Hope Faith Miracles: The Debut

By NAKITHA B. - It was a family affair as Kristian debuted her jewelry line in Greensboro, North Carolina on November 3-5, 2006 at the Greensboro Holiday Market. Her family -- also the HFM team -- included her father, sister, cousins, and more. All were on hand to help Kristian unveil her beautiful treasures. This was a long-awaited event for all of those who have admired Kristian's jewelry for years while watching Days. Many of the pieces Kristian wears she has designed herself, and now her fans can wear a little piece of her creativity themselves. As a patron myself, I must say, the pieces really are beautiful and so much like the real thing. Of course, I am biased, but HFM definitely had the best looking jewelry in the Market.

Kristian was there Saturday and Sunday to meet and greet the fans and introduce them to HFM. It's always fun to see fans get the shock of their lives by her presence. Some came to the market to just enjoy the shopping and the edible goodies, having no idea she was there. Imagine their shock when they figured out that their favorite soap star and soon-to-be jewelry mogul, was in the building. Some people expected her to be there and wanted to be the first in line when she arrived. The majority of them had never seen hereface to face, so this was more than a treat. Thanks to HFM and Kristian's exquisite taste, there were plenty of "ooh"s and "ahh"s. And, of course, our girl was as beautiful as ever, with her beautiful bling to match.

After the shock wore off, fans just wanted to stare at her and ask the most pressing question of the day:"When are Bo and Hope going to get back together?" or "When is Hope going to take Bo back?" Kristian's answer was perfect, at least I thought it was: "They will, but Bo has to suffer first." Of course everyone felt he had suffered enough until she informed them that Bo would once again dip his hand in the Billie cookie jar. "What was he thinking?" Kristian laughed. She thinks Bo has to start over. Let's see if he's successful this time.

Kristian was as charming as ever with the fans. She made everyone feel so at ease. As one fan said, "She's so down to earth and so sweet and she actually talks to you and listens to you." She gave every single fan her undivided attention. She asked, "Did you check out the jewelry? We are so proud of it." If they hadn't checked it out, she would say, "Go check it out, and then come back and tell me what you think." It was almost overwhelming for some because she would go over and help them try on pieces and tell them what she thought looked good on them. And the HFM team was just as charming, helping customers every step of the way.

Kristian's passion for HFM is evident in the way she speaks of it. As she explained why the fleur de lis, her signature and the inspiration for her line, has been so special to her, since she was a child. Her mother introduced her to them and it's been apart of her ever since. How fitting that something that inspired her so greatly as a girl would become the centerpiece of her new and exciting business venture. She spoke of how for the last couple of years, inquiries would come in to the studio and through letters about her jewelry and where it could be purchased. And FINALLY she thought it was time for her to make her personal pieces available to the public. The presentation of the jewelry was great. The packaging has a classic feel, just like the jewelry itself. Each piece is simple yet elegant. It compliments Kristian very well.

After talking to her, the fans would just buy more and more and Kristian is quite the sales person. She informed them that with the holidays just around the corner, her baubles would make perfect Christmas gifts. She convinced husbands to buy these treasures for their wives. She convinced boyfriends to surprise their girlfriends. One patron who had never seen Days before became a fan right there on the spot. She said she was now going to start taping Days because of meeting Kristian. She bought many pieces as well. For fans who only know of her as Hope, they were so surprised to see this how multi-talented she is. One fan told her that they had watched her since she first came into the fictional town of Salem and being in their homes everyday, she is so special to us. When the fan repeated the sentiment to Kristian's sister, Lisa, Lisa responded, "She is very special to us too."

And psst...people have questioned why Kristian chose Greensboro for her debut. Well, soon after starting her career on Days, one of her first appearances was in North Carolina. She said the people were so friendly and so nice there, that she wanted that same feel again this time around. She felt this would be a wonderful place to start yet another new chapter in her life and her career. And I will say, HFM debuted with much success. Bravissima Kristian!! I have a feeling this is just the beginning of something great.

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