We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kerri Sewolt. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Kerri, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am definitely wandering.
More so meandering…
I’ve made it through a lot of rough patches this year with extreme grief and loss…
My ability to hold myself accountable and make healthy boundaries with one sided relationships that were no longer serving me and having an impact on me.
One thing that is true… I’m a happy soul with a heavy heart.
And honestly, I was able to have the clarity and awareness a few months ago to recognize I was blessed with *loud* and *clear* signals that it’s safe to move forward with my healing journey and finding my sparkle again.
Little bit.
Little bit.
Following my heart.
And allowing myself to be “open” again… that’s an incredibly difficult action for me to allow myself to do when I was feeling small and unsure.
It’s scary for someone who externally engages to collect data from others in daily interaction knowing others LOVE sharing about themselves.
I’m a bit of a weirdo…. And play an extrovert on TV.
Unless I feel safe and seen, I share very few personal details about myself.
I’ve known people for a decade…. And shared few details.
And with a wandering path, I’ve met new people and within minutes I know this person is someone I feel an instant connection between us.
And I would never have had the joy of that experience if I was a true planner.
I welcome the wander and wanderers.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kerri Sewolt.
My socials handle is @kerrichuckles on every platform.
I am an artist, grownup weird kid, lover of animals and all things cheeky and fun.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks my bonds with people…
One-sided relationships and the sign of the “gimme gimmes”
I’m a recovering people pleaser who needs to be mindful there are always those who want to take advantage of me and what I have or what I created.
And follow up…
If there’s humility and accountability for ill treatment or behavior I don’t need to ask for …
Sadly, accountability is a dying art and action between people. If I have to ask for it, I know it won’t be genuine.
Yet…
As a person who self reflects every night practicing gratitude in the morning and at night, if I find another person who watches their mind as closely as I watch mine…
And I never have to ask for accountability, they just know what’s proper and kind, I will reward them with instant forgiveness and forever friendship.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There’s a TEDx talk I gave years ago.
I wrote it.
Rehearsed it.
And bombed!!!
And the next day, delivered the half I remembered and improvised the second part. I got the only standing ovation
But it my head it was because they felt sorry for the weird girl.
In ALL seriousness, I had EVERY right to give up.
I was in a fucking terrible marriage with someone who was literally the “color beige”
My soulmate dog Charley, literally died unexpectedly in my arms 4 days prior…. Who is my “Chuckles” in my @kerrichuckles social handle. And said terrible “beige” partner made that even more heartbreaking.
And I was on stage, terribly sick and in low dose chemo and was in steroid infusions to suppress my immune system.
I fell through a lot of cracks and still found the strength to be the awkward turtle, weird girl with a semi-funny story.
A true test of strength and adversity.
I’m really still proud of myself!
Beyond literally wanted to crawl under a blanket and die.
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?
People.
Connection.
Seeing someone for who they really are.
Asking the questions in casual conversation to witness in real life their eyes widen with excitement and completely dork out about something they find fascinating and I get to love vicariously through their passion.
This helps me learn something literally everyday.
Cheering on the underdogs.
The way I fully love my friends and am not afraid to make it weird.
I’m sorry.
I am weird.
It’s going to get weird!
And if they are cool with that, I know the feeling is mutual.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope I’m remembered for many things…
How much I tried to share my imagination and skills to bring a smile to people’s faces. Art, Sculpture, or whatever medium I’m working in. That’s always my goal. My work stands out and at first it made me feel super vulnerable sharing my brain in such a manner. Now I love it my signature style. People can spot it easily and that makes my heart happy.
My humor. Again, wanting to share that good and much needed laughter. It makes difficult days or situations a bit easier when someone asks “tell me something good about your day”
How I can see people… most people are easy to read. But I find great joy in the M&M people… you know the people who walk around with the thick candy shell… and really taking the time to understand and get to know what’s behind that candy shell layer.
Those people are the ones that surprise me most. They are often the most interesting and appreciative in someone taking the effort to really see them for whom they really are.
My friendships and how I love my people…
And how I made them feel loved and supported.
The world is impatient and often unkind.
I try to remember not to add to that messy energy and focus on the good.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kerrichuckles
- Other: @kerrichuckles in socials
