We were lucky to catch up with COLTON Kenyon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, COLTON thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

The thing that sets us apart from most Jewelers especially in Seattle Washington area is the fact that we know that we like to make heirloom quality jewelry that you could pass down generation to generation. Not only creating personalized custom pieces that are also affordable for most people, but being able to take pride in creating something allows you to want to show it off more. I think the standard of what we call Beautiful is very independently subjective. Being able to give people the power over their Style and their luxury really allows them to own the perfect piece.

COLTON, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

After going through chemo and starting to realize I needed to find something I could support myself with I looked at art. I always feel in love the way jewelry made me feel expensive. I got in the industry by going to college at North Seattle College to learn about jewelry design. I fell in love with it so much so I decided to start my own business in Seattle Washington. I realized that there was something missing in the jewelry industry and it was my specific taste as well as people I know around me. Finding gemstones and working with small businesses internationally really allows us to create unique one-of-a-kind heirloom quality pieces people want to share with each other. I always want people to know that luxury can be affordable. I try to work with almost every single budget I come across in hopes to create that one piece that person takes Pride in. Sharing ideas means you also share stories that’s something I felt needed to reignite in the jewelry industry. Supporting local small businesses and local art helps feed the community in more ways than we could possibly imagine. Giving somebody a form of empowerment can change anybody’s life or outcome I take pride in giving people a sense of empowerment. I remember not growing up with a lot of money but being able to save up for certain pieces of jewelry. Having those pieces of jewelry helped me feel expensive and empowered to take on new things and celebrate New Adventures.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

I like to manufacture everything that I make. I do everything by hand myself anything that I can get my hands on I generally can find great design ideas. I definitely have learned with working with metal, that metal does what metal wants. You have to be able to learn how to roll with the punches. Sometimes things melt or you get right to the final setting and you chip a stone. Learning how to fight against your inner saboteur probably the best lesson I’ve been able to teach myself. I’ve noticed if there’s something skill set I need to gain I’m the type of person that will sit down in my chair and continuously do something until it’s done right. Knowing that having a business is just like water sometimes it’s calm sometimes it’s really hot and steamy and sometimes it’s frozen. Learning how to adapt is key.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I think the biggest lesson that I’ve had to learn throughout my entire career is not everything is going to be perfect all the time. Trying to learn and take yourself aside and give praise is very important and key to thriving in your own business. You have to be okay with the fact that there will sometimes be quirks with your work but it’s those quarks that people enjoy the most. Without personality everything would be boring.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ononfinejewelry@gmail.com