This month, we sat down with Satomi to learn a little more about her story and how Satomi Kawakita Jewelry came to be. We hope you enjoy this fun Q&A!
Q: You have an artful background - crafting many different things like origami architecture, glass objects and beaded jewelry. What was it about fine jewelry that captured your interest and made you want to launch your own line?
A: I began my career as a glass blower’s assistant and quickly learned how difficult the glass blowing practice is. It takes an incredible amount of skill to work with glass and I truly enjoyed the years I spent at the glass studio, but fine jewelry captured my attention as a contrast to the quick thinking and physical intensity of glass blowing. The crafting process is very different with fine jewelry but you are still directly working with materials and actively designing as you craft, just at a slower pace. I really value the fact that these materials can be melted down, or reused and recycled - there is virtually no waste.
Fine jewelry is also associated with mystery; stones that took thousands of years to form, and now I hold them in my hands, eventually to be worn by someone and passed down. I really like this romantic idea of permanence and mystery, and how jewelry is very personal for people because it is often given as gifts or purchased during big moments in one’s life. It boosts your mood and makes you feel beautiful and confident!
Q: What's one of your favorite things about living in New York?
A: New York is diverse and dynamic! There’s so many talented and professional people from all over the world in such close proximity and it’s inspiring. In a more practical sense, I also love that the subway runs 24 hours and you can access delicious cuisines from all over.
Q: You initially came to the USA to learn English and then eventually decided to move here - thousands of miles away from home and your family. What made you decide to take such a big leap?
A: It was just a natural move. I found what I like in NY and was able to get an opportunity to work in the industry. I wanted to prove that my decision (going to an art school while my parents wanted me to go to regular university and get a stable job and life) was right for me to my parents. I think I always choose the harder one when two paths open before me.
Q: What's on your work bench right now?
A: One of A Kind Rings with Mogul-Emerald cut diamonds I bought from Tucson this year!
Q: What is something you've always wanted to do, but haven't yet?
A: Sky diving!
Q: Could you share a word of advice to others looking to pursue their dream of starting a business?
A: There’s so much I could say about this but here are a few points:
- Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and uniqueness
- Try to do things that no one else can, but you
- Keep talking out loud about your goals and dreams to the people around you
- Broaden your knowledge by surrounding yourself with diverse people and don’t be afraid to talk to people in fields that you are not necessarily interested in
- Have someone who can tell you both the good and the bad
We hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about the designer behind the brand! Do you have questions for Satomi? Share them with us and you may see her answer in a future newsletter!
Sincerely,
Satomi Kawakita Jewelry
