Kristin Granado: Leading with Vision and Innovation at Grace & Fire

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business

Hi, I’m Kristin, founder of Grace & Fire. When the name came to me ten years ago, I had no idea what it would grow into—only that it was meant for something bigger than me. Today, Grace & Fire is a purpose-driven brand with a global heartbeat, dedicated to inspiring and empowering women around the world.
We partner with incredible artisans in rural villages of Guatemala, offering dignified, sustainable work through a growing collective of weavers. In the U.S., we’ve created opportunities for women to thrive through our ambassador program—so that purpose and profit can go hand in hand.
Every product we create, every woman we empower, and every story we share is fueled by a mission: to build a world where women rise together—with grace and fire.

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Who are your customers?

Grace & Fire customers are women who care deeply about purpose, beauty, and impact. They’re conscious consumers—often in their late 20s to 50s—who seek ethical, well-made goods and love knowing the story behind what they buy. Many are global-minded changemakers, educators, or socially-aware professionals who are drawn to cultural preservation and women’s empowerment. Others are entrepreneurs or busy moms in the U.S. looking for meaningful ways to earn through our ambassador program—women who want flexible income while making a difference. We also serve gift givers who seek thoughtful, artisan-quality items for special occasions, as well as boutique retailers and ethical stockists who want to carry handcrafted products that align with their values. Whether shopping for themselves, a loved one, or their store, our customers are united by a shared belief: that business can be a force for good.

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What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before founding Grace & Fire, I spent years navigating the intersection of purpose, creativity, and leadership—always seeking work that felt meaningful. Whether I was working in education, the nonprofit world, or building community in other ways, I found myself consistently drawn to stories of women rising against the odds. I had always carried a deep desire to do something that made a difference—something that honored women, culture, and craftsmanship. That calling grew louder with time, especially as I encountered the beauty and struggle of life in Guatemala. The spark that became Grace & Fire was ignited by both what I had experienced—and what I knew in my heart was possible.

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What made you take the leap to start your own business?

The leap into starting Grace & Fire wasn’t a single moment—it was a slow, undeniable build. I had seen firsthand the beauty and skill of women in rural Guatemala—how their hands wove generations of history into each piece, and yet how little they earned for it. I remember the ache of watching a woman walk miles just to sell her weaving for barely enough to buy thread and a meal. It didn’t sit right with me. At the same time, I kept meeting women in my own community—here in the States—who were craving purpose and impact, wanting to be part of something bigger than themselves. It was in that tension—the beauty, the injustice, the potential—that Grace & Fire was born. I couldn’t unsee it. I couldn’t unfeel it. So I said yes. I leapt, knowing it wouldn’t be easy, but knowing it mattered.

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Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I didn’t always know I wanted to be an entrepreneur—at least not in the traditional sense. What I did know was that I wanted to create. To build something meaningful. To be part of something that helped people. I’ve always had a deep sense of purpose, a fire in me that couldn’t quite settle for “just a job.” Looking back, I can see the signs—my creativity, my drive to lead with heart, the way I was always looking for a better way to do things. So no, I didn’t grow up dreaming of running a business. But I absolutely grew up dreaming of making a difference. Entrepreneurship just happened to be the path that allowed me to do it on my terms, with Grace & Fire as the vehicle for that impact.

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What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in building Grace & Fire has been learning how to talk about what we do in a way that honors the dignity of the women we work with in Guatemala. What I’ve witnessed there is complex—there’s hardship, yes, but there’s also deep strength, beauty, and tradition. It’s not easy to put into words. I never want to paint a picture of despair or poverty that overshadows the power and potential of these women.
I see myself as a teammate. A partner. Someone who believes deeply in creating opportunities with people, not for them. At Grace & Fire, we choose to focus on hope. On the talent. The legacy passed through generations of weavers. We tell stories not to gain sympathy, but to build understanding—and to invite others into something meaningful, respectful, and lasting.

