Meet Kristan Green

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristan Green and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Initially, I was looking for a way to transition from my office job to running my own business. In the past, I have done this a couple of times, but usually out of desperation in finding a way to do something I enjoy as a way to make income. I want to say I do not think this is an impossible task; however, when it is forced, in my experience, it is never fruitful, resulting in a loss of something I once really loved doing. When I started The Natural Dye Company (NDCo.), the idea of making it into a profitable business didn’t feel right. What was not only a creative outlet for me, was also a way to understand and cope with the illnesses I have been dealt, finding healing and alignment through nature and community while entertaining curiosity, discovery and connection.

It simply did not fit into the mode of operation I initially expected it to be. When I changed my perspective on what running a business should look like, and surrendered to what I ultimately desired, things began to flourish for me in ways that were healing, abundant and naturally expansive. While I do make products to sell, it is not the basis of my business. I have found it to be more fulfilling as a teaching experience where I can share what I’ve learned about natural dyes, healing, and transformation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My friend and I have this joke that I am an “unconventional, innovative freelancer.” I go with what moves me, inspires me, teaches me. I listen to my intuition, trust when it’s time to move on and move forward, and live my life fully as possible. I’ve held many jobs and lived in many different places, and I’m still living a life that enriches me in ways that working for someone else’s business or company could never do.
For the majority of my adulthood, I would hold down 2 – 4 jobs at a time. Work would be extremely stressful, feeling like I had no way out, worried about money constantly, never knowing what my “life’s purpose” was. It was a vicious cycle that I tried to bypass with therapy, yoga, meditation, vacations, schooling, etc…but I could never seem to break the cycle, leaving me overwhelmed, unmotivated, or directionless.
When I got sick two years ago, everything came to a halt. A silver-lining presented itself, and while I still have my fair share of health issues, I have cultivated a beautiful relationship with myself where I honor my time, body and well-being. I can now hold compassion for myself, and feel safe in surrendering to being a bit uncomfortable in the moment of defeat or feeling unmotivated. I can change my perspective and alter how I move forward with my business. This might look like changing the way I am approaching what I want to do, or how much I am taking on. Can I give myself permission to pull back a little, adjust my process, and keep moving forward in a way that feels true to my authentic self?
Through this process, I’ve learned that things are not always so black and white. There is always nuance and choice. This shows up directly in what I produce – while I can choose the color dye I want to use, nuance will always exist in what I create. Colors shift in the dye bath, patterns change when I remove a shibori resist. The alchemical process of naturally dyeing is mysterious, and I have no other option but to surrender to its final outcome, delving into the infinite possibilities of nature. Once I allowed these possibilities in, I saw that my creative process aligned directly with my healing process as my body is just as mysterious, and it will shift and change, and yet again, I surrender to what I cannot control, and find solace in what I can. This alignment and surrender has brought abundant opportunities my way. When I let go of the things I cannot control, it creates space for healing and creative expansion. I now sell small collections of goods at local shops. I teach workshops and classes. I get to meet and connect with new people, sharing my experience and a skill that might spark something within them. I’ve even started writing a book!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Not only am I super lowkey, but I am also relatively new to Michigan myself. When I went to Lake Michigan for the first time, I had absolutely no idea how beautiful the shoreline was. It blew me away! Since none of my friends have been to Michigan, we’d definitely have to spend some time on the shore. Sagutack, Fishtown, and Sleeping Bear are some of my favorites. Maybe even camp at Fisherman’s Island for a couple of nights.
If we are sticking near Ann Arbor, we’d go thrifting at Kiawanis or PTO, then Northside Grill for a late breakfast, stop at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, go to TeaHaus for their amazing almond cake, take a stroll through Kerrytown, and finally end up at Miss Kim for dinner.
I’d also definitely take them into Detroit. I absolutely love Detroit! It reminds me of when I lived in Baltimore – so much culture, arts and diversity. Supino’s is at the top of the list – best pizza I’ve ever had. And don’t sleep on that rucola salad! Eastern Market is a definite, along with Belle Isle to wander around the aquarium and of course the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If it weren’t for Allysun West teaching a natural dye workshop in 2018 when I lived in Maine, I’m not sure my interest in natural dyeing would have ever come into
actualization. That class was the first time I experienced natural dyes hands-on and discovered new ways to alter garments for a vintage shop I owned at the time. This experience would make it back around to me again in 2023 when I took another workshop in Michigan taught by Kayla Powers. While I learned something new involving botanicals, I was more influenced by Kayla’s involvement with the community of Detroit. She has since moved, but the energy she put into the city and its people is a true inspiration.
My somatics therapist, Tiffany Trimble-Gardner has been such a beautiful light in my life. Her guidance has helped to nurture the relationship I have with myself and awaken my creativity so NDCo. could finally come into fruition. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my partner Michael who has provided so much space, grace and support in both my dye business and walking alongside me through my health and healing journey. I am truly blessed to have his kind of love, admiration and appreciation that is consistently authentic and abundant.

Website: https://the-natural-dye-company.square.site

Instagram: @thenaturaldyeco

Facebook: thenaturaldyecompany

Other: While I have social media accounts, I intentionally do not keep up with them; however, they do direct viewers to my infrequent seasonal newsletter. If you’d like to follow along with my journey, receive workshop offerings, and be notified of new products, please sign up via my website.

Image Credits
Michael Jeryc