(Credit: Chris Casella)

How versatile is Kristy Venrick? If given enough time, the architect, business owner and musician could build, book and sell out a bar all by herself.

In addition to earning her degree in architectural design and working with the same local firm for 13 years, she has also become a well-traveled singer, touring Mexico City and Europe as the frontwoman for the electronic band The Azoic. Today, she and her husband, Andreas Kleinert, run the eclectic bar/café, The Shrunken Head, while still maintaining her small record label Nilaihah Records.

“I wasn’t happy with doing just one thing,” Venrick said. “If that was the case, I would be bored. I like diversity. I feel like I still have that connection with music through all of this. And it’s really cool how everything has come full circle.”

**What’s your alter ego? **

I’m not really sure. Although getting paid to travel and experience new cultures would be cool.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Probably Berlin, Germany. I love the culture, diversity, architecture and I would be forced to finally really learn German.  

You’re given the chance to meet any person and talk to them for 30 minutes. Who would it be, why and what would you ask?

Perhaps Steve Jobs if he were still alive. For his determination, drive and dreams. I’d ask what the most valuable lessons he learned were, what his biggest mistakes in life were, and what factors made him able to achieve all he accomplished.

Who/what inspires you?

Learning. I love to keep growing through learning. Music also inspires me. So many emotions can be achieved through music.

What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?

Maybe owning more establishments or businesses and being able to travel more.

Secluded on a desert island, what are the five things you would bring with you and why?

Atlas Shrugged, a Leatherman multipurpose tool, a lighter/fluid, tent and water.  I’m pretty practical.  But my iPhone would be No. 1.

If you could listen to one music track/one artist for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

Definitely something dynamic and intense. It would have to invoke emotion.

Venrick is pictured wearing Buffalo David Bitton pants, Chinese Laundry boots, and earrings by StrungOut Jewelry made from guitar strings and natural stones.

Shot on location: The Shrunken Head
251 W Fifth Ave.
www.theshrunkenhead.net