Conversations with the Inspiring Keri Riordan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keri Riordan.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Keri. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I attended college with the thought of either pursuing a career in accounting or interior design. I come from a small town in Montana so the idea of interior design was something I couldn’t clearly picture and seemed frankly irrational. I knew a career in accounting would be one that was practical and reliable. One that could provide me work regardless of where I lived. I obtained my CPA and worked in public and private tax sectors for ten years. After starting my own small business consulting practice and working from home, I still was not happy with the day to day work. That’s when I was encouraged to start creating again. Having my own consulting practice allowed me the flexibility in my schedule to take time to create. Two years ago, we build a work studio out in our backyard. At first it was a lot of, what do people want that I know I can make. I have always been handy and love to make cozy, warm atmospheres. That’s how I ended up in custom-made home decor. I feel very grateful my start was one I could transition into gradually and slowly move from accountant to make full time.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If it were easy everyone would do it right? For me, the struggles have stemmed around self-confidence and perfectionism. I want it to be right the first time I do something. I can visualize a project in my head and what comes out sometimes differs from what I had anticipated or there are workarounds that I must deal with. That can be frustrating. I have this false notion that other creators are just born with their abilities and have been able to do what they do so well from the start. It is so far from the truth, but it is sometimes hard to not to believe it. I have also struggled in knowing what it is I am called to create. And honestly, I am still playing with that. My start was through a lot of word of mouth and so I was willing to take on any project to just to gain experience and the work. But it didn’t get me closer to curating my own home décor goods. Knowing when to say no and when to say yes is becoming clearer to me.

I would say to the women out there just starting out, allow for mess-ups. The process of letting go gives you so much more freedom and takes you down new explorative paths. To be patient in the learning process. To not expect it to look good the first time. Knowing you have a creative ability doesn’t mean a masterpiece will happen. Those that can be diligent and hardworking at mastering a craft are the ones that will find themselves making the masterpiece in the process. I once read you should look back on your initial works and not be satisfied with them. As you get further down the path take time to look back and reflect on how far you have come. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

What should we know about 3rd Thistle? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a maker of home decor goods and custom furniture pieces. Specifically, I handcraft a lot of blanket ladders and custom signs, I also refurbish old furniture into bright fun accent pieces. My pieces are usually painted or mix of paint and stain. Some are rare finds that I purchase and have a vision for and sell on my site once completed. Others are pieces that people already own and hire me to turn it into a gem.

I love being a part of transforming someone’s house into a home. Making it personal, unique and with intention. I am breathing new life into pieces while helping to preserve old quality furniture that would otherwise be sitting in someone’s storage or basement. It is responsible living. Attention to detail is a big thing for me too. I not only want to do what I do, I want to do it very well. I hope the pieces show that high quality that I strive for. For all of that, I am very proud of the work I do.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Art & Fear by David Bayles & Ted Orland is a great read for new creators. Puts words to a lot of the internal struggles starting off. Annie F. Downs podcast “That Sounds Fun”. I just absolutely love her. Makes me laugh, think and keeps life in perspective with what is truly important – faith, family and being missional in my work. I follow Painted by Kayla Paint blog for painting expertise and YellowBrickHome blog. And enjoy YoungHouseLove, SocietySocial, Modern.Grandma Instagram accounts for inspiration on home decor and design.

Contact Info:

• Address: 3rd Thistle
  Broomfield CO 80020
• Website: www.3rdThistle.com
• Email: 3rdThistle@gmail.com
• Instagram: @3rdthistle
• Facebook: 3rdThistle

Image Credit:
White blanket ladder shot – Kylie Fitts Photography

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