In 2021, Kerstin Rao took a leap of faith.
Retiring early from her 21-year teaching career in Westport, she started an art business, Vivid Cottage.
Last week, Kerstin landed in mailboxes all across the country — for subscribers to the Smithsonian Holiday Catalog, that is.
Two of Kerstin Rao’s many creations. (Photo/Abby Cole Photography)
For the past 3 years Kerstin has quietly created 3 different holiday cards, exclusive to the Smithsonian.
Because it is a federal non-profit educational institution, there are limitations on what vendors can share with the public about their partnership.
This year though, Smithsonian buyers suggested they write a piece about Kerstin and her process.
She is the only vendor to have a personal photo in the catalog, and the only one with a QR code leading to a 1-on-1 story. It’s even featured on the home page. To read the full article, click here.
The Smithsonian piece includes this quote — “Museums are one of our collective treasures. They confront us with new information and remind us we’re part of a larger story.” — and adds, “Through her cards, Kerstin now contributes to that story—helping people connect, one handwritten note at a time.”
Kerstin Rao (Photo/Abby Cole Photography)
Vivid Cottage began at the Westport Farmers’ Market, with floral bouquets from Kristin Burrello of Muddy Feet Flower Farm.
During the pandemic, when everyone craved connections and beauty, Kerstin began posting her colored pencil drawings of Kristin’s bouquets on Facebook.
Friends asked if she made greeting cards. She contacted printers, to make it happen.
Today, Kerstin’s products are offered in over 100 stores — including boutiques, independent bookstores and museum shops — in 20 states.
Kerstin Rao sends her first shipment to the Smithsonian.
She has won 2 Louie Award Finalist prizes for greeting cards, and received 2 grants from the Women’s Business Development Council. The Small Business Administration has certified Vivid Cottage as a Woman Owned Small Business.
Kerstin’s art has been featured in Westport Artists Collective shows, and throughout the region.
Her products are available at the Westport Book Shop and Westport Library story, and on her website. (For framed art, email studio@kerstinraofineart.com._
Kerstin says, “My 7-year-old self would be gobsmacked to see this Smithsonian feature. I hope my story inspires others to take a few steps to revive dormant dreams, and see where it leads.”
P.S. The Smithsonian offers free shipping through tomorrow (Wednesday, November 11).
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