Images by Michelle Nash.
Stacie Krajchir is one of those people who just kept crossing my path until I realized—we were destined to be friends. We first met at a Fourth of July parade in Malibu a couple summers back—I’d broken my foot a few days before, and was hobbling around on crutches and feeling very sorry for myself. A mutual friend introduced me to Stacie, this cool, creative multi-hyphenate, and we spent the rest of the morning deep in laughter-filled conversation.
We didn't keep in touch, but a few months later, I was browsing my favorite shop in Malibu when my eyes landed on the most exquisite ceramic salad servers. I bought them on the spot, and carefully packed them in my suitcase back to Austin where they quickly became one of my favorite pieces to use in our recipe shoots.
So, I was surprised to receive a DM from the shop owner saying that the maker of the spoons had seen them in one of my Instagram posts, and wondered if she could share the image on her own feed? “Of course,” I responded, “But who’s the maker? I need more of her stuff!” If you guessed it was Stacie Krajchir (operating under her studio name, SLO | STUDIO) you’re right. If it was kismet that brought us together, it was a mutual love for each others’ creative pursuits that birthed the launch of our very special Casa Zuma x SLO | STUDIO collection—live on the site today.
On a recent trip to Venice Beach, our team captured Stacie in her studio as she crafted her one-of-a-kind pieces. I’m excited to share her wit and wisdom with you through this conversation about art, travel, creativity, and the rituals that fill her days with presence. Scroll on for my interview with Stacie Krajchir, and hop over to the Shop page to be the first to shop her ceramic nesting bowls—and the serving spoons that started it all!
What’s something you’re committed to doing every single day, no matter what?
Sleep. A full, good night of sleep sets the tone for my day and anything I want to accomplish. I wear ear plugs and a silk sleep mask for extra added measure—that’s how serious I am about it. I do this when I travel, too.
I aim to make at least two phone calls each day – not texts, but old school calls to friends or family. With everything being so digital now, I committed to more phone calls in 2023. I have lifelong friendships and part of that is making an effort to be and stay connected in conversation on a regular basis.
I cherish doing the NYT Mini crossword with my 11 year-old son Milo, it’s our little bedtime ritual — I really love how he really gets into it! He’s quite good.
How does the design of your space reflect your priorities?
I’m a Cancerian through and through, which means I surround myself with things I cherish — most everything in my home holds meaning for me or a cherished memory. From stacks of home design books in every room/studio to large stones collected from beach walks that sit on the sunroom window sill. I cherish my collection of vintage Hawaii books… I keep trinkets from here and there, near and far… there are about 16 years worth of stacked, dried leis from personal or family celebrations/occasions… these things are a constant in an everchanging life. They bring me comfort. I really just have a deep love for small things that feel big in my heart.
Last November I was in Tavarua for a friends small wedding, she asked me to do the wedding décor and be director of experiences’ indigo dye workshop, watercolor meditation… I said “YES, I was born for this gig!!" Lol.
It was one of those magical trips where it touched every corner of my soul and every single fiber of my being was aligned. Tavarua is as SLOW as it gets.
Between the slow, creativity spilling over, crystal clear ocean, huge sunshine, surf, shell gathering, and pulling off insane amazing race wedding décor in 2 hours — So so much laughter I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this connected to my most authentic myself.
As crazy of an undertaking that it was, I brought home two things that hold space in our home from that trip (thank you surfboard bags!) A giant handwoven mat made by a family member of the Fijians we spent time with on island — which is on the floor in our living room. It holds the memories and moments. Everyday, I walk on that mat with my bare feet and all that JOY energy from that trip spills over through the house. The other thing is the hula skirt which hangs in my studio—it was worn during the kava ceremony (ritual practiced in villages all over Fiji) during our visit, that was a really special night.
What’s the first thing you do each morning?
There are a handful of birds in the backyard that sing/chirp in symphony outside the bedroom window – it’s a nice, slow and gentle way to wake… I get to experience a slice of nature as I start my day…
I lie in bed for about 5-7 minutes (or more depending on the day and if I’m on school drop duty or not!) and think about three things that I’m grateful for—I say these out loud. I also take a moment to visualize the rundown of my day…. and try to think of anything ahead that might feel challenging — and I ask for help or guidance around whatever that is — even before my feet touch the ground.
