Hi, I’m Kristen!

I’m the kind of person who steps into the unknown—hesitantly at first, then fully, fearlessly. I’ve come to believe that life is far more interesting when lived without fear; but it wasn’t always this way.

There was a time when I clung to plans, convinced that control offered safety. But life has a way of teaching you otherwise. I learned that life will only disappoint you if you try to script it too tightly. I’m still learning this—still waking each day and asking myself how I can make the most of it, intentionally and wholeheartedly.

Welcome to The Collected Woman

This daily intention led me to travel: the exploration of the world through people, culture, food, beauty, and the love of life itself—wherever it exists. Once I realized the world was so much larger than my small town in West Virginia, I set out to make my life an adventure.

Through those adventures, I found myself. I’ve deepened my understanding of the world, opened my heart to people and cultures unlike my own, and learned to find peace in uncertainty and joy in the unfamiliar. The most beautiful part? I’ve brought those lessons home—learning to romanticize the place I exist, no matter where I am.

My home has become a sanctuary, inspired by my travels and grounded in the rituals of intentional living.

What to Expect

And so, The Collected Woman was born—a space to share travel inspiration, personal stories, cultural beauty, daily rituals, and reflections on what it means to live fully.

She—the Collected Woman—isn’t perfect. She doesn’t have it all figured out. But she is choosing a life of presence, beauty, and growth. She sees silver linings with an open mind. She welcomes change with an open heart. She moves through the world with grace, curiosity, and style—always collecting what matters most.

I’m honored to share this journey with you, as we explore what it truly means to live life well collected.