This week we introduce you to Kestrel Jenkins, the master mind behind @consciouschatter a concept dedicate to conversations about clothes
Why is what we wear important?
What we wear says a lot about who we are. When we go out into social spaces, what we wear is the first way we connect with the people around us. For me, it's important that the pieces I'm wearing have a powerful story behind them - in a way, I believe this enhances my presence, because I have this elevated connection to the pieces I am wearing. Not only am I saying something in the way I put the composition of my outfit together, but each garment is also saying something in the stories they hold - when it comes to who made them, what they are made of, and how they were made.
Tell me one Kestrel fun fact....
I'm named after a bird - a kestrel. My dad used to work as a raptor rehabilitator, meaning he would help injured hawks and falcons. Just before I was born, someone brought him a baby kestrel that had fallen out of its nest into a freshly tarred road. My dad cleaned the bird, taught it how to fly, and released it. Soon after, I was born and named Kestrel - which turns out, couldn't be more on-point and inline with my personality. I've always been proud of my name, even as a child - I feel that it truly reflects who I am.
What is paradise?
Having the opportunity to do work that absolutely speaks to your soul - following your must according to writer & artist Elle Luna - and financially supporting yourself through these projects alone.
What are the most important lessons you have learnt so far, in your career or life journey?
Patience + consistency. As an aries, I tend to struggle on the regular with processes, and having enough patience to complete the ideas that constantly flow through my mind. By starting Conscious Chatter, and continuing to build it over the last two years, I have surprised myself in how at times, when you simply continue to create, an incredible community can grow around your project.
Could you tell me a bit about conscious chatter?
Conscious Chatter is an inclusive audio space that brings people together to talk about our clothing + the layers of stories, meaning and potential impact connected to what we wear. It's a venue that allows us to come together to continue to learn more about the garment industry and how we can all be a bigger part of positive change in the industry.
What has been your best investment?
Travel. Having the opportunity to live in other places, as well as explore different and unknown spaces has hugely impacted who I am today. I constantly crave difference, being in unfamiliar places, and challenging my comfort zone - because I've learned over the years, that these situations create the most optimal space for me to grow as a human.
What would you like the world to know about you?
I will do everything I can to bring the conversation of why what we wear matters to as many people as possible, and I will be open to listen to what others have to say along the way.
What are you thoughts on meditation?
Yoga is a massive part of my life, and has been since I was in high school. I first explored yoga with my mom - I got her a membership as a gift, since she was struggling with tendonitis in her elbow. Since then, it has played a significant role in my mental state. Practicing yoga has helped me gain perspective, enhance my patience and truly calm me down when I can be a super high-energy / wired being.
What do you wear to bed?
Men's boxer briefs and a comfy tee
Did you collect anything as a child?
Yes, stuffed animal primates - I had chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans. And also - Vogue Magazines from around the world.
Would you ever donate you body to science?
In your opinion who makes the best french fries?
Can I say tortilla chips instead? If so, El Nopalitos are the bomb! I'm not much of a fries connoisseur.
Is there anything you can cook or bake really well?
I love cooking and baking - there's something exceptionally therapeutic about it - it's like gardening to me - where you get to touch and feel something in the process of its creation. I obviously spent too much time on a computer. :) I make a bomb vegan pesto, and I also love experimenting with vegan desserts - my current favorite is a chocolate tart with coconut whipped cream.
