Robin Kramer’s journey is one of authenticity, connection, and growth. As the founder of Red Boot Consulting, she has built a career rooted in kindness, integrity, and a people-first approach, proving that success is about relationships, not just results. Her path to entrepreneurship was unplanned, but her impact is undeniable - helping brands thrive by fostering trust and genuine connection. Over the years, Robin has learned to set boundaries, embrace self-care, and redefine success beyond career milestones. A transformative yoga retreat reinforced her belief in prioritizing experiences over hustle. When introduced to my Mini ID Medallion Collection, she resonated with the bird, symbolizing freedom and movement - an emblem of her journey to living authentically. Robin’s story embodies the spirit of SEEN, a celebration of women over 40 who embrace their true selves and inspire others to do the same.
Q&A with Robin Kramer
1.What are you most proud of so far in your life, and how does it make you feel?
Robin: What I’m most proud of are the meaningful connections I’ve built throughout my life - because, to me, connection is everything. I also take great pride in my journey as an ‘accidental entrepreneur.’ I never set out to have my own business, but looking back, I’m amazed at what I’ve built. This year marks 15 years of mentoring, coaching and consulting, a path that unfolded organically, and I’m grateful for every step (and misstep) of my journey.
2. What has been a challenge you faced in your life, and what did you learn from it?
Robin: Confrontation has always been a challenge for me. I used to stay in difficult situations far too long, fearing I’d let others down. Over time, I’ve learned not to take things personally and to recognize when something no longer serves me. I’ve noticed that men often say, “This doesn’t work for me” without emotional attachment, while I would exhaust myself trying to make things work by changing myself. Now, I’m learning that it’s not only okay but necessary to walk away from situations that don’t align with me - and that doing so isn’t a failure, but an act of self-respect.
3. What's an important and unexpected change you've made in your life?
Robin: Recently, I’ve made it a priority to cultivate meaningful experiences with the people in my life by being fully present in every interaction. When I travel for work, I now intentionally extend my trips to spend quality time with family, friends, and clients - because, in the end, relationships are what matter most. Rather than accumulating material things, I choose to invest in experiences that create lasting connections.
After a recent trade show in NYC, I stayed for several weeks, traveling to upstate New York to reconnect with a dear friend I met 25 years ago at a yoga training, then to Connecticut to visit my brother and clients, followed by stops in Yardley, PA to see friends / clients and back to NYC for more time with clients and loved ones. I even had the chance to visit a rescue farm owned by a new friend I met while visiting my brother in CT. I’m heading to Charlotte in a few weeks for my niece’s graduation, and since I have clients and friends in Asheville and Virginia - just a short drive away - I’m taking the opportunity to see them as well. This shift has been unexpected but deeply fulfilling, reinforcing that the most valuable investment I can make is in the people who enrich my life.
4. When did you first feel truly seen and understood for who you are?
Robin: I had a profound moment of clarity about how I saw myself during a yoga retreat in Costa Rica in 2000. Deep in the jungle, I stayed in a simple hut with no electricity, just a hose for a shower. It was rustic, a little intimidating - but I loved it. Over those two weeks off the grid, I met some of the happiest people I had ever encountered, many of whom had very little in terms of material wealth. Their joy was eye-opening.
At the time, I was working for Gap Inc. and deeply immersed in consumer culture. With a generous employee discount across all the company’s brands, I had accumulated an overwhelming amount of clothing. I had fallen into the “more, more, more” mindset without even realizing it. But something shifted on that retreat. When it was time to leave, I left behind most of my clothes. And when I returned home, I purged my closet, donating bags of items I once thought I needed. I remember thinking, I don’t need all of this. It was an awakening.
For so long, I had tied my identity to my job - to working for well-known companies, to the prestige of a recognizable name. I was proud of that and I still am. But in the middle of that jungle, I felt truly seen - not for what I owned or where I worked, but for who I was. That experience taught me to look beyond material things and titles to what truly matters: connection, presence, and a life built on meaning rather than accumulation.
5. In what ways do you feel more authentically yourself now than ever before?
Robin: I still care what people think - I wish I could say I don’t, but I do. The difference now is that I don’t let it define me. I’ve become much more intentional about taking care of myself, making it a priority no matter what. Sleep, meditation, breathwork, exercise - it’s all part of my daily practice. And while it’s not perfect, it’s never been about perfection. It’s about progress, always.
