We are so excited for our trunk show on Thursday evening with L.A.-based jeweler Kaylin Hertel! Join us in the Los Angeles shop from 5 to 8pm to meet Kaylin and shop her full line (with libations of course). Kaylin’s sophisticated and architectural pieces are the perfect investment for anyone looking for timeless fine jewelry they can wear for years to come. I sat down with Kaylin to talk about her life as a jewelry designer and get a preview of the fab new pieces she’ll be premiering at the trunk show.
A: How did you get started as a jeweler? Why did you choose this medium over other forms of expression?
K: I took my first metalsmithing class when I was 15, and I couldn’t get enough. It just seemed to fit certain parts of my personality perfectly. I really like how it’s not too malleable—it has some kickback. It has strength and a permanence that I adore. It also generously feeds my meticulous side. My favorite part of designing jewelry, however, is considering and adorning the human body. I love that I can put an object on this earth and someone else can give it life. It’s a unique collaboration.
A: How would you describe your aesthetic - what are your inspirations?
K: I would say my aesthetic is refined, minimal and modern. To keep it intriguing, I’m always attempting to blend elements and styles that wouldn’t typically be paired together. For example, a lot of my work is very architectural, clean and precise, but combined with elements that are rather playful, whimsical and animated. Other designs are very pop and modern, but mixed with elements that are rather conservative, traditional and classic. Ultimately, my goal is to create pieces that are versatile, timeless and thoughtfully unique. I want the wearer to be able to play and rediscover a piece over and over again as their style and aesthetic evolves.
A: What are your favorite things about living in Los Angeles and our Eastside 'hood?
K: One of my favorite things about L.A. is the abundance of creativity that resides here. There are a lot of people making good livings in creative industries and a strong presence of young entrepreneurs that I find refreshing and inspiring. Before I moved to L.A., I was living in Northern California. California, in general, is such a magical place. My absolute favorite thing about living here is that I can get away on a whim and take mini trips without having to travel a great distance or spend a lot of money. We have mountains, deserts, beaches, vineyards, redwoods, etc. There is so much to explore!
A: Running your own business and working on your art is super time consuming. How do you manage a work/life balance?
K: Good question. That’s definitely something I struggle with, but I’m working on it. The importance of having a balanced lifestyle is typically not something that is valued in America the way it should be. We tend to equate success based on the amount of hours a person works and the amount of money they make, as opposed to how healthy and balanced a lifestyle they lead. I have definitely been guilty of allowing my priorities to get out whack. I think the breaking point for me was when I came to the realization that no matter how hard I work there will never be a time when I’m “all caught up.” There will always be a million things to do and a million other things that could be done. I’m trying very hard to have patience with myself, be present in my life, and cherish and celebrate all of the little successes and milestones along the way.