Kai Avent-deLeon is a facilitator, creator, and the founder of Sincerely Tommy and Che. Her work is rooted in creativity, connection, and creating spaces that invite people to gather, discover, and feel at home. Moving between the energy of New York City and the slower rhythm of upstate New York, she has found a balance between the vibrancy of the city and a deeper connection to nature, space, and a more intentional way of living.
My journey has brought me to a place where I continuously want less in terms of possessions and things. I’ve become much more drawn to simplicity, nature, and the freedom of being able to move lightly.
There’s something really beautiful to me about having a backpack with just a few things in it and being able to move freely, rather than constantly accumulating more. I think that connects to what I’ve been learning from the Tao Te Ching, the idea of living in alignment rather than trying to control or accumulate everything around you.
I feel incredibly grateful that I grew up in a city that’s such a melting pot of cultures, perspectives, and creative expression. That exposure really shaped the way I see the world. At the same time, growing up in New York made me realise how much I value the opposite too, the slower pace, being in nature, and environments that feel grounding. New York will always have a place in me, and I’ll always carry that connection with me.
You move between many creative practices. What connects them for you?
I think we’re multidimensional creatures, and we’re not necessarily meant to do just one thing. I’ve always felt called to explore whatever feels interesting or appealing to me in the moment. Creativity can take so many forms, from working with my hands and making something to learning a new sport or developing a new skill. I don’t feel the need to define creativity too narrowly; for me, it can be anything that makes me curious enough to explore.
What inspires you these days?
The world, travel, life experience, ancient philosophy, friends, strangers.
What helps you slow down and reconnect with yourself?
Meditation, EFT tapping and reading, going for walks.
What would you tell your younger self?
Be kinder to yourself.
Kai Avent-deLeon handmade pillow in raw silk, displayed in the New York flagship store.