We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elias Feghaly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Elias, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

At KULLI Atelier, I love creating meaningful moments with my clients — not just jewelry or perfume, but memories they can relive and share with their friends and family. ✨ Every custom piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, showing exactly what they received. I also offer free cleaning and inspection anytime our doors are open, Tuesday through Saturday, 12–6. I can also offer a sketch and rendering on the spot and a CAD and pricing within 24 to 48 hours. It’s all about giving each guest the best experience — from creation to celebration.

Elias, 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?

My name is Elias Feghaly, and I’m the founder of KULLI Atelier at Mellwood Art Center. In this space, jewelry, perfume, and art come together to celebrate life’s most precious moments. 💎✨

I’ve been a jewelry designer for over 13 years and have worked in the arts and film for even longer. After years in corporate America, I wanted to build something personal — a place that honors both my Lebanese heritage and my life here in Louisville. That vision became KULLI Atelier, a destination where people can design custom engagement rings, create their own perfume, and connect through creativity and community.

Every experience at KULLI Atelier is intentional. Whether it’s helping a couple design the ring of their dreams or guiding someone to create a scent that marks a new chapter in their life, I focus on making each moment feel personal, emotional, and authentic. My guests leave not just with something beautiful, but with a story — a keepsake that reflects who they are.

What sets me apart is the customized experience I offer. Every fine jewelry piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, a free lifetime cleaning and inspection, and a story that’s crafted with love and transparency. My perfume bar is also the first of its kind in Kentucky, allowing guests to blend fragrances that express who they are — because to me, scent is memory, and memory is art.

I’m most proud of the community we’re building — a space that celebrates artistry, diversity, and joy. At the heart of everything I do is this belief: we all deserve to shine, to create, and to celebrate ourselves fully. That’s what KULLI means — all of me. 🌸

📍 Visit us at Mellwood Art Center, Tuesday through Saturday, 12–6 PM
🌐 www.kulliatelier.com
| 📞 502-509-3344

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There have been many moments on this journey that tested my resilience, but one that stands out is when I decided to open KULLI Atelier. I had just returned from visiting Lebanon — my first time back in 16 years — and that trip reconnected me to my roots and reminded me why I started creating in the first place. I came back inspired, but with no partners, no investors, and every bit of savings poured into my dream.

There were challenges, but I never gave up. I believed in the vision: a place where people could celebrate their lives through jewelry, perfume, and art. Every obstacle became an opportunity to learn, create, and connect more deeply with my purpose.

Now, seeing people walk into the Atelier, design their rings, blend their perfumes, and feel inspired — that’s the reward. It’s a reminder that resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about staying true to your calling even when the road feels uncertain. That’s the heart of KULLI — bringing all of me to everything I do.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been all about consistency and authenticity. I committed to post every day — even small moments from the Atelier, like blending a new perfume or cleaning a guest’s jewelry — and over time, I started to see my numbers grow, especially on YouTube.

But more than the numbers, it’s about connection. When you show up as yourself and share your story honestly, people can feel that. I’ve learned that authenticity is your greatest strength — no one else can tell your story the way you can. My advice to anyone starting out would be: don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Just start, be consistent, and let people see who you really are. That’s what builds trust, community, and growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kulliatelier.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kulliatelier/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578890751451
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KULLIAtelier
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kulli-atelier-louisville

Image Credits

photos by Brennan Cranmer/ Photos by Kathryn Harrington The Voice Tribune / Scott Utterback The Courier Journal