I don’t open my phone for the first hour of the day. I will look at what time it is and turn off my alarm, but I stay off my phone for one hour. This is my sacred time–no incoming information, no visuals, no social media, no texts, or emails. This silence is when my mind is the clearest and most raw — having this clarity is when big things get worked out… I started this practice about nine months ago—it’s been such a blessing.
If I open even one text or email – SWOOSH, my entire morning is suddenly catapulted into defcon 10, multi-tasking running 7 bingo cards at once!!
The most difficult part is probably not checking the NYT app – that’s my guilty pleasure. I put that off to the evening now.
I make a cup of Peets (Garuda blend) coffee. I’ve been drinking Peets since college – I'm a loyalist that way with most everything actually.
I have been drinking coffee from the same cup for four years – it’s a ceramic mug I hand carried from COLECTIVO 1050 in Oaxaca. Another incredible trip that sparked so many things inside me.
I sit in the sunroom, write for a bit and then I pull a card for the day from my kim krans tarot deck. Usually I do the question and it helps me set the intention for my day. My Casa Zuma mug is part of this ritual — every week I place a fresh flower in water and it sits along the edge of the window next to my favorite rocks and all of this makes me feel all the good things.
Are there any daily or weekly “chores” you always enjoy?
The pitter patter of cleaning and tidying the studio – it doesn’t really feel like an obligation, it's more of a gift for myself, because I love walking into a fresh, clean space to work. When the doors open in the morning and the sunshine pours in, I feel invigorated and excited to create.
About a year ago, I started a list in the notes in my phone called “Accomplishments" (thank you abbie schiller!). I write the month in CAPS and every few days, I add an accomplishment — can be as simple as "I had that really hard conversation" or, "I played tennis twice this week," "I spent time decluttering that drawer." I add a bullet point each accomplishment under the month — I cannot tell you how doing this has shifted my mindset around “what I’ve accomplished." I think we forget about the little things that are actually the journey to accomplishing bigger things. I looked back at 2022 recently and it was a HUGE gift to SEE in writing all the small, big, and in-between things that I accomplished.
Is there a scent you use to relax / energize / meditate?
I love Paper d’armenie. They are scented burning papers I discovered when I lived in Paris 30 years ago. They come in a booklet, you fold each piece of paper like a small accordion, light it, and place it on a glass or ceramic surface. It burns like incense for about 5 minutes. The scent is rich, and feels luxurious. Again a memory…
Milo loves the ritual of burning the paper—we light one at night. I also keep a sheet of them in my closet, and drawers and linen closet. Milo gifts me a new booklet every Mother’s Day – it’s become this sweet tradition.
My friend Satsuki’s balm and candle are intoxicating. I don’t even need to burn the candle because the scent is just the perfect blend of Amberwood and vanilla.
I use the balm as perfume when I go out – that’s how sexy it feels!
Does music play a part in your daily life?
Some days yes, others no, I am a huge fan of pure silence. I think that’s part of my ADHD – I need quiet. Pre-podcast, I would drove from SF to LA in silence, no radio for most of the way.
Because my mind is constantly going, moving, thinking, creating, I find that in the silence is when I can hear the most truth and I weave into clarity.
If I am cleaning the house, hanging with friends, entertaining — yes the music is on and it's usually all over the place depending on my mood – from De La Soul, to Stevie Wonder, Eagles, Post Malone, Missy Elliott, Chaka Khan, Norah Jones, Bill Withers.
My son is musical, so he pumps the tunes UP on Alexa Play (insert music I don’t love lol).
How do you keep yourself energized throughout the day?
That’s a hurdle for me – when I go hard, I go hard and suddenly it’s 3 pm and time for school pick up. I often set an alarm to remind me to pause 3x a day.
My energizers are a walk, a call to a friend, a stop down, and a few New York Times articles — it just shakes the snow globe up!
Where do you turn for inspiration when you’re feeling creatively blocked?
The fastest way for me to shift my creative energy is to shift my environment.
I am surrounded by a lot of books – I might grab one and sit for 5-10 min. Lately, Young Pueblo and Joan Didion have been getting a lot of love, or I'll grab a magazine for quick inspo, or any of the design books stacked around here. I will pop over to Pinterest and IG, but those usually pull me into a bunny hole and I do my best to avoid that these days.
