Kinn Studio is a Los Angeles based jewelry company offering modern heirlooms made to last a lifetime. The brand frequently partners with organizations to help support via a percentage of proceeds donated.

What was the inspiration to start this business?

A few years ago, my parent’s house was robbed. They lost all of their family heirlooms and it was heartbreaking for them. I wanted to try to replace some of these pieces and started looking into getting some pieces made inspired by the ones that were lost.

As I was continuing down this process, I started to learn more and more about the jewelry industry. How many pieces were marked up, how there was a lack of transparency and friends started asking me to make their pieces as well. This is when Kinn was born.

When you started your business, did you ever envision that you would be where you are now?

Never in a million years. Since the brand was started as a hobby making pieces for friends and family, I certainly didn't think it would become a business with customers from around the world.

Was there ever a time that things didn't fall into place, struggles, or challenges? What were they and how did you get past it and grow from the experience?

COVID certainly came out of the left-field for us, as I'm sure it did for most. To us, communication was key--both internally and externally. We were transparent about where we were from an operations standpoint, what we're doing to take care of our employees, and ultimately what this may mean to you (customer, employee, partner, maker, etc).

I also started to make the brand more personal by putting myself--as a founder--out there more and it allowed us to gain more trust from the community. This was the key factor that allowed us to continue to get support from the customers and also from our staff. In a way, our loyal customers grew.

What was the biggest lesson you learned while starting and growing this business?

Do what makes you happy, because it shows.

Surround yourself with people you want to learn from because you can grow with them. Keep going no matter how hard it gets, because you'll come out of it even stronger.

What would you tell a FEM that is struggling in her business and feel like it's too difficult?

Keep going. I personally allow myself to have bad days, and that it's OK.

Maybe that's the best time to step away from the business and give yourself a mental break and do something that you love.

Come back refreshed and try again. Because ultimately, you'll figure it out.

What continues to inspire you to keep on growing your business?

Personal/custom projects. We've taken on our Kinn Repurpose projects, where customers can bring in the jewelry that they can repurpose. Most of the time, it's because the piece has a sentimental value to it i.e. grandmother's engagement ring, but they just wouldn't wear the style.

I would help redesign the piece using their stones and metals and they would be so happy that they can treasure part of the memories with them. That kind of happiness can't be replicated, and this is what keeps me going.

Final advice for those thinking of starting a business or looking to grow their current business?

Ask for feedback, and don’t be shy to follow up on the thought process behind it.

To connect: Insta:@@kinnstudio