Conversations with Michelle Kurniadi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Kurniadi.

Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved fashion. So much so that I went to study fashion design at Pasadena City College and actually worked in fashion industry for six years. It was not an industry for the faint-hearted. I was responsible for the operation side of this well-established company, day in day out. Sometime in 2013, however, I started to question myself, “do I really love what I’m doing?” and sadly, I knew that I didn’t. With that realization, I started to explore the other side of fashion that I haven’t explored before. My life motto, “DO WHAT YOU LOVE”, was birthed then.

I realized I love designing and just creating stuff, so I started experimenting making products with the help of my husband’s technical skills. Our first product line was the button earrings, which both of us personally hand-made, piece by piece. It wasn’t glorious, but I loved it. That was the conception of MIKUKUMI, our jewelry small business. Our logo is a cute happy owl since both of us were working full time then and could only create these products after hours, thus making us “owls” in those many nights. We started joining local events, such as 626 night markets to introduce ourselves to the people. We were so grateful for the many faithful customers that we met that supported us along the way.

During the economic downturn in 2016, the company that I worked for really struggled and that led to my lay off. I considered it to be a sign to just “DO WHAT YOU LOVE” full time and I took on that path ever since. MIKUKUMI has then transitioned from our original button earrings to a broader spectrum of quality fashion jewelry products that most people can afford. Although we still join some local events, majority of our customers find us at Etsy. It has been so rewarding to hear many kind words from our customers.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Just like most streets in California, it has not. I realize that doing what I love doesn’t promise a road with no challenges. The opposite can be true sometime; we will be tested if we will make sacrifices to continue to do what we love.

We had to really juggle with two full-time jobs in the first few years of MIKUKUMI. Setting up tent and merchandise in the midst of 100 degrees sun during summer events, just hoping to get the word out and make some sales.

The lack of sizable capital caused us to learn to be faithful with what we had and work within our limitations. We couldn’t hire more than one helper during our first year events but a few of our friends volunteered and faithfully supported us which we are forever grateful for. We were dead tired at the end of every event but I know that being tired from what I really enjoy to do is definitely worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We specialize in handmade quality fashion jewelry. When people hear fashion jewelry, they often think that we are talking about low-quality cheap products. We want to change that stigma. Affordable stuff doesn’t always mean cheap and quality stuff doesn’t always mean it needs to be unreachable.

Most of our jewelry products are gold-filled items. Most people know what is gold plated but many may never heard of gold-filled jewelry. In general, the two major differences would be the thickness of the gold “coating” and the way it’s applied. Gold filled items can be 50x – 100x thicker in gold outer layer which resulted in a more long lasting products and safe to wear in shower. They are definitely our top sellers and what we are best known for.

Our most unique product line is probably our face mask chains. We know people still want to look stylish even in the midst of the pandemic. Since most of our products are handmade, we would love to work with our customers if they have special requests in regards to length, etc.

Our hard work and commitment to our customers can be seen at our Etsy shop’s stats; a 5-star customer rating (95%) and a 100% on-time shipping.

How do you define success?
Since I have defined my life motto, to me, success is doing I love so well that results in a consistent mutual “win” for me, our business, our suppliers and our customers. Without winning together, success can be very short-lived.

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@mikukumi.com
• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MIKUKUMI
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikukumi

Image Credits:
MIKUKUMI