Jewellery designer Kim Evelyn taps into her talents and finds her independence
KC Creations, founded by Kim Evelyn started off as a challenge and ended up being a career, and is now well on its way to becoming a top fashion brand. KC Creations is an exquisite brand with an abundance of beautifully hand-crafted jewellery.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Evelyn recalled one of her daughters, who, after purchasing a beautiful pair of earrings, asked Evelyn if she could make one like it. Evelyn examined it and challenged herself.
After completing the task, she realised how easy and enjoyable it was, and decided to pursue it. She has been working with her business for about a year now, and has produced more than 400 different earrings, hand band and necklace designs.
She credits her artistic abilities to her father who loved painting and drawing, something he did as a hobby. Her elder brother, she noted, is a cartoonist for a local newspaper and so she concluded their artistic talent must be hereditary.
“Designing comes naturally. I used to make greeting cards with fun and distinct designs on them. Friends and family supported me but, because most of the time I had to hand paint them, it became time consuming. I also take care of my elderly mother. But creating jewellery comes so easily. I have time to take care of my mom and still earn. I work from home which is my comfort zone,” she revealed.
Initially, Evelyn disclosed, it was difficult sourcing certain materials. However, after doing research, she learnt that Trinidad was selling what she wanted and so had a friend bring the materials in. Evelyn noted that her jewellery is of good quality and affordable.
Being a creative thinker, Evelyn recycles items such as bottle caps and tabs, wood, nut shells, ribbons, paper clips and much more, making them into contemporary pieces suitable for any outfit.
She has exhibited her at local arts and crafts events including GuyExpo. The response so far, according to Evelyn, is encouraging.
One of her functional ideas was to use beer caps and making them into earrings and bands. She plans to approach companies who can use her designs in promoting their brands.
“I’m working to get my collection out there. I want to expand my collection and to market it regionally. For me, it’s all about catering to my customers’ needs to look distinct and I hope to take that to other countries. I want to bring something different to the jewellery industry,” Evelyn expressed.
She noted that there is an urgent need for more opportunities to showcase local talent, as many here are foreign-minded, and locally-made items suffer. However, Evelyn is not deterred by this. Inspiration by her environment, Evelyn aims to develop her brand and be the independent women she initially set out to be.
“I needed to be independent and looked to tap into my talent I inherited to help me. My encouragement to other women is: don’t be afraid. If you have talent, don’t be afraid to invest in it. All you need is one person to purchase something from you and the feeling of accomplishment motivates you to keep going. If you have a dream, work to fulfil it. You may not succeed at first but don’t give up, keep pressing on. I’m thankful to my family and friends for their support and encouragement,” the designer noted.
For more information on KC Creations, call 642-4032. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
