Christina and Hannah's 3 Words
For the first time ever, we’re doing a double feature! This edition of “My Three Words” features two fabulous ladies from the New York City art gallery world, Christina Maxwell and Hannah Foster. Read on for their stories of growth, words of encouragement and how they live their 3 words to inspire the world around them!
Names: Christina Maxwell and Hannah Foster
Professions:Christina is Executive Director of High Line Nine Galleries; Hannah is an art consultant and gallery director at Sugarlift
How I describe myself in Three Words:
CHRISTINA: Kind, ambitious, surprising
HANNAH: Hardworking, goofy, curious
How I express my Three Words through my style:
CHRISTINA: I grew up in the South where my mom would say "put on some lipstick and tuck in your crazy." (Love you, mom!) My roots and Southern-bred kindness and warmth show up in my classic Southern-inspired style. But, I love to add in a surprising, badass woman-in-charge twist! I love an a-line dress in a sassy leopard print, a jumpsuit with a classic gold hoop, a pale pink nail and a red lip (pre-mask era). As women, I love to dress in a way that celebrates both our soft, feminine beauty and our surprising strength and ambition.
Christina in pink jumpsuit.jpg
Christina bigger pic.png
HANNAH: To quote a friend from college who used to wear ties on exam days, “you gotta dress good to feel good and you gotta feel good to do good.” In an industry that’s visual and creative, a curated, professional look is important whether it’s a client meeting, exhibition opening or artist studio visit. I also try not to take myself too seriously, so I like to incorporate one fun thing into my outfit, be it a bold color, fun pattern or maybe even something subtle like a pink bow hair tie instead of a black one. The third word manifests in dressing comfortably. I found my passion in my work by following what I was most curious about, and I try to maintain that sense of curiosity in all professional projects and side hobbies. Sometimes that requires being light on your feet in a quick pivot, or going the extra mile—literally, on the streets of New York! I want to be prepared for any direction I feel compelled to walk in.
Hannah Pic 2.jpg
Hannah Pic 1.JPEG
Words of advice on how to develop the confidence to be who you are:
CHRISTINA: When I first moved to New York City, I was primarily auditioning for Broadway roles with a litany of dos and don’ts always running through my head. I was constantly trying not to be too much. (Too bubbly, too polished, too Southern, too smiley, too prepared.) Quite honestly, it was exhausting and infuriating. It wasn't until I was hired as Executive Director of High Line Nine during the pandemic that I decided I adored exactly who I was. Turns out, other people adore that Christina too. If you're having to dull yourself to fit in the box you're trying to fit in, chances are that that box is too small for you. When you're able to appreciate, celebrate and market who you truly are, the right doors will open.
HANNAH:SPEAK UP. Your silent hard work may be of higher quality than the person’s next to you, but people are so wrapped up in their own heads that if someone else pipes up and puts themselves directly in front of an opportunity (or a crush – it applies across life!), that can be the thing that clinches it for them. The confidence is cumulative. Every time you speak up for yourself it gets a little easier. Soon the imposter syndrome part of the “fake it ‘til you make it” adage falls away, and you find that you really are confident in yourself. Lastly, surround yourself with good people who see the best in you and constantly remind you to let that light shine.
How I'm practicing self-care these days:
CHRISTINA:My days are incredibly long and I have to be "on" pretty much all day. At the end of a long day, I love cooking a complicated meal (Love Marley Spoon, Martha Stewart's meal kits), watching the news and then taking a long lavender epsom salt bath. This pandemic has made me make caring for my body and mind more of a priority. I've cut back on alcohol, am spending more time away from screens and more time on walks, and am committing to spending time in bible study and prayer every morning. I'm working on listening to myself and cues that I'm getting maxed out. When it's challenging for me to slide from an attitude of resentment to gratitude, I know that it's time to step away from work and carve out some time for myself.
HANNAH: Taking the “guilty” out of “guilty” pleasure! For me, that’s eating Kraft mac n’ cheese for dinner sometimes and binge watching yet another episode of “Forged in Fire” on Netflix with my husband. (It’s like “Chopped” but for blade-smithing. The show definitely needs more female contestants!)
How can we support your amazing work and the artists you work with?
CHRISTINA:Please keep an eye on the High Line Nine website and Instagram! We're doing a lot to celebrate women in March. You won't want to miss it! (IG: @thehighlinenine; website: highlinenine.com)
HANNAH:We have four amazing shows opening and on view at the High Line Nine in Chelsea these upcoming weeks:
On view: Exit Point – A duet exhibition featuring Angela Gram and Lydia Baker is on view through February 27th
Upcoming: Compendium – A solo show featuring Timothy Wilson opens February 25th
Upcoming: Nicolas V. Sanchez,Charcoal – A solo show featuring Nicolas V. Sanchez opens March 4th
Upcoming: Memento Mori – A group exhibition on the theme opens March 18th
Want to hear more from Christina and Hannah?
I’m thrilled to invite Christina and Hannah to share their stories, tips on buying art, and offering a virtual gallery tour to the Brand, Style & Bloom Style Wellness™ Community. Join us on Wednesday, February 24 at 6pm EST to hear from them and to meet other members of the Community.
Not a member yet? Join today for only $39/month to be part of the conversation and to receive tools, videos, sketched fashion collections and more to help you improve your mindset through style. Membership is month-to-month and can be canceled at any time.
Christina and Hannah Graphic.png