Empowering Women in Business: Kathryn Hastings' Entrepreneurial Journey in Antique Collecting
In today's fast-paced society, women have emerged as a powerful force in the business world. From self-made entrepreneurs and small business owners to corporate executives, women have been redefining what it means to be a successful businessperson. What makes their endeavors even more extraordinary is their ability to balance the complexities of the entrepreneurial world with the profound journey of motherhood.
While juggling meetings and nap times, an artist and self-made entrepreneur, Kathryn Hastings, has proved that being a successful businesswoman and a devoted mother are not mutually exclusive.
“As a wife and mom, I put my family first. I also show my kids, though, that my life is so much more than motherhood. I want them to feel the love and passion for their work as I do mine.” Kathryn says. “I already feel like I live a fulfilled life as an artist, even though it’s just one facet of how I spend my time.”
Kathryn, a passionate antique collector and owner of a business specializing in luxury stationery and wax seals, showed interest in art when she was a young girl. Owing to her grandmother’s love for letter writing, Kathryn took up writing herself, maintaining correspondence with her boarding-school friends throughout school breaks. Her growing interest in letters led her to Europe at the age of 19, where she got her first wax seal.
“In hindsight, it all feels quite fated,” Kathryn recalls. “I’d always been drawn to the romance of art, art history, and a life of letters, but before my grand tour, I was quite timid, particularly artistically. After sketching throughout Greece and Turkey, my confidence as an artist grew. By the time I visited the Amalfi Coast, where I had acquired my first wax seal, I was ready to embark on a new artistic journey with wax seals.”
After collecting modern seals for some time, Kathryn became curious about antique wax seals. Her first purchase turned out to be a historically significant 19th-Century piece from Palais Royal in Paris, which further fueled her interest in collecting.
Finding an antique wax seal can be a challenging task, particularly for those who are uncertain about where and how to begin. Even experienced collectors wait months, even years, to find their dream pieces.
“Based on my experience, a good antique has more than just historical or aesthetic value. It should bring you joy and ignite an inner curiosity. For me, there is always an interesting play between history and modern times. I like honoring that we too are part of history and still have an intimate connection to the past through these objects.” Kathryn says.
According to Kathryn, it’s essential to have a clear strategy when searching for the right antique wax seals.
“I’ve long believed that the right seals always find their way to you,” Kathryn explains. “There are, of course, many techniques that I teach in my guide to finding antique seals at good prices, but the first step of collecting begins with the collector — they need to have a clear vision of what they’re looking for and to trust in the process.”
When joining auctions or interacting with antique dealers, Kathryn emphasizes the three most important factors to consider: passion, beauty, and connection.
“A good antique ignites your desire to collect,” she explains. “When the right antique finds me, I feel an immediate pull and know whether or not it belongs in my collection. I make sure that I’m also logical in making collecting decisions.”
However, with collecting highly sought-after pieces, it is vital to be cautious. With many existing replica wax seals, potential buyers should not hesitate to consult an expert before making the final decision.
“It’s never a bad idea to consult a fellow collector,” Kathryn says. “Making informed decisions will save you a lot of time and money. I try to be the mentor for others that I wish I’d had.”
As a final note, Kathryn says that regardless of experience, mistakes will be made, and they should not discourage anyone from pursuing their passion. “Once you know that you will make mistakes as a collector, you free yourself from the shame of buying the wrong piece or paying too much. If you love an antique, that’s all that matters. You ultimately determine the value of your antique collection.”
