Kristen Hess
- Founder of Bolstered Yoga Props
- Bolstered
School Information
School: University of Colorado at Boulder
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2006
Career Information
Working For: Bolstered
Title: Founder of Bolstered Yoga Props
Industry: Consumer Goods
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
• Built and established a “slow fashion” yoga brand that implements hand-craftsmanship and sustainable design principles to promote mindful living • Analyzed the competitive landscape and conducted customer interviews to identify market opportunities • Developed relationships with textile professionals and indigenous artisans in Mexico, Guatemala and India to produce my designs • Conceptualized, documented and communicated design specifications for 13 products including fabric selection and inspection, construction, quality control and commercialization • Crafted compelling digital narratives using copywriting, photography, and video to engage audiences across e-commerce, email, blogs, and social media platforms Notable Results: • Orchestrated the comprehensive design and development of 13 unique SKUs and 550+ handmade products with upcycled textiles both domestically and internationally • Built content marketing funnel for an online yoga series resulting in a 23% conversion rate
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?Starting, launching and selling my first business.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting was hard work and also really fun. It helped shape my working life and is a cherished memory.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
College Works Painting set me on a path towards entrepreneurship.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
College Works Painting was an experience that gave me a lot of confidence in my career. It showed me that I can work hard and have a direct affect on how successful I can be.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
College Works Painting is a unique opportunity to invest in yourself. Go for it!
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
Choose to only invest your time and energy in something that a) will provide an important lesson(s) or b) is your passion, 100%.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
Hanging by the pool mid-day with fellow managers, feeling guilty initially but then encouraged to relax and enjoy all the hard work I had put in that enabled me to enjoy sitting pool side while my painters finished the houses I had sold.
Last words of wisdom?
Learn then do. Be the change you wish to see in the world.