About

The Woman Behind the Crown


all me Kurai. Or Keri. Depends on how much reality you can handle.

By day, I’m a 35-year-old tax preparer in small-town Texas with too many degrees and even more pets. By night (and early morning, and lunch breaks), I’m building an empire that would make my people-pleasing former self faint.

The Villain’s Resume:

Cultivator of strength: Kung fu/yoga fusion practitioner, home gym enthusiast

Collector of knowledge: BA in Liberal Studies, MS in Applied Linguistics/TESOL, MS in Accounting (because why choose one path when you can hoard them all?)

Keeper of creatures: 20 rescues indoors, 11 ferals outside (yes, you read that right)

Creator of artifacts: Fantasy novelist under K.R. Rivers, maker of beautiful/useful things at StudioKmade

Destroyer of tax confusion: Through my newest venture (soft launch for late 2026)

Student of languages: English (native) and learning German (heritage on mother’s side) plus learning Mandarin and Korean

The Origin Story:

I spent three decades following the rules. Wore beige because it didn’t stand out. Said yes when I meant no. Stayed quiet because speaking up was “too much.” Declined invitations because doing things alone was “weird.”

I buried myself in degrees, thinking education would make me worthy. Worked jobs that drained me. Dressed like everyone else. Waited for permission to be myself.

Then one morning, holding another invitation I’d decline because I “wouldn’t fit in” or it would “be weird to go alone,” staring at clothes that weren’t me, I realized: I was living as an NPC in my own story.

The Transformation:

My villain era didn’t start with drama. It started with exhaustion.

Exhausted from shrinking. From apologizing. From playing nice while my soul screamed for something more.

So I stopped.

I threw out the beige, embraced the black (with burgundy accents, because even darkness needs depth). Started saying no. Built businesses that work for MY life. Rescued every stray that needed me because I understand being labeled “difficult.” Created art that celebrates shadows.

Now I run three businesses from my lake house/villain lair. I blend Eastern cultivation philosophy with Western ambition. I’m writing novels where villains have excellent points. I’m learning languages because knowledge is power. I’m building strength because this body is my first kingdom.

Why Villainous Whimsy?

Because transformation doesn’t have to be tragic. Because you can be powerful AND playful. Because the best revenge is living authentically—and documenting the journey with dark humor.

This blog is my realm, where every aspect of life becomes an opportunity for intentional rebellion:

  • Fitness without shame
  • Business without burnout
  • Creativity without apology
  • Relationships without self-abandonment
  • Home without perfection

The Invitation:

I’m not here to tell you how to live. I’m here to show you what’s possible when you stop asking permission.

Your villain era might look nothing like mine. Maybe it’s finally wearing the “too much” outfit. Setting the boundary. Starting the business. Choosing yourself.

Whatever your darkness looks like, you’re welcome here.

Find Me in Other Realms:

Now, shall we begin your transformation?

—Empress Kurai, Reformed People-Pleaser, Current Villain Queen

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