Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Ellington-Stiles.
Hi Kristin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story—and the foundation of winsome dust collective—begins in a chapter marked by violence, coercive control, silence and the erosion of who I once was. In truth, I’m not even certain where my story truly begins, because the woman I was inside my abusive marriage is not the woman I am today—nor is she the person I choose to be anymore. Leaving that life behind last year was not only an act of protection for my children; it was the beginning of a profound transformation. It demanded that I confront the pieces of myself that had been weakened, overshadowed, or deliberately suppressed.
When I chose to start over last year, I did it with three children beside me, each of them needing stability, safety, and a future they could step into with confidence. I wanted them to witness an ashes-to-beauty story not just through my journey, from the sidelines, but woven into their own story. Even under immense pressure to admit defeat and return to the vocation I had 20 years ago—teaching in a classroom, away from my children-I chose a path that allowed me to honor both my purpose as this new individual, as a mother, and honor the fleeting time I had left with my children. Our vintage shop and education space is both a sanctuary and a studio for reinvention for all of us: a space where homeschooling, healing, and entrepreneurship could coexist. There was a realization that the journey wasn’t about choosing one path over another—it was about integration. I was to combine the old me, the one with degrees in art history and science, as well as a master’s in education, with the person and mother I needed to become.
Back in fall of 2024, I called up a longtime friend who I used to sell boutique clothes with at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. I told her about my idea for a vintage and education space, blending history with hands-on learning. She laughed and said, “That is the Kristin I used to know!” My dear friend Jenny did not realize the impact of that statement and that moment. She had given me a dose of healing-a glimpse into who I once was before abuse stole my identity.
I was determined that my children would not witness evil prevailing, nor believe that life rewards those who seek to diminish others. I refused to let them think that one must retreat into the shadows, yield to peer pressure, or accept a prescribed 9-to-5 dictated by the choices of those who abuse power. I prayed, asking God whether it was His will for me and my children to shrink, conform, or surrender to circumstance—but I knew that was not the path I was meant to follow. My goal was to demonstrate resilience, integrity, and the courage to move forward despite injustice.
This was not just a new chapter—it was a metamorphosis. I learned to transform the weaknesses carved out by years of coercive control and violence into strengths that now shape my leadership, my parenting, and my business. It was with purpose that I chose to elevate the very qualities others tried to extinguish—my creativity, intuition, talents, confidence, and voice—into the core pillars of my winsome dust collective.
As I rebuilt my life last year, I rewrote the rules of work and family life. Instead of maintaining rigid separation, I wove them together with purpose. My business—rooted in collective education and love of vintage—became the perfect expression of my passions: the artistry of objects, the stories held within history, and the connection that comes from understanding people and exploring God’s creation on a deeper level.
The aim behind the vintage of winsome dust collective is inspired by the art, skill and beauty of historical pieces—items that carry function, intention, and a story to tell—and I want to bring them into modern home spaces in a way that feels makes them come alive and feel vibrant. My goal is to curate a blend where each piece tells a story, serves a purpose, and contributes to an aesthetic that energizes and enlivens the home. It’s about creating spaces where nostalgia meets contemporary design, where form and function coexist, and where every element sparks joy and adds personality to daily life.
Our days become a blend of lessons, laughter, tears, strategy sessions, sourcing trips, and shared breakthroughs. My children watch me make decisions, solve problems, often failing but we are building something from the ground up; I watch them explore, learn, and come into themselves. Together, we are creating a life rooted in resilience, intention, and possibility.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? Far from it. This past year has felt like a relentless series of black-comedy calamities. I launched my business amid constant obstacles—spending a month farm-sitting 100+ heads of livestock all while living in RV in the middle of winter, losing my business truck in an accident shortly after signing my shop lease, and spending four months navigating insurance claims just to name a few.
Then came the housing challenge: losing my first bid, then winning the second, which meant moving a farm with goats, cats, and dogs all in the same month I opened my shop.
Through it all, my faith and God’s grace have carried me. Each day brings small victories and lots of challenges—completing homeschool assignments, pricing new items, and keeping the business moving forward. I’m also learning about my own shortcomings and stepping into new skills, especially technology, after being a stay-at-home mother for ten years and out of the workforce. This pushes me out of my comfort zone has been challenging, but in all the right ways.
The journey is shaping me, revealing strengths, testing endurance, and reminding me that every step, however heavy, is part of the path He has set before me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At winsome dust collective, we specialize in carefully curated vintage pieces from the 1950s through the 1980s, including art, furniture, clothing, and home décor. What sets us apart is our focus on bringing both function and intention back into vintage. We love the charm and nostalgia of grandma’s treasures, but we’re not collectors—we’re curators. Every item in our collection is chosen for its ability to enhance daily life, bring vibrancy into the home, and be truly used and enjoyed.
We’re also proud to make vintage affordable without compromising on beauty, skill, or artistry. While we celebrate the craftsmanship of the past, we recognize that our resources like time and money are limited and our prices reflect a thoughtful balance between value and accessibility.
At winsome dust collective, we believe that vintage should be both beautiful and functional, and that the pieces you bring into your home should feel intentional, functional, inspiring, and full of life.
2026 marks the year our space will finally expand! We will be adding classes in art, IT, financial literacy, preschool, math, and science—all taught by our talented team of educators for all ages: The Collective.
Our approach is biblically rooted education that sparks curiosity in God’s character and nature through the artistry, skill, and talent of the collective.
What makes you happy?
Happiness would be knowing I can give my children what every child needs-safety, security and consistency that allows them to use their unique talents and skills to live a fulfilled life. Currently, I am not happy, but I am content with the discomfort. I do not mind being uncomfortable in this season on life while I strive to provide for my children.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.winsomedust.com
- Instagram: @winsome_dust_collective
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winsomedustcollective
