Hikerkind Features
Kristy Lawrence
Meet Kristy Lawrence, a graphic designer and backpacker living in Brooklyn, New York.
Hikerkind:
Introduce yourself.
Kristy Lawrence:
Hi, I’m Kristy! I’m a graphic designer based in Brooklyn. When I’m not diving into the world of design, you’ll find me soaking up the great outdoors, nurturing my ever-growing plant family, or zipping around the city on my trusty bike. These hobbies are like my secret recipe for unwinding, especially when I can’t escape to the open trails.
Hikerkind:
Why do you backpack? How does it make you feel?
Kristy Lawrence:
I find backpacking to be an exhilarating adventure. It’s the feeling of empowerment that truly captivates me—the notion of shouldering everything I require for the journey ahead. It serves as a constant challenge to tap into my resourcefulness and foster self-reliance. There’s something so grounding about getting out into the wild and reconnecting with the world. Day hikes just aren’t enough. Backpacking allows me the freedom to keep moving, to explore at my own pace. It’s during these excursions that I feel the most connected to the world, as if I’ve truly stepped into a reality that’s untouched and untamed.
Hikerkind:
What was your experience with nature like growing up?
Kristy Lawrence:
Growing up in the bustling heart of New York City, I missed out on the childhood fortune of being surrounded by nature. In those early years, my version of “nature” revolved around the city’s parks. Central Park, in particular, held a special place in my heart. Among its lush pockets of trees, I found solace, a magical escape where the towering skyscrapers, relentless noise, and urban chaos melted away, leaving me with an inexplicable sense of belonging.
As I grew older, my connection to the outdoors deepened. I began to discover ways to embrace the beauty of nature without the need for a car, given my city upbringing. Accessibility became a driving force behind my quest to commune with the great outdoors right from the heart of the metropolis that raised me.
Hikerkind:
How does the outdoors inspire you now?
Kristy Lawrence:
I truly believe that the great outdoors serves as a profound catalyst for self-compassion. It’s in these natural settings that I find the power to be truly kind to myself. Nature has this incredible ability to strip away the clutter of my mind, forging a deep and genuine connection. Amidst its serene embrace, I can sift through the chaos of my thoughts, crystallizing my aspirations, and desires.
Kristy is wearing Midlayer_01 and Trousers_01 in size small.
