Loreto House Creative feat. Krystyna Swindle, owner of Wanderer Catholic

How to find Wanderer Catholic

Loreto House Creative is excited to share our latest contributor!

Krystyna Swindle is the owner of Wanderer Catholic, a faith based, outdoors inspired brand offering apparel, handmade jewelry, and other Catholic inspired gifts. We believe faith is a journey and a purpose, unique and unbound.
Let’s dive right in to Krystyna’s contribution!

A little bit about Krystyna :

I'm a life long lover of the outdoors, sports, reading, and dogs! I currently live in Dallas with my husband, son, and two dogs. I work full time with university students and have an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Student Development. My husband and I took over Wanderer Catholic in 2021, and have loved every second of it. We love getting to share our faith, creativity, and love of the outdoors and God's creation with others!

What is your personal conversion story?

Maybe? I grew up Catholic but went to a Protestant/Non-denominational high school which is where I really found my faith since people called me a non-Christian, so I had to prove them wrong! I dove head first into Church history and learned a lot. My faith grew stronger through college as I was consistently challenged in my faith. This is actually something I want write a book about (Catholic Faith as a college student)!

Who is your fav Saint and what's the one way you've kept Christ in your business?

Wow this is hard! I've gone through so many favs but I would probably still have to choose the OG Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. I actually went to her school in Emmitsburg, MD for my whole elementary/middle school education! Her life and legacy has left a huge mark on my life and one of the reasons I work in education. Some of my other favs are Saint Kateri, Saint Faustina, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Saint Brigid, and Blessed Chiara. My shop is pretty centered around Christ and the Saints, but sometimes I have to work hard to remember that while I'm actually making items. I try not to watch TV while doing this, but instead I'll listen to worship music.

What is the "why" or mission statement behind why you do what you do?

I wanted an outlet for my creativity, but I also wanted to share my love for the outdoors and God's creation with others. My hope for Wanderer Catholic is that we can remind people that in every step we take (literally!!) we can marvel at God's creation! I've also loved seeing people go on Rosary Hikes! Giving people courage to pray anywhere is very fulfilling.

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What does your day-to-day look like as you pursue this dream?

Well I work a normal full time job. So most of this work happens in the evening and on the weekends!

How have you found ways to differentiate what you do from others doing something similar?

This is very hard. There are a few other orgs that offer some very nice Paracord options, so I work really hard to come up with new ideas.

Can you share 1-3 ways in which you have found success in your efforts?

1. Using a calendar to note when I should be posting and coming up with new ideas.
2. Praying about the things I am making/designing.
3. Taking a few days break when I need to. After working a lot or a really busy week or two I like to take a few days off from posting or creating to just be and then I'm usually refreshed and ready to jump back in.

What are your top 3 must-have business apps/subscriptions/tools?

1. Shopify
2. Canva
3. Not an app but understanding your state's taxes or the state website (hahahahaha *stressed smile*)

Can you share a way you have learned from a failure/mistake?

This is hard as well. I guess what comes to my mind is when a customer isn't satisfied with something I made them. I tend to get really upset about it and take it very personally. Something this even turns into me thinking I'm just not good enough to be a Catholic creator and I should just stop now. But luckily my husband is a very positive person and he reminds that so many more people have enjoyed the things we make them. Once I've moved on from that darker thinking I will try to make it up to the customer.

If you could tell your younger self starting out this business one thing to just DO, instead of letting fear take over, what would that be?

There are more people in the world than your small social circle. Just because that group may not want what you want to create doesn't mean someone else won't.

If you could give one piece of encouraging advice, what would it be?

Just be you! There's no one else like you, and God made you for a reason!

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Thank you, Krystyna, for sharing so openly about how it has been to run a business AND work full-time elsewhere. I personally can relate to that as well as the need to take breaks and take a step back. Thank you for the reminder that it is OK to take a step back. What also is so encouraging is that you’ve pursued something that has combined your passion for Jesus and your love of the outdoors. It’s like God gave you those passions and guided you to exactly where you are today with Wanderer Catholic. Lastly, I am in awe and so inspired to see your success in such a short time. For all those reading, take comfort that your time will come, especially if you feel as if you’re struggling to get noticed. Everyone’s journey is different, but everyone’s personal journey is perfect for their current needs. Just remember that God sees you.

Thank you again Krystyna, and everyone please go check out her BEAUTIFUL store: https://wanderercatholic.com

Make sure to show some love and give her a follow on her Instagram account as well! @wanderercatholic

Until next time, keep pressing in, and remember that God is always right there with you in all your business endeavors.