Recently recognised as one of KZN’s Top Business Women 2023, Kim is an authentic hands-on jewellery designer and goldsmith. For many years she has been sharing her knowledge and helping other up-and-coming designers and jewellers from all walks of life.
From a young age Kim wanted to run her own business. Her first entrepreneurial experience was at age six, selling her toys on the sidewalk outside her home. At age 23, she opened her own business and, for the 29 years since, she has been creating wearable works of art, delighting customers all around the world.
Kim is honoured and humbled for the recognition as a KZN Top Business Women, and as the owner of Studio 39 Jewellery Design in Kloof, says she has always had a strong determination to succeed. She was no more than a teen when she already knew she had to be in a creative environment doing what she loves.
“My parents always encouraged me and never told me that I was not capable or tried to push me into an academic career. They recognised my creativity and love for nature. My introduction to jewellery started at age 15, working weekends and school holidays at a local mom and pop jewellery manufacturing store.”
After school Kim was offered an apprenticeship as a goldsmith at the same store, and said working at the bench and learning on the job was a wonderful experience, while also gaining a lot of experience in the art of selling. Once qualified, she continued her education with certifications in diamond grading, gemstone identification and marketing, and says her education is always on-going.
“I am in awe of the beauty that surrounds us, and this is where I find my inspiration. Natural gemstones seem to come alive and ‘tell’ me what they want to be made into. Creating pieces that show these stones off is my happy place.”
Kim says customers want authenticity and to speak to the designer, and need someone who can lead them through the journey of creating their special piece. Having this ability, as well as a practical knowledge of jewellery manufacture, has resulted in a returning customer base for her, and now her customers’ children and even grandchildren, all over the world, are dealing with her.
When asked how jewellery fits into today’s world, Kim explained that living in a throw away world, fine jewellery is considered a luxury and people prefer to spend their money on ‘experiences’ rather than material items.
“I understand this, but when the experience is over, when you’ve come back from your travels or the memorable event is over, how do you save that memory, capture the feeling, remember? Jewellery provides the perfect medium for that, especially if your personal family jeweller knows you and your history, well.”
Kim says capturing feelings and energy in the piece designed is a bit like sitting around a campfire and relating stories of our ancestors.
“The future heirloom we’ve created will mean so much more to your children and grandchildren after hearing the story of your travels, or memorable life event, so jewellery is not just a luxury, it forms part of the experience. It is a piece of art designed for you.”
Regarding mass produced jewellery, Kim says it has its place, but nothing beats the joy and emotion that a piece designed just for you brings… “especially if it is as unique as you are.”
One of Kim’s greatest business attributes is having mentored and trained many people over the years. She has a staff member who has been with her for almost 20 years, while others have moved on to start their own successful businesses. She has also made an impact on the industry by launching Jewellers by Design, ensuring that the jewellery trade is brought into a new era.
Live by design and not by default, Jewellers by Design was born out of Covid 19 and a passion for the jewellery trade. The concept came from the feeling of community and working collaboratively, so that everyone can succeed. “There is plenty room at the table for authentic and passionate designers who do not have the opportunity or privilege of a mentor,” says Kim.
Experience, skill and empathy play a huge role in mentoring newcomers, says Kim, who believes small business is the backbone of the economy.
“Employing locals and giving back to our communities matters. Small businesses should stand together and see where they can work collaboratively – combining skills and experience – to uplift the communities around us and, in so doing, create jobs and improve lives.”
Her aim with Jewellers by Design is to provide members, from all backgrounds, with the platform and guidance to develop their own brand and learn in a nurturing environment while owning and growing their own business.
“I have down-sized my brick-and-mortar stores to one allowing me to concentrate on Jewellers by Design, and Studio 39 will be a brand under this umbrella. I’m very excited, and look forward to the future with this concept,” said Kim.
Kim can be found at Studio 39 Jewellery Design, 13 Old Main Road, Fields Shopping Centre, Kloof. 061 303 3939
IG: studio39jewellerydesign FB:studio39jewellerydesign
Kim’s advice for young women on a jewellery design path
- Find a mentor who can help you through the hard times.
- When you feel like giving up, and there will be times, join a business support group, one that speaks to your ethos. Jewellers by Design is one such group.
- Find your passion and your own identity. You need to be authentic; people can see straight through insincerity.
- If you are passionate about your designs, the right people will come naturally.
- A manufacturing knowledge is important, you need to understand how the piece will be made before being able to translate your design.
- For custom-made jewellery, made specifically for your customers, listen, show empathy, design for your customer’s journey, feel what they are saying and don’t impose your vision onto them. You need to interpret what they feel into a practical wearable work of art.
- Do not try to compete with big brand jewellery. Develop your own brand and niche market.
- Allow your staff and people around you or in your community to develop a brand and help them with this.
