Meet Natalie Kasif of Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Kasif.

Hi Natalie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been creating. What started as a love for art evolved into crafting one-of-a-kind jewelry, inspired by the natural world and striking architecture. Entirely self-taught, my journey is hands on and intuitive, each piece telling its own story. Through my work, I hope to share a bit of that wonder and individuality with you.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building my jewelry brand has come with many challenges along the way. My health, along with lifelong struggles with anxiety, has often threatened to derail my creative progress. There are days when inspiration flows endlessly and I feel deeply connected to my work and then, without warning, chronic illness can leave me exhausted, feverish, and aching for days at a time. The most difficult challenge by far however was when I was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago. I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer called Triple Negative Breast Cancer. My cancer journey added another layer to an already difficult road. Between treatments, fatigue, and the emotional weight that came with it, there were long stretches where creativity felt out of reach but somehow, creating always found its way back to me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My jewelry can best be described as organic and unconventional. I work primarily with precious metals such as sterling silver and natural gemstones, creating pieces that are entirely one of a kind. While I studied gemology at the Gemological Institute of America, I taught myself metalsmithing and jewelry design through instructional videos, silversmithing books, and years of hands-on experimentation. Through trial and error, patience, and persistence, I developed the skills that now shape my work today.

Ever since my cancer diagnosis, I’ve felt a strong need to give back to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer community. Each March, during TNBC Awareness Month, I donate a portion of every sale to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. The TNBC community has been an incredible source of support, strength, and understanding throughout my journey, and I’m deeply honored to stand alongside such courageous, resilient, and beautiful women. By the way as of June 10 of this year I will be five years cancer free!

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The advice I would give to anyone wanting to start a small business is this: there are no rules to creating, only the freedom to be your authentic self. Don’t hesitate. Push past the negativity, silence the self doubt, and allow the creative energy to flow freely. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Strength isn’t about doing everything alone. Sometimes it’s about allowing yourself to be supported while you keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nkarmajewelry.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nkarmajewelry