I recently had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Kristina Karlsson, the visionary founder of Kikki.K and now Dream Life. Our paths crossed recently when we were both speaking at the Forbes Women’s Summit, and reconnecting after so long was a true delight. It had been nearly a decade since Kristina published a limited edition of my first book “Getting Real About Having It All,” in Kikki.K stores, and there was so much to catch up on.
Kristina’s journey as a founder and leader is nothing short of inspiring. At just 22, she founded Kikki.K, a Swedish design and stationery company, and grew it into a beloved global brand. Growing up on a farm in Sweden, Kristina dreamt of seeing the world. This dream led her to a ski resort in Austria, where she met her partner Paul, eventually bringing her to Australia. However, upon arriving in Australia, Kristina felt lost and uncertain about her future. It was during a 3 a.m. moment of frustration that Paul suggested she write down her dreams. This exercise marked the beginning of her incredible journey.
Kristina’s list included desires to drive to work every day loving it, have her own business, maintain a connection with Sweden, work with Swedish design, and make $500 a week. Despite having no business experience, Kristina decided to start with what she knew she wanted: a beautiful home office. Frustrated by the uninspiring office products available, she realised her calling and decided to create beautiful Swedish design stores specialising in stationery.
From borrowing $3,000 from Paul to create initial products to opening the first Kikki.K store, Kristina’s journey was filled with determination and vision. The company grew to 120 stores across six countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK, and the Middle East. However, the journey was not without challenges. The business faced numerous setbacks, including administration, a potential sale that fell through, and the impact of COVID-19. Yet, through it all, Kristina’s resilience and optimism never wavered.
Kristina’s ability to navigate these challenges stems from her dedication to personal growth and wellbeing. In our interview, she shared her personal wellbeing strategies and tools (details on how to watch our intimate discussion are here). When asked about the impact of her journey on her mindset and emotional wellbeing, Kristina shared insights on the power of perspective and gratitude and practices have helped her navigate difficult times and maintain a positive outlook.
Kristina also touched on the concept of storytelling and the narratives we create around our experiences. She believes that understanding and shaping these stories can significantly impact our mindset, confidence, and ability to take action. By focusing on the positive and staying connected to her values and purpose, Kristina has been able to maintain her resilience and passion throughout her journey.
As an entrepreneur, Kristina’s belief in the importance of dreaming big resonated deeply with me. She encourages women to dream without limitations, asking themselves what they would do if they knew they couldn’t fail. This mindset has been a driving force behind her success and continues to inspire her in her current ventures.
Today, Kristina’s passion for inspiring others is evident in her new business, Dream Life. Her goal is to inspire 101 million people to write down three dreams and pursue them. She runs a coaching program focused on personal growth, a global book club, and a new stationery brand called Dream Life. The brand utilises innovative print-on-demand technology, allowing for customised and personalised products without excess inventory.
Kristina’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the importance of staying true to one’s values and purpose. Her story serves as an inspiration to all women, reminding us that with determination, optimism, and a commitment to personal growth, we can overcome challenges and achieve our dreams. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength and potential within each of us.
If you enjoyed reading this and want to explore more about embracing resilience, personal growth, and dreaming big, you can watch the interview and get all the exclusive insights and tips, by pre-ordering the Women Rising book here.