Kristian and HFM Blow into the Windy City

By NAKITHA B. - What better way to say goodbye to the end of summer and welcome in the fall than with the beautiful jewelry of Hope, Faith, Miracles? Kristian appeared at the Old Orchard Mall’s Bloomingdales in Skokie, Illinois and the North Michigan Avenue Bloomingdales on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois on August 27, 2008. We already knew her jewelry would be a hit, but this was a special moment for HFM as they now join the impressive list of jewelry lines that can be purchased at one of the greatest department stores in the world, Bloomingdales. As we affectionately call: Bloomies. Kristian and the team, consisting of her sister, cousin, and a family friend were on hand to cement HFM’s new place in the retail world.

Now this show was very different from any of the other jewelry shows for one reason: When you bought a piece you actually purchased it from Bloomingdales. I have to say, it was thrilling seeing people go up to the register with their HFM piece in hand, receiving the receipt as an actual store purchase. (I was actually grinning. Although I think we were all grinning.) Kristian was charming and gracious and funny as ever. She put the personal touch on the experience for all the customers by showing the jewelry, experimenting on how to wear it, and most of all styling the customers with pieces to fit them. And in between that, she made sure the HFM team looked up to snuff, even helping me realize I had a little wardrobe dysfunction.

The fans were just amazed at watching her and getting used to her in such a different element as she was selling and talking about her jewelry. For some, it was hard not thinking of her as “Hope.” They didn’t know exactly how to talk to her. But of course it is most fun watching those that had no idea she would be there, happen upon her. Some would just say, “You are Hope!” To which Kristian comically responded, “Yes I am!” (Of course some wanted to know where Bo was). She gathered many news fans too. It was funny watching people just stare at her. They were amazed and excited all at the same time. And the Bloomingdales sales clerks were just as star struck too. She was the center of attention. Just seeing how many people knew her face, shows you just how much Kristian is loved and what a phenomenon in soaps Hope Williams and Bo Brady became and continue to be.

We watched Kristian treat every fan like the only person in the room. She made them laugh and just knocked their socks off. Of course in between we were making each other laugh. Just having a lot of fun! Brian Acker, the Selling Manager for the North Michigan Bloomingdales told me, “She is truly a class act. One of the nicest people I have ever met. I am very impressed.” The Cosmetics Manager for Bloomingdales was not only pleasantly surprised to learn Kristian was joining the family but was even more impressed when she met her, “She is just delightful. Just wonderfully sweet and the jewelry is beautiful.” And then she told Mr.Acker, “We need to make the appearances a permanent thing.” They were so impressed with our girl, the jewelry, and the team. There are already talks of her returning to the Windy City. Way to Go!

I think the best way to end this report is with this photo of Kristian trying on a pair of designer glasses for us. I think she knows that her future is so bright, she’s gonna have to wear shades!

To visit Kristian's online jewelry store, go to www.hopefaithmiracles.com.