Designer Spotlight: Karina Harris
A brief story of what you do and why you do it:
I get such great joy out of creating. I love creating jewelry, creating a business and creating my own success. The women I design for are truly my inspiration. They are confident, eclectic women who live so very fully. I am honored every time I learn the reason behind why they purchase from me and why they feel beautiful in my creations-it propels me to continue creating.
How did you get into jewelry design?
I first began making jewelry for myself as a hobby in 2012. I grew up in a creative household, so it just made sense to me to learn how to make my jewelry instead of buy it. It wasn't until people starting asking where I got my jewelry that I thought to turn my hobby into a business. After I found the F&TA community my business really started shaping up!
What makes your collection unique?
My brand is unique because of the details my team and I put into the user experience. My company is always dictated by how to serve my customers better, which is so much fun. Being in charge of a small company I am able to try out fun ideas such as pre-made gift boxes with hand-cut garland and thank you notes. We still hand make every piece of jewelry and packaging we send out. Also, we are constantly listening to our customers in person and via social media to evolve to meet their needs.
What are your inspirations?
The inspiration behind my jewelry are my travels, other designers and confident, kick-butt women! In my personal life I am inspired by my wonderful boyfriend, my larger than life brother and eternally supportive parents.
How are you making a difference in your life?
I am creating my own future! With the confidence I have gained through the F&TA community and from my fantastic boyfriend I am really seeing how much my hard work pays off. I have never been more excited and energized to “go to work every morning” and to create the exact life I want.
What's something unusual about you that makes you “you”?
I grew up in a household of beekeepers – for my entire life everything has been “bees” and “honey”- looks like it carried over into my business as well. 😉
What's the biggest struggle in running your jewelry business like a business? OR What is your biggest success in running your business like a business?
My biggest success in running my business like a business was the shift from selling my collection at wholesale price to my customers. When I made the change and upped my prices to retail prices I was scared to death! It took a few months, but now I am seeing so many more orders and organically gaining a loyal following.
Waffles & Honey Jewelry, founded by designer Karina Harris and named after her beloved childhood pets, was created in the Fall of 2013 after Karina’s passion for collecting and designing jewelry grew into a small business. Waffles & Honey Jewelry is a reflection of Karina’s travels, and the confident, eclectic women who inspire her. Karina believes in the feeling that a special piece of jewelry can give the wearer, that jewelry should be made to last, and sometimes just one piece isn’t enough.
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