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What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

What I’m most proud of is that we’re building something that goes far beyond bags—we’re creating a movement that reaches both a mile wide and a mile deep. From clean water to safe homes, from education for children to economic freedom for women, we’re impacting lives at the most foundational level. We’re working in the depths of villages that most brands can’t or don’t reach, creating partnerships that honor dignity, culture, and long-term sustainability. Sure, there are other bag designers—but what we’re doing is different. We’re not just selling a product; we’re opening doors that have never been opened before, offering opportunities to women who’ve never been offered a chance. And that’s what fills me with pride every single day.

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Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

This past year at Grace & Fire has been filled with meaningful growth and moments worth celebrating. We’ve expanded our artisan collective in rural Guatemala, welcoming more women into dignified, fair-paying work that supports their families with access to clean water, safe homes, and consistent food. We’ve launched new leather and huipil bags—each handmade piece carrying stories of heritage and hope—and we’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude for the response and support from our community. One of the most powerful things we’ve witnessed is the impact on the next generation: children are staying in school, families are growing more self-sufficient, and the cycle of empowerment continues to build. Along the way, we’ve formed incredible partnerships with people who believe business can be a force for good. But most importantly, we’ve led with heart—always seeking to uplift rather than save, to collaborate rather than assume. We are honored to be part of a movement that prioritizes dignity, sustainability, and connection

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What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

At Grace & Fire, we’re excited about what’s ahead. We’re currently developing an ambassador program designed to empower purpose-driven women in the U.S. This program will not only support our mission of dignified work in Guatemala but also offer opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and meaningful travel. Ambassadors will become part of a vibrant collective—a community of professionals and entrepreneurs who are committed to doing business with heart. Through this network, we aim to create space for mentorship, collaboration, and business growth, all while deepening our impact globally. It’s about linking arms with women who want to make a difference—and grow personally and professionally while doing it.

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What is your top productivity tip?

When it comes to staying productive and purpose-driven, I’ve found that three things make all the difference: priorities, boundaries, and collaborative partnerships. First, get clear on what truly matters—when your priorities are rooted in purpose, your to-do list feels more meaningful. Second, protect your time and energy with healthy boundaries; you can’t pour from an empty cup. And third, don’t go it alone—build partnerships with people who share your values and vision. Collaboration fuels creativity, accountability, and growth. Whether you’re running a business, raising a family, or both, these practices help keep your work aligned and your spirit strong.

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On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

I’ve experienced burnout more than once, and I’ve learned that avoiding it isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what restores you. Taking regular breaks is essential, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. I’ve found that untangling what’s within my control and what isn’t helps lighten the mental load and brings clarity to where I should focus my energy. Simple things like hiking in the park, moving my body, and eating well have become non-negotiables—they help me feel grounded and clear-headed. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’ve been strong for too long without support. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it’s how we sustain the work that matters most.

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What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

For me, work/life balance isn’t about juggling everything perfectly—it’s about knowing what matters most. My home life, my three children, and my husband will always come before any business decision or deadline. That clarity keeps me grounded. Grace & Fire is deeply important to me, but it’s built on the belief that our families, our values, and our well-being come first. When I lead from that place, the work feels more aligned, and the pressure to “do it all” starts to ease. It’s not always easy, but knowing my priorities helps me show up with intention in both my personal life and my business.

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What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

I am new to Entreprenista so I'm learning things all the time - it's a great network that is robust and always seems to evolve - I love that! 

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

For business, WhatsApp is used consistently. 

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

Currently Canva because I can design and create everything I need from operations to marketing. I am looking for the best organizational tool though. 

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What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: talk to people and build genuine relationships. Conversations open doors, spark ideas, and create the kind of connections that can move your mission forward in unexpected ways. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and never stop learning. A growth mindset will take you farther than any title or strategy—because even when things don’t go as planned, there are no true losses, only lessons. Every step, even the hard ones, is part of the journey toward something meaningful.

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