Kirsten Ruhs: Year of the Dragon

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an artist is the value of financial stability. Creative careers can be unpredictable, and while passion fuels the work, financial security provides the freedom to fully pursue it. Finding ways to diversify income—whether through market investments, property ownership, or other streams—can help weather the uncertainties that inevitably come. Living simply, staying debt-free, and maintaining independence have been key to my success in sustaining a career that thrives through changing circumstances.