Adios 2017!
Katie Dean, December 13 2017
As 2017 comes to a close
it makes me think back to where we started this year. “Wow”, is what I have to say!
We have come so far as a team, as a company and myself as an artist. It’s such a great feeling when you take a minute to recognize your accomplishments and see all that hard work pay off.
*photographed by Emily Blumberg
One major thing we did was start releasing mini-collections!
It was challenging to stay on top of designing and releasing a new mini collection every 8 weeks but super fun. Happy to say this is going to continue on into 2018 so we’ll be bringing you fresh, new pieces throughout the year!
Check out the collections we released this year:
We were adored by some major press
Cosmopolitan
People
Star Magazine
InStyle
Hello Giggles
A few other highlights that I’m proud to share:
– Being on the LadyGang podcast with the best babes: Keltie Knight, Jac Vanek and Becca Tobin! Episode #75. (listen to the episode here!)
Doing my first collaborative piece with fashion blogger, Brittany Xavier of Thrifts & Threads!
Brittany is such a power house and obviously has AMAZING style. I was so excited when we teamed up and started the creative process of designing our collab piece. Named ‘Better Together’ this piece symbolizes unity and strength. We need to work together as a whole whether that’s as of people of the world, a family or friends. There’s no such thing as being in this world alone. I hope you love this piece as much as we do. You can no order yours here! 
Getting engaged to my soul mate and planning our beautiful wedding!
This was one of the happiest days of my life! The start to another amazing chapter for Jon and I. We are planning away for our wedding and enjoying it all. Feeling very lucky to have found the one that I get to grow old with and explore the world with.
Moving to Oakland, California (East Bay of San Francisco!)
Although the jewels will remain handmade in Los Angeles and I will still be in LA frequently to work with my team down there, I have moved my personal residence to Oakland! My fiancé, Jon, works within the tech industry and Norther California is a hub for all things technology so I made the move! It was a little scary at first leaving LA after 11 years but it’s helped me to truly take an executive role at my company and not get lost in the small stuff. As any company grows it’s vital to delegate or else you won’t grow to your full potential. I tried doing everything myself for a long, long time but that ultimately is not sustainable. In order to live a balanced and fulfilled life in all aspects I have added on team members to take over important roles and in turn I’ve been able to expand creatively and take opportunities that I otherwise would have had to turn down. So very exciting! … and it’s also been fun decorating a new space. Get a sneak peek of my new home office here which I collaborated on with Minted!
Being interviewed to give advice to young entrepreneurs.
It’s important to share the knowledge that I’ve accumulated throughout my entrepreneurial journey with the younger or not so young people who would like to start their path of following their art or becoming an entrepreneur. So much can be learned from the people around you. In helping others you help the world become a saner more pleasant place to live. Read some of the interviews here, here and here.
Launching a monthly Style Blog on KDJ!
Sometimes it can be hard trying to figure out how and what to pair the jewels with. I also get asked all the time for layering advice. So that’s what inspired a monthly Style Blog! I pair up different outfits with different jewels from the collection. I hope you find it inspiring. Here and here are some of my favorite posts from 2017!
We also traveled to 13 places this year!
Traveling is a must for me. (Thank goodness Jon also loves to travel!) I’m always taking the opportunity to bring the line to different places throughout the US and beyond. To me traveling expands one’s horizons and keeps you on your toes. Whenever I need inspiration I get out into the world. There’s so much that the other cultures around us have to offer. Traveling makes you learn, grow and get outside your comfort zone. One of my favorite trips this year was going to Paris. I think I must have been Parisian in another life! Check out my blog post here to see my Travel Diary for Paris!
It’s a lot of work being a small business owner but it’s all worth it seeing you babes wearing the jewels and feeling beautiful. If you follow us on social media (Facebook or Instagram) tag us in your selfies!
YOU are the reason that I love doing what I’m doing. I create the jewelry for you and it makes my day seeing you shine in it.
Lastly, thank you so so much for all your support. We can’t wait to expand even more in the New Year and continue making beautiful, dainty jewelry to adorn you!
XOXO, Katie
