Be Here Now: Kaitlyn Quitiquit
As we arrive into the promise of a new year, we ask our tribe to slow down - to take a moment to reflect and to be here, now. As Gifted, we are highlighting the inspiring people within our community who have expressed love through all seasons of a challenging 2020. Despite all of its ups and downs, we shine a light onto the people who have helped to make a tough year brighter, kinder and filled with hope. Let’s take some time to slow down, to listen to their stories, and to continue to grow together as Gifted, by Nature.
Name: Kaitlyn Quitiquit
Gifted: Interior Designer / Digital Artist / Creative Director
IG handle & Website: @hellaquiti / KaitlynQuitiquit/ You’re Safe Here / PROTOQIT
Three words to describe how you’re feeling right now: Blessed. Open. Optimistic.
WHO ARE YOU AT THE BEGINNING OF 2021?
I’m someone who has dreams of being the ultimate best version of myself. 2020 has allowed me to practice my craft and self reflect on who I am, not only as a creative, but as a person. I am open, I am strong, I am talented. Quarantine has validated the fact that I have been blessed with family and friends that mold me into being the woman I was meant to be. I believe that if you work hard towards your goals and what you are truly passionate about, many blessings will come in their own time. I’ve gained confidence through my experiences this year and I am so eager to see what God has in store for me and those closest to me. I strive to become an inspiration for younger women to believe in themselves and work hard toward their goals, no matter what they may be.
IN A TIME OF INCREASING ISOLATION AND LONELINESS, WHAT HELPED YOU TO FEEL CONNECTED LAST YEAR?
Living with my two siblings, parents, and my dog during isolation has been a blessing. Everyday I never feel alone. When I did get the chance to be alone, I started to prioritize myself and my wellbeing by taking the time to practice a self-care routine before going to bed. It helps me reflect on my day and think about the blessings the next day could bring. Creating, sketching, and listening to music also kept me sane. And of course, with the help of our phones and social media, I am still able to keep in touch with my closest friends, catch up and be present in their lives as much as I can.
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US WHAT CREATIVE PROJECTS YOU WERE INSPIRED TO CREATE AND SHARE LAST YEAR?
Although I’ve already had the privilege of working from home before the pandemic, the time in isolation inspired me to reflect on myself and who I am as a creative. I’ve paid attention to how music truly makes me feel and how it has shaped me into the woman I am today. Aside from visual art, I’ve also had a passion for music. In high school, I was involved in almost every visual and performing arts extra-curricular activity the school offered. Throughout my years in college up until the end of 2019, it sort of felt like I had not been in-tuned with my music side since I had been so focused on visual arts and design.
In October 2019 I started working for Summer Walker, the founder and Creative Director of You’re Safe Here, a creative house that focuses on artist development and interior design. With Summer’s experience in the music industry and her passion for design, she has been able to use her gifts in interior design and work with clientele within the music industry to create recording studios and even design their homes. Now that I have been working with Summer for a little over a year now, it felt like music has somehow crept back into my life and has proven to be a big part of who I am.
I’ve always loved the way music makes me feel. For me, since I’ve always been a generally quiet person, I think it’s the way that artists and music can say things I could never say, and invoke the exact emotion I genuinely feel in such a beautiful way -- it’s magical. I feel like music can tell stories, and I’ve always wondered how I could tell my story not only through design but through music. I was inspired by Teen Vogue’s series on YouTube called “The Playlist of my Life” and wanted to create my own. From there, I gathered together 10 songs that I feel truly represent who I am and my story. I decided to create a room dedicated to each song, and design the room based on how the song made me feel, and visualize what goes on in my head when I listen to it. I love the idea of visualizing an emotion. It has definitely been one of my favorite personal projects so far because it let me reflect on my past self and how much I’ve grown, and how my experiences lead me to amazing opportunities.
DO YOU HAVE A LOCKDOWN LESSON?
When things may seem tough at the moment, always have hope and look towards something better, and never take things for granted. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
WHAT ARE YOUR LOCKDOWN BLESSINGS?
I’m extremely grateful for my friends, family, my dog, and my boyfriend. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am. I’m also very thankful for my job and how I get to wake up every morning and look forward to doing what I love. I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to help others with my gifts, especially for my family back home in the Philippines. It’s a very rewarding feeling to be able to do so, especially in this period of time.
AS 2020 COMES TO AN END, AND WE WELCOME IN A NEW YEAR, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOME RECOMMENDATIONS TO COZY UP TO?
Listen to: Victoria Monét’s Jaguar Christmas: The Orchestral Arrangements
I love when artists explore different genres of music and she incorporated her R&B album Jaguar and traditional Christmas music and blended the two into this classical masterpiece. I think it’s not only very fresh, yet nostalgic, but also stimulates your brain. This could help you wind down, and reflect on the past year and its blessings.
WHAT WORLD ARE YOU MOVING TOWARDS?
I’m moving towards my goals. I feel like I am at a point in my life where I am gaining momentum towards my dream of becoming the successful designer and entrepreneur I want to be. I want to continue to work hard and be able to help out my family and those around me, and just be an overall inspiration to everyone. I want to be able to have a family of my own one day and be an example of persistence and pure creativity.
