Today we’d like to introduce you to Kati Nemeth.
Hi Kati, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since I was young I excelled in art and poetry and so I always had a creative mind that was pointing me in the direction of doing something artistic. I knew by 6th grade, that I wanted to become a fashion designer and entrepreneur.
I grew up in Minneapolis, MN where I got my Bachelors degree in Business Administration, while managing stores like Forever21 & Charlotte Russe. Working for these companies confirmed to me that managing my own brand is what I wanted to pursue one day.
After graduating college in 2011, I started designing clothing & jewelry through self-teaching and spending a lot of time at the craft stores.
I then started a brand called FashionArt Clothing where I designed swim & resort wear boho type fashions & jewelry. And started doing fashion shows with “Raw Artists Minneapolis.”
After getting custody of my niece in 2014, I moved her, my daughter, and I to Florida. Where I showcased with Raw Artists Miami and Fashion For Humanity, gaining further experience as a designer and entrepreneur.
I took a bit of a hiatus in 2017 because of my pregnancy with my (now 6 year old ) son and health afterwards. I got into a healthcare career doing Telemetry from 2018-2022, but lost my job due to Covid policies within the company. A blessing in disguise!! 🙂
I decided to get back to where my heart and soul really belonged, which was designing and working for myself! So I started a company called Twelve Gemstones.
I design high quality gemstone beaded, gold plated/filled jewelry, and silver/silver plated jewelry. I also design home decor and custom items. And specialize in custom jewelry orders, where I work closely with the client.
I have an upcoming fashion show with Orlando International Fashion Week June 8th, at Porsche South Orlando for a swim and yacht wear show! I will be showcasing a new collection. (First fashion show for my new brand “Twelve Gemstones”)
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?
Well, not exactly! In business or working for yourself, there are always obstacles and challenges that you have to deal with. As well as doubts and fears and second-guessing yourself, the list goes on! It definitely takes someone who is deeply driven and believes in themselves to be a creative or entrepreneur because no one will push you or cheer you on to keep going but you! You have to be that all-in-one management team for yourself!
I currently work for a ride-share company on the side, as my sales are not yet where I’d like them to be. I am also a single mom, and juggle my small business all with no help or employees. So it is a lot to juggle, and the road is definitely not smooth, but very bumpy!
Especially when there are those days that you have a million things to get done, but don’t have the energy To match. You really have to push yourself to do what you need to do which can be tough especially dealing with health issues to boot!
And then you also deal with the days and weeks that your sales are quite low and you start to naturally question if you are doing the right thing with your life. You question your purpose, and if your mission and your art really matters, Etc.
I get through those doubts and fears through prayer & faith and believe in myself and I push through! But like with anything in life, the ups and downs are apart of the process.
Being creative and entrepreneurial gives me purpose in a way no other career path has so I know regardless of the struggles this is where I’m meant to be, and will continue to fight for my success.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a designer of jewelry, Home decor, accessories, & custom items. (Previous swim/resort wear designer)
I specialize in high-quality handmade, gemstone, jewelry, and items with gold and silver plating or fill. I also design custom pieces of jewelry for clients, where they participate in the design process and we work closely together to bring their vision to life.
I’d say what sets me apart is, my Customer Service! I am known for putting so much thought and Care into dealing with the customer, Selecting supplies and designing their pieces, and how I package their orders. Because my love for people and what I do!
Whether it’s Uber or my Etsy shop or in real life I always get 5 star reviews!! 🙂
I put a lot of love into the whole process from start to finish because it is my mission to give each customer a mood boosting and happy experience. It brings joy to me and is the best part in being a designer and business owner. It’s what motivates me.. it’s my small way to do good and bring joy to others.
I am most proud of where I come from and how hard I’ve worked to get to where I am in life. That no matter what I go through and the lack of a support system, I don’t give up and keep believing in myself. I also am so proud of my son who enjoys helping mommy with “jewelry business “ as he calls it! 🙂
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is, being able to make my children proud. To show them how to go after their dreams. To teach them entrepreneurship and that there is a way to work for a living that also makes you happy and excited everyday, and makes you feel like you are living in your purpose, not for someone Else’s. To do something on this earth, that I love with all my heart and soul for a “living” that puts a smile on other peoples faces! To make positive connections with others and spread joy through giving good experiences to all.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.twelvegemstones.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwelvegemstones
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twelvegemstones?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://twelvegemstonesshop.etsy.com/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@twelvegemstones
Image Credits
1) My son Xavier and I 2) Fashion Show Assistant- Maria Caraballo 3) Orlando International Fashion Week board members and I 4) Twelve Gemstone Jewelry Pieces 5) A Model & I 6) Model Amanda Fusco wearing a dress and jewelry I designed.
