while I realized that I actually don’t need a very extensive routine full of 48 skincare products. I think I’ve finally found a good minimal routine that works for my skin!
The most sustainable thing to do is use products you have at home before buying newer and more eco-friendly options. I know that sustainable options are not easily accessible to everyone so I always encourage people to just do the best they can.
With recent conversations around representation, inclusivity and sustainability have you been more conscious of the way that KIWA Studio contributes and supports these movements?
Going back to the idea of community that I mentioned earlier, I think representation is so important in making everyone feel included. I want KIWA Studio to be a safe space where all people can feel welcome and represented. With that being said, KIWA Studio will always work to make BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ people feel welcome. This is an extremely important topic that we should be discussing with all brands.
What advice would you give anyone creating content and starting a lifestyle brand?
My advice would be to do it with good intentions and just be yourself. A lot of times it can be easy and comforting to follow trends on social media, but I think the most important thing is to stay true to yourself. When you post content that you really enjoy and love, people can see that authenticity and passion.
How have you been coping with the current pandemic? And what do you do to switch off and wind down?
To be honest it has been a challenge. I am very open about this on my instagram page but I have an autoimmune disease called Ulcerative Colitis. It’s made things a bit difficult for me since I am on immunosuppressive medication but I’ve learned to just stay home and away from situations that might put me at risk. Luckily most of the work I do for KIWA Studio can be done from home anyways! Which is why I love that I’ve started this brand.
As a disabled person, I have bad days where I have absolutely no energy. Which is why I think it’s important to take rest days especially when your body is telling you that it needs rest.
My favorite way to unwind is to switch on a movie or tv show I enjoy that I know will put me in a good mood. I’m currently loving the show The Umbrella Academy. I also really enjoy reading books that help me escape into my own little world.
What are you loving right now? (Anything goes)
Really loving affogato at the moment! Affogato is an Italian coffee-based dessert that is a few scoops of ice cream and then a shot of espresso poured over. It’s a dessert that makes me feel nostalgic to days I’ve spent with my family in Macedonia and I think that’s why I enjoy it so much.
What’s your life motto?
My life motto is “One Step at a Time”. Things can seem overwhelming and sometimes starting something can seem like the hardest part. I always tell people, if you want to start a new hobby, just do it! That first step might be difficult but once you get there you’ll feel so thankful that you did it.
Follow Kristina on Instagram @kstojanoska
Shop Kiwa Studios here.