Meet Esther Kim of Mantle Jewellery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Esther Kim.

Esther, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I went to OTIS College of Art and Design for my BFA in Fashion Design, and after working ten years in the Clothing industry, I wanted to exit the realm and began taking classes at a jewelry studio in Irvine, CA back in 2014.

I really loved jewelry making and technique/design and felt like it was more in tune with my creativity while providing meaningful things. I started making minimalist jewelry pieces and posted them on an Etsy site I created and lo and behold; I had my first sale in a matter of weeks.

I intended from the get-go to do more than just create or earn a living, and it is my company value to give back and help fund developing communities. My company is growing, little by little each year and now I am able to source a local jeweler to help me with some production on my styles.

I am also elevating my fine metal heavy brand to incorporate more gems, and I aim to enter the Engagement category soon. I am constantly learning new techniques and methods to refine my brand and designs, and I enjoy this process very much.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been easy. There are enough pebbles and stones along the way, but as I encounter them, I am blessed to overcome and celebrate the small victories.

The most difficult struggle is, of course, finances, my company is an e-commerce based line so there are no guarantees on how much I should expect in sales per month. It’s quite a toss up!

I am using other channels such as wholesale, and pop-ups in local areas to increase and grow my company.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mantle Jewellery – what should we know?
My company name is Mantle Jewellery. Mantle is a word that describes a cloak and is also described as an important role or responsibility that passes from one person to another.

That is how I feel about me and others as well, we all wear a certain identity and our time on earth is very valuable. How we live our life actually matters, and how we want to impact the world around us (whether big or small) will ultimately drive our passions and goals.

I want my company to be set apart in that way, providing meaning to people through my handmade pieces and touching lives through their purchases. I specialize in lost wax casted pieces, it is an old jewelry technique that casts intricate sculptures/waxes into metal.

I am most proud to be a small company that values quality and timelessness and aims to provide the best to my customers.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Transparency and Sustainability.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mantlejewellery.com/
• Email: mantlejewellery@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mantlejewellery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mantlejewellery/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mantlejewellery

Image Credit:
Sunny Kim

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