When unexpected events, situations or people throw you off course, it can be a scary time. Like many people, I have been through my fair share of ups and downs while living an adventurous, tumultuous, and non-traditional life.
Today, I come to you after 2 months of fun-employment after being part of the tsunami of tech layoffs in January. I am fortunate to face a current situation where the company that I worked for is taking care of their laid off workers, if not keeping us on the payroll. I have been able to introspectively assess my mental and physical health, my well being, and my close relationships. What I found was a little broken, so I have taken the time to rebuild and mend the fabric of my life, so that I can take my next steps on surer ground.
After spending almost 20 years working in various high-tech companies, in a variety of roles, I was pretty burnt out. The way I was showing up had lost it’s spark. I started getting massages to get rid of a horrible case of tendonitis from my boxing habit, and I finally saw a doctor to talk about the anxiety I was feeling during this transition. I have also finally unearthed this website, a concept I birthed back in 2010 after moving from Sydney, NSW AU to London, UK.
Mumura started after I visited the south island in New Zealand, a truly magical place. The blending of Māori culture into the current kiwi lifestyle is a model that should be held up and praised. I was fascinated by the beauty that is created through acceptance and love. For years I had been writing on a blog called kristenloveswine.com, and mainly focused on wine and travel. I decided that one day I would launch mumura to be a home to all the creative spaces that bring joy and connection.
As I am staring down the next phase of my career and my life, I am excited to bring mumura to life. I have traveled to over 50 countries over the last 20+ years and have many stories to share, some that may even help you truly explore a city’s heartbeat (i.e. staying in the pub in Galway after hours with the shades pulled down and music turned off. Just us and the locals, sipping pints and talking about life. Or, finding myself on a small island off of Krabi, Thailand and meeting rock climbers that invited me to stay with them for a few days. Before I knew it, I was staying in a treehouse with a stranger for four days, drinking banana and coconut smoothies each morning.).
While I lived in London in the early 2010s, I studied wine at the Wine Spirit & Education Trust (WSET). I have always wanted to do something with my passion for wine. I don’t want it to be all that I do, but I do need an outlet. This course was a series of certifications leading up to a diploma in Wine & Spirits. I lapped it up and achieved the Level 3 certification with Distinction. I started holding wine tastings out of my flat in Battersea on a regular basis, while working full time at Google London. I trained many an engineer how to taste wine, select bottles from the shops, and impress their friends with knowledge. I loved it. I want to get back to sharing this knowledge, and seeing where I can help people enjoy the art and expression of wine (even if it comes in a box).
During my travels and while living in various places around the world, I have collected a number of art pieces. I am excited to share these with you. I dabble in painting, though don’t consider myself any good. I intend to expose my art here as well – if only to get a kick out of it! I love art, and I love artists. Fascinating to dedicate yourself to the pursuit of expression and I love to see how that manifests.
Please join this journey, if only to keep me company along the way. I promise to be as helpful as possible, sharing my experiences and insight around these topics of travel, art, and wine. Drop in questions or suggestions about topics.
Love Kristen
mumura 