Kristen opened Schmancy Toys in downtown Seattle in 2004.  She has written three books, Plush You!:Loveable Misfits to sew and stuff; which is based on an annual show she has at her store which features over a hundred plush artists from around the globe, Creature Crochet and Button and Stitch.

She co-created Grassroots Business Association which is for both aspiring and current small business owners. Their purpose is to: educate, inspire, empower, network and support people pursuing an independent career path. She is the Director of PR and Marketing for Urban Craft Uprising , the largest indie craft show in Seattle.   She has curated shows at various galleries in Seattle, NYC and San Francisco.   She is also one of the organizers of CCE!