Page 119 - KZN Top Business Portfolio eBook -2024

The Studio 39 Jewellery Design can also remodel old
jewellery or produce a new item using their clients’
stones.
Inspiration in Nature
Kim explains that for her design work she looks for
inspiration in her love of nature. “I love nature. I get a
lot of inspiration from nature and natural gemstones.
I find that if I’m designing for myself the stone tells me
what it wants to be.”
Recently selected as one of KZN’s Top Business Women
for 2023, she designed a beautiful gold pendant to wear
for the gala event. As you will always find fresh orchids
displayed in Kim’s shop, this spectacular pendant was
based on the indigenous orchid Aerangis mystacidii,
which is found in KZN. Kim used some licence to make
the orchid larger than life. This elaborate pendant is a
prime example of what Kim and her goldsmiths can
produce.
Currently, Kim is collaborating with people who aren’t
jewellery designers but have creative concept ideas.
She added that working with them to create jewellery
that they can go on and make an income from is
‘absolutely divine’. “My daughter is a zoologist, her
range is Pangolin inspired, so she can give back to her
community, donate to wildlife and create employment.
There’s just so many ways you can give back and be
creative at the same time.”
Jewellers by Design
One of the challenges from earlier days, Kim would say
was that jewellery manufacture was very much a man’s
world when she started. She found that nobody wanted
to share trade secrets or help with any information, not
even amongst themselves. “And I don’t agree with that
way of thinking”.
During Covid lockdown, and having time to reflect
and strategise, Kim decided that living by design and
not default was her aim and wanted to give back.
Jewellers by Design provides an environment that
empowers aspiring jewellers and designers to achieve
their goal of owning their own business, while working
in a nurturing environment incorporating experienced
leaders in the jewellery industry.
This new branch will concentrate on mentoring other
up and coming designers and jewellers from all walks
of life regardless of race, creed and background.
Experience, skill and empathy play a huge role in
mentoring the newcomers. “I believe small businesses
that employ locals are the backbone of the economy.
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 creating jobs and improving lives,”
Kim concluded.

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