Background

Kristine Van Raden was born on August 8, 1953, in West Covina, California, United States. She is the daughter of Phil and Darlene Patterson. She has a younger brother Jeff Patterson.

Education

Kristine Van Raden received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon in 1975.

Career

Kristine Van Raden began her career in 1975 as a community school director, the position she held till 1980. In the next three years, she was a manager at Stedcraft. From 1982 till 1995 she was involved in homemaking. In 1997, her best friend, Molly Davis, and she co-authored Letters to Our Daughters: Mothers’ Words of Love, a book filled with letters from women around the country and around the world. Their book was featured on the Oprah Show. The book led to a public speaking career and they travelled around the country speaking to remarkable groups of people about the matters that matter most. The name of their business just had to become, Matters That Matter.

As the co-founders of Matters That Matter, they are passionate about the importance of women connecting with and supporting one another. Their mission is to inspire all to live according to their own deeply held values and priorities by bringing courage, contentment, and grace to life. After her mother passed away in 2015, Kristine Van Raden started messing about with clay. Now she is the craftsperson behind Beanpole Pottery. She launched Beanpole Pottery in a quiet studio tucked into her own backyard. From tiny vases 2 to 3 inches tall, perfect for those imperfect bouquets from tiny admirers, to custom cups, bowls, vases, plates, and spoons, the imperfections and one-of-a-kind results create beautiful pieces infused with grace, heart, and imagination. Van Raden is also known as a contributor to the book Dancing at the Shame Prom: Sharing the Stories That Kept Us Small.

Achievements

• Kristine Van Raden is known as a gifted potter whose work receives high praise. She is also widely known as a co-owner, writer, editor, and public speaker for Matters That Matter, as well as for her book, written in co-authorship with Molly Davis, Letters to Our Daughters: Mother's Words of Love, which received very positive reviews.

Works

More photos

• book

  • Letters to Our Daughters: Mother's Words of Love

    (Every mother will find something to recognize in this ins...)

    1997
  • Dancing at the Shame Prom: Sharing the Stories That Kept Us Small

    (Shame is a powerful thing. It can weigh on your heart and...)

    2012

Views

Kristine Van Raden's motto is "work at what you love, and love your work."

Quotations: "Caretaking loved ones can be rewarding and at times depleting, not leaving much room for self-care. That lack of self-care quickly becomes a lifestyle and a woman becomes part of a system, often losing herself, her dreams and desires. I wouldn’t change a thing from what lies behind, but when looking ahead, I am determined to make time for me…for what is just about me being fulfilled as a human being."

"At this point, my work is simple and manageable. I would almost say, I am fairly certain of what I am doing. I am content with that."

"I am ready to try loving myself. I am ready to preserve space, time, energy, resources so that I may find fulfillment and pleasure."

"Each of us deserves a life that is rewarding. Part of why we find ourselves exhausted and depleted in midlife is because we have given everything we had to ensure those we cared about would be set up to achieve that rewarding life."

"My advice is be patient. Gather strength and take one step at a time. Trying to step in the direction of loving yourself and pursuing a rewarding life for yourself."

"I think if I keep loving what I do, being open to what comes, my business will grow as it is destined to grow."

Membership

Kristine Van Raden is a member of The Nature Conservancy and SOLV.

Personality

Kristine Van Raden had a nickname Beanpole when she was a girl.

Quotes from others about the person

• "I have known Kristine Van Raden for over 20 years. She is an incredibly intelligent, thoughtful and generous person. An eloquent speaker and a gifted writer, Kristine helps others see the world through her eyes with a combination of inspiring, thought-provoking creativity and calm, tranquil communication style. She is a genuine humanitarian with an uncanny ability to connect with people, make them feel comfortable, and encourage them to communicate. She inspires everyone around her to become better people." - Trevor T. Calton
  
  "Kristine Van Raden is an entirely loyal and hardworking person. Be this in the capacity of friendship, business, or volunteering, her ethics and vision make her a sought after speaker, author, and businesswoman."

Connections

Kristine Van Raden married David F. Van Raden on June 8, 1980. The marriage produced two children, Sarah and Katie. Kristine and David are divorced.

Father:

Phil Patterson

Mother:

Darlene Patterson

husband:

David F. Van Raden

Brother:

Jeff Patterson