One of the most meaningful changes I’ve made is joining a dear friend’s daily yoga and meditation practice. She started it in September 2024 leading it Monday through Friday, and I’ve been with her since the beginning. It’s been such a gift to start my mornings by slowing down and creating space for peace. What makes it even more special is that we did our yoga training together in LA in 2001. She continued on the path of yoga and meditation, while I took a different route—but returning to this practice with her as my instructor has felt like coming home to a part of myself.
Now, I seek out the things that bring me peace. When I lived in Sausalito, I found it in the breathtaking views just outside my door. These days, I’m more intentional about creating those moments—whether through movement, meditation, or simply pausing to appreciate the beauty around me. It’s a journey of finding balance, and more than ever, I feel like I’m stepping into my most authentic self.
6. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Robin:I’d tell my younger self to not take myself so seriously. I was such a serious kid, wound tight and determined to make things happen right away. I will never forget my 21st birthday because my mother told me to lighten up and relax. It’s ironic because people now see me as calm and easygoing, but back then, I was anything but. I had a plan: Make a million dollars by 30. Accomplish this. Achieve that. I was chasing success at full speed.
Then 30 came, and everything shifted. My goals weren’t about money or achievement anymore—I just wanted to be happy. I realized that wealth doesn’t guarantee joy, and that life doesn’t have to be so hard. If I could go back, I’d remind myself to breathe, to trust the timing of things, and to enjoy the journey rather than racing to the finish line.
7. Is your life what you thought it would be? Why or why not?
Robin: Honestly, no - my life turned out completely different than I imagined. I always thought I’d be living on a ranch, surrounded by kids and animals, giving riding lessons. I never dreamed I’d end up in the jewelry and fashion industry. But looking back, maybe it wasn’t such a surprise after all.
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for art, jewelry, and textiles. In many ways, I grew up in the fashion world- my uncle had a women’s clothing showroom in NYC and a factory in South Carolina where the clothing was made, my aunt ran a fashion newsletter that I once wrote for when I spent a summer in NYC during college, my godmother had a fashion licensing company (one of her clients was Calvin Klein), and my mom owned a beautiful store before going on to work at Stanley Korshak, a luxury goods specialty department store. Retail, fashion, and design have been woven into my life from the very beginning.
And while I may not be on a ranch, I’ve found a different kind of joy - helping creatives build their businesses and surrounding myself with the beauty of thoughtfully curated boutiques and galleries, which, to me, feel like little museums.
8. What wisdom have you gained that could only come through living these years?
Robin: I've learned that my job does not define who I am (something I didn’t get until I was 30). That true wealth lies in the connections and relationships we nurture. That words hold power, but action creates change. That a strong community can carry you through life's challenges. That joy is a choice we make every day. That gratitude has the power to transform everything. That movement fuels both my body and mind, while quiet time restores them. And that my greatest joy comes from making a difference in someone's life - whether through consulting, coaching, or mentoring - by sharing my experience and knowledge to help them grow and thrive.
9. What do you want your legacy to be?
Robin: I want my legacy to be one of connection, impact, and love. I hope to be remembered as someone who lifted others up - through my work as a consultant, coach, and mentor, helping people grow and thrive, and through the relationships I nurtured with care and intention. I want to be known as a loyal friend, a devoted daughter, a supportive sister, and a loving partner - someone who showed up, listened, and made others feel valued. I believe in the power of community, in the strength that comes from gratitude, and in the joy of sharing knowledge and experience to make a difference. I want to leave behind a life well-lived - one that inspired, empowered, and created lasting connections.
10. Which medallion resonates with you?
Robin: When choosing a medallion, I was instantly drawn to the Free Spirit. The bird symbol resonates deeply - perhaps unsurprising, given my name is Robin. While I admire all the options, something about Free Spirit feels just right. Interestingly, I’ve always valued structure, which might seem at odds with the idea of a free spirit. But I’ve come to realize that structure is what allows me to be “free.”
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Our "SEEN" series features remarkable women who embody the spirit of our medallion collection. Each woman chooses the medallion that best represents her journey and shares the wisdom she's gained along the way.
Shop the Free Spirit Medallion and explore the full Mini ID Medallion Collection.
