Steadfast Sis Spotlight: Diana (Founder of Kindness and Koffee)

Hey everyone! I know it has been a really long time since I’ve posted to the blog. I got into such a great rhythm at the beginning of this year, but then life happened...ya know? Here’s a quick life update so you can know why I disappeared for a bit. I now have three jobs! I’m the Social Media and Marketing Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hawaii, the owner of The Steadfast Life, and a K-12 Substitute Teacher at my old school. Once things started picking up here in Hawaii, I was trying to navigate the best way to do all three jobs without burning out. Despite the little time I’ve spent with God, He has shown me so much patience and kindness as He has walked alongside me every step of the way.

But enough about me! To get into the swing of things, I thought the perfect way to get back into blogging was to introduce another amazing Steadfast Sis! This month’s Steadfast Sis Spotlight is dedicated to the one-and-only, Diana from Kindness and Koffee! This girl is BEYOND talented as her digital art, adorable products, and beautiful singing voice has taken over our IG community! Kindness and Koffee is everything a girl needs–it’s girly, uplifting, cute, and faith-based. 

I know after reading this, you’ll want to snag one of her resin keychains and MANY beautiful stickers (her shop and social media platforms will be linked down below)! So without further ado, here’s all you need to know about the lovely Diana!

My hope is that Kindness & Koffee will always be a vessel of God’s love.

1. Tell us a little about yourself! 

My name is Diana and I am originally from Santa Barbara. I currently work full-time as a youth minister and lead worship throughout LA. I used to be a preschool teacher for Disney, so I’m definitely a fan of Disneyland! If you could tell, iced coffee is life - along with sushi and poke. You’ll only see me in dresses and Birkenstocks (even if it’s freezing outside), and my favorite flower is the sunflower!

2. Tell us a little about Kindness and Koffee.

This little venture began a few years back when I was inspired by my trip to Holland to visit family. The word ‘koffee’ is, yes you guessed it - coffee in dutch! During my trip, I noticed how often people would take a little coffee (or tea) break. My family and I would simply sit together, have a snack and something to drink. We talked about anything and everything. There were no distractions - no phones, no TVs on, just us. And those moments made me realize how precious life is. How important it is to gather in love. And so - I wanted to put the word ‘koffee’ into action! Hence, Kindness and Koffee. That’s all we need.

3. What products/services do you offer?

I currently sell stickers, keychains, T-shirts, digital items, and more - all of which are handmade and designed by me! With a focus on spreading faith and positivity, everything is made with love, kindness, and intention.

4. What’s your favorite thing about Kindness and Koffee and running a small biz?

It’s a really cool process! I start by coming up with a color palette from inspo. I hand blend the clay colors, cut the clay cuties, bake them, drill them, and assemble them. 

5. Why did you start up Worship Wednesdays?

Worship plays a big part in my life and is the language that God and I use the most. Worship Wednesday came to me in prayer! God encouraged me to share this part of myself, in hope that it inspires and encourages others in their faith.

6. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Is it so cheesy to say life is my inspiration?! And of course - love and kindness! Certain words and phrases stand out to me throughout my day and I believe it’s one of the ways that God speaks to us. Whether it’s a song, an exchange between a friend, a video, a caption, or at church. My inspiration comes from both the joys and the struggles of every day, recognizing that there is purpose in everything, that there is light in the darkness, and that God is loving us through it.

7. When people come across your business, how do you want them to feel?

My hope is that they feel welcomed, heard, seen, and loved! And if I can get them to smile, that would be the greatest gift!

8. How do you stay steadfast in your faith while running a small biz?

PRAYER! Oh my gosh - I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten lost in the “to do’s” of every day (especially in quarantine). Beginning the day with the intention to share God’s love and thanking God at night for all the blessings.

9. How do you use Kindness and Koffee to share God’s love?

My hope is that Kindness & Koffee will always be a vessel of God’s love. Whether it’s through daily posts on Instagram, making stickers, or having genuine conversations with each person I encounter, I pray that this platform will be a place of encouragement, learning, growing, and loving!

10. What advice would you give to other creatives?

Stay true to yourselves and be authentic! I know there is pressure to have a lot of sales or a lot of followers, and those are all wonderful too. But when we focus on the ‘why’ - everything will fall into place. Remember - comparison is the thief of joy. So continue to be present and allow yourself to be excited about all the little and big things!

11. What does the near future hold for Kindness and Koffee?

I pray and I hope that Kindness & Koffee continues to grow in every way.

12. What has been your greatest takeaway from 2020?

2020 taught me once again that life is a gift and to never take anything for granted. It has challenged us all to be more present, more loving and has also reminded us to slow down sometimes - and just breathe. I truly thank God for another year of life.

Be present and allow yourself to be excited about all the little and big things!

Etsy Shop ✿

Hi there! Welcome to my shop :) My name is Diana and I am the designer & shop owner behind Kindness & Koffee. Between balancing my full-time job and leading worship in LA, I use any and all time to work on the dream of running this small business. I am so excited that you’re here and I look forward to sending you fun things!

I currently sell stickers, keychains, T-shirts, digital items, and more - all of which are handmade and designed by me! My hope is that Kindness & Koffee will always be a vessel of love that encourages learning, growing, and loving!

I thank YOU in advance for your love and support. Please favorite this shop and post your positive reviews. If there is anything that you need help with, feel free to reach out.

FOLLOW FOR MORE KINDNESS 

Instagram: @kindnessandkoffee

Website: Kindness and Koffee Website