I find that a good field trip is the best remedy for inspiration and spark. Recently, I drove solo in the middle of the day to Nicky Kehoe and COOP+ which are mid city/Beverly Blvd. (WAY out of my zip code—in LA, anything east of the 405 is basically a hard no), and it was JUST what I needed. Creativity was flowing in every direction in both shops—the ultimate home general stores. Not only was it inspiring, but I happened to meet the owner of COOP+ unexpectedly when I asked what artist created the installation on the wall—it was her husband, who happened to be sitting on the couch in the store. So I had an impromptu, engaging discussion with him about art and learned Jennifer, the owner, is also obsessively into spoons! Magic is everywhere. I just have to be willing to stretch outside my comfort zone.
What do you do to prioritize health and wellness?
I allow myself to say no to things that I really don’t want to do, events that I don’t feel up for attending, so I can say YES to things that I want more of…
Setting boundaries is a huge part of my wellness. I'm an extroverted introvert, so I really NEED quiet and alone time—it recharges me and refills my bucket so I can show up for the people I love and show up for myself.
I am a self care ninja – I am incredibly in tune to what I might need and I no longer feel guilt about giving that to myself—whether it’s alone time, a Netflix marathon, a drive along the coast, or a quick surf even if I just sit in the ocean on my board – being in the water in nature fuels me… lunch with a friend, a massage, workout, or shutting my laptop and opening a book for a little bit… I just do it and know I’ll figure out how to return to regular “scheduled programming” as needed.
Part of my health and wellness is asking myself “How are you feeling emotionally, physically, and mentally?" And honor whichever area might need some attention or a boost. Also, my son is leaning into tween vibes… my go to wellness for every single hurdle these days is Dr. Becky “Good Inside” she is my parent sherpa!
My girlfriends and I started a Sunday evening ritual 6:30 pm grounding session which is lead by another friend Jessica. 45 min – such a beautiful way to close the week and begin the week ahead. Community is my biggest value. So giving myself this weekly, in this way, is a huge gift I really cherish. It's like going out to hang with the ladies, and not having to get dressed!
What’s the best career advice anyone ever gave you?
You can do it all, just not all at once.
How would you describe your work/life balance? Do you keep things structured and separate? Or are you a master of multitasking?
As an entrepreneur who has 11 jobs, I don’t even know how to begin to answer this!
I'm a former morning show producer (the job description is literally to be a master multi-tasker). Sp having started my career, embracing that philosophy—I wore that as a badge of honor for over 20 years—about 2 years ago I realized multitasking is just about the most unproductive and unintentional thing I do. Instead, I’ve learned that being intentional about how I spend my time and focusing on less in a given timeframe is a lot more productive for me and far less stressful. So now I have what I call “structured flow.” I use the Pomodoro Effect (set timer 25 min, tackle a task, and repeat)... it has changed my life.
Lately, a lot of my work entails collaborating with friends, which auto-sets that work/life balance in the best way!!! My work/life balance is much better now, and feels more purposeful.
When I pick up my son, I commit to digital detox – no tech, I shut my phone off and hide my laptop. I want to be present, see what’s happening, listen better, and also role model that we don’t need technology to have fun.
What’s the best spot in your house? Why?
The sunroom! It’s my morning afternoon and evening spot — It’s magical, sunshine pouring in and flowing into every ounce of your body and it feels healing and energizing. This space is a huge draw for everyone who spends time here.
Name one fashion or self-care product you can’t live without:
SERUM, serums, serums! My friend who is a beauty editor knows my obsession with serums and just sent me an entire box of face oil, moisturizers, and serums. It’s Christmas everyday right now. Also I have used Nivea Essentially Enriches Body Lotion for 38 years! Freedom Moses in lots of colors for every mood is a product I can't live without–oh and pineapples. Fruit of the Gods.
You need to unwind after a long day. What’s your go-to method?
A BATH. If I’m being honest, sometimes 2x a day.
The bath is where I accomplish creative brainstorming – I bathe the way people lay down for a nap—sometimes it’s at 3 pm or a standard evening bath before bed.
What’s your favorite time of day and why?
I love the super quiet solitude of early morning before the world wakes.
And Sundays during summer between 4-7 pm, that is a very magical time of day when everything feels just right.
