Kate Bryan has spent years making beauty feel approachable. A former professional hairstylist and the founder of The Small Things Blog, she is the friend who tells you exactly which product works and how to use it. She has also worn Maya Brenner for years, starting with an initial necklace that carried her husband's initial. This summer Kate turned 40, and this fall she runs the New York City Marathon. She wanted a symbol for this chapter. She chose a lightning bolt, and we made it with her in 14k gold.
Part I
The bolt
Q: Do you remember when the lightning bolt idea first came to you?
A: When I was thinking through what image or icon I wanted to connect with this new part of my life, I wanted something that represented strength, movement, energy, and fearlessness. The lightning bolt represented that in a way that felt powerful and also decisive and bold! I spent some time thinking about it and ultimately felt like it was the best symbol to represent this part of my life!
Q: What does the bolt mean to you in your own words? You said breaking through, and I'd love to hear more about that.
A: The lightning bolt represents strength, a "spark" of energy or inspiration, and also intensity. As I get older, it becomes more and more clear to me that we have the strength to do hard things, to try new things, and push ourselves past what we thought was our limit.
I wanted to buck the idea that we must slow down and ease up as we age, but instead we can lock in and find something hard to push ourselves to do, both mentally and physically, that will open up our mind and world in a way that is hard to explain unless you experience it.
Part II
Forty, and the marathon
Q: What has this year actually looked like, between turning 40 and training for the marathon?
A: This year has been one of the best years of my life. I loved turning 40 in the summer, and it was really special knowing that I was training for the biggest, hardest physical effort I was going to try to conquer later this year. I'm able to quiet my life and mind significantly in the summertime, so I spent a lot of time feeling grateful for the ability to be active, healthy, and have the drive to try something new.
As training ramped up through the late summer and fall, I was faced with the challenge of mentally staying engaged and strong, even when my legs were wearing out. I have never pushed myself like this before, and I have already learned a lot about perseverance, about tenacity, and about modeling a level of dedication for my kids when I could have so easily just not done this.
This race is deeply meaningful for me, and it has become even more meaningful knowing that I've inspired others to get out there and find something they love to do (be it running or something else!). There are so few times in adulthood where you have an adrenaline-pumping, nervous/excited experience, and bringing these emotions back has been both rewarding and fun.
Part III
Past the comfort zone
Q: If someone is standing at the start of a big change in their own life, what would you tell them?
A: I would tell them it will be deeply rewarding, and you will come out of it a different person. It will be hard, and you will face challenges that make you want to quit, but you must remember that pushing yourself past your comfort zone will have a lasting impact that will expand your mind and spirit!
Although it may seem scary, I would also remind them that there is nothing unique or special about embarking on a new challenge and that they are not the only one who has dealt with change, be it the start of a running journey, or perhaps a move or a new job. You don't need to feel certain that it will work, but following the spark of a new idea is one of the best ways to challenge yourself and create growth!
Part IV
Kate and Maya Brenner
Q:What was the first Maya Brenner piece you ever got, and do you remember why?
A: It was my initial necklace, which had my husband's initial on it because I didn't have any kids yet! I wish I could remember exactly where I saw it the first time, but I know as soon as I laid eyes on it, I put it on my short list of meaningful pieces of jewelry I wanted to wear. I've since added an initial necklace with all 3 of my kids' initials on it as my daily piece that I never take off, and I love that it feels like a part of me.
Q: What's on your charm jumble necklace right now, and what does each piece mean?
My current jumble is the Compass Pendant with the Princess Pendant hanging right to the side of it. I love this jumble because it feels really representative of the last few years of my life. The Princess Pendant is a treasure that is beautiful and classic but doesn't feel overdone for my casual life.
A: The Compass Charm was a 40th birthday gift from the lovely Maya Brenner team and arrived when I had started my summer of unwinding and clearing my head. The compass represents finding your own way, which is what I've been able to do this year.
The Lightning Bolt Collection
Shop the Bolt
Strength, movement, energy, fearlessness. Kate's bolt, made by hand in Los Angeles in 14k gold, for whatever hard thing you're about to start.
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