Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Weisshaar.
Hi Kristen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I developed a passion for pearl jewelry while spending a part of my childhood in China. While living in Beijing, my mother would buy pearls and bring them back to the states to sell or gift to friends. As a child, it was one of my favorite activities to visit the Hongqiao Pearl Market with her. In my mid-twenties, I visited my parents, who were living in Beijing again. I spent time at the Hongqiao Pearl Market, sitting with local experts learning how to string and knot pearls. At this time, I had not officially started my business but my passion for pearl jewelry was growing and the idea for my own pearl jewelry line was planted.
After several years of creating jewelry for few internationally known brands, I decided I wanted to transition from fine jewelry and gemstone work to creating my own line of pearl jewelry. In 2017, I officially started Kristen Diana Designs. I have designed and hand-made a collection of pearl jewelry called ‘The Every Wear Pearls’. My philosophy is that every woman should have pearl jewelry that adds a touch of elegance to everyday looks.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not always been perfectly smooth but neither has it been always rocky. I haven’t had any major pitfalls but I have had some failed attempts to grow that I have learned a lot from. I actually started out calling my business Kristen Diana Diamonds and Pearls because I was still taking in fine jewelry work. About a year later, I decided to fully commit to designing and creating my pearl jewelry line. So I changed the name of the business to simplify and clarify. Two costly failures stand out in my mind. One was signing up to exhibit at a bridal show with a very expensive booth fee. It seemed like a very logical plan to sell my designs at bridal show. I thought they would be perfect for brides, bridesmaids, and mothers. It turned out most brides were not planning on getting married for a year or two and shopping for accessories was the last thing on their mind. I only sold two pieces over the course of two days and I sold them to another vendor. Another expensive failure was creating and printing a hard copy catalog of my designs to distribute to boutiques I wanted to sell to. I sent several off and hand-delivered some but the project was relatively unsuccessful.
After incidents like these, it’s easy to get discouraged and ask yourself if having your own business is smart and if you should just go back to a “regular job.” But it’s important to keep trying and keep taking the next step. It’s important to view those failures as “wisdom gained.” One of the fun mistakes I make now is that sometimes things get lost in translation when I am ordering pearls from China. Occasionally, I’ll get pearls in sizes and colors I was not trying to order and are totally wrong for the design I had in mind. It forces me to think and to create a totally new design for the pearl. Some of my favorite designs have been created that way.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in making pearl jewelry. Before I started my line of pearl jewelry, I made jewelry for several internationally known jewelry brands. Specifically, I made David Yurman and Tiffany & Co. jewelry. I am very proud to have made jewelry for these brands. While I didn’t learn how to make pearl jewelry from them, I learned about hard work and high standards of quality. I learned how to consistently make excellent jewelry because you cannot make pieces of craftsmanship “ok” or “average” for these labels. This has really set my pearl jewelry business up for success.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband deserves a lot of recognition when talking about the success of Kristen Diana Designs. He comes from an accounting and business background. He uses all those skills to help with the logistical side of the business. But more than that, he deserves a lot of recognition for the being my biggest supporter and advocate. I also have to give recognition to my mom, who took me to the pearl markets that spawned my love for pearls. She is my also my biggest promoter. A lot of credit and thanks goes to my clients; my business would not be successful without people who want to wear my jewelry.
Pricing:
- Earring Price Range $28.00-$44.00
- Bracelet Price Range $38.00-$60.00
- Necklace Price Range $58.00-$78.00
- Custom Designs – Free Quote
Contact Info:
- Email: kristendianadesigns@gmail.com
- Website: kristendianadesigns.com
- Instagram: @kristendianadesigns
- Facebook: Kristen Diana Designs
- Other: Pinterest @kristendianadesigns
Image Credits
Photographers: Lauren Long, Ratanya Olaves
