We were lucky to catch up with Kandee Kwok recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kandee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Do I think about having a regular job? All the time—actually, even today.
The idea of a stable life, a steady paycheck, and a more secure routine crosses my mind more often than people might think. Deep down, I know that path isn’t meant for me.

What I really want is the balance that so many creatives chase: a stable income with a flexible schedule. It’s not impossible, but it’s definitely hard to build. There are moments of doubt—especially when income fluctuates or when I feel pulled in too many directions—but I still choose this life over a 9-to-5 every time. Even with the uncertainty, I’m happier as a creative. Every day brings a new challenge, a new opportunity to learn and grow. When I think about a typical 9-to-5, it feels like I can see the end of the road, the ceiling of where that job might take me. But in the creative world I’ve built, the path is wide open.

Right now, my work is incredibly diverse. I freelance as a hand model, jewelry designer, branding and visual identity designer, graphic designer, content creator, and social media marketer. It’s a lot—but it’s *fun*, and every project teaches me something new about myself and the world around me.

So yes, I have moments where I wonder what it would be like to choose the “safe” route. But I also know that the freedom, creative control, and sense of purpose I get from doing what I do? That’s something I could never trade for comfort alone.

Kandee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a multidisciplinary creative with a background that weaves together design, storytelling, and hands-on craftsmanship. I wear many hats—jewelry designer, brand strategist, visual identity designer, hand model, and content creator—but at the heart of everything I do is the belief that creativity is a tool for connection and meaning.

I started out with a love for design and visual storytelling, and over years of learning and practice, I’ve expanded my work into both digital and physical mediums. My creative journey truly evolved when I combined my skills in branding and aesthetics with a deep personal passion: pets. That’s how Hey Furry! was born—a jewelry and accessories brand for pets and pet lovers, offering custom name tags, charms, and matching pieces for humans and their furry companions.

One of the most meaningful parts of the brand is our Memorial Collection, which holds a special place in my heart. Losing a pet is like losing a family member, I’ve been through the pain, so we wanted to create something that helps people carry that love forward. The collection features custom pieces that can incorporate pet ashes or fur, such as pendants, rings, and lockets—each designed to be both elegant and deeply personal. Pets are always with us through our hardest times and can symbolize home, comfort, and healing. Being able to turn that bond into a wearable piece is incredibly powerful. It’s not just jewelry—it’s memory you can hold onto.

Alongside Hey Furry!, I also run Souliverse, a jewelry brand rooted in the concept of a “soul universe,” inspired by my name and my view of creativity as an expression of both heart and cosmos. Interestingly, Souliverse started out as just “Soul”—originally my personal brand, more like a named portfolio than a commercial one. It carried everything I had done before: artwork, fashion design pieces, and graphic design work. Then, by chance, I entered the world of jewelry and became deeply fascinated by it. That spark of interest transformed Soul into Souliverse—a new direction where soul meets craft.

Whether I’m designing for a brand or crafting a keepsake piece, my goal is always the same: to create something personal, intentional, and emotionally resonant. I think what sets me apart is my ability to blend aesthetics with storytelling. I don’t just make pretty things—I design experiences and touchpoints that people can feel deeply connected to.

As a creative, I’m also passionate about helping small businesses and individuals bring their vision to life—whether it’s through logo design, brand identity, or social media content. I’ve helped clients define their visual voice and tell their stories in ways that feel authentic and impactful.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve built this career from the ground up. I didn’t follow a traditional path—I carved out my own. Every piece I design, every client I collaborate with, and every story I tell is part of a much bigger mission: to make the world feel a little more beautiful, a little more meaningful, and a lot more personal.

If there’s one thing I’d love for people to know, it’s that my work is driven by heart. Whether you’re looking for a custom piece that tells your story, a brand identity that reflects your soul, or simply inspiration from someone who’s built a creative life by trusting their instincts—I’m here for that.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At the heart of everything I do is the mission to create emotionally meaningful design. Whether it’s a memorial piece from Hey Furry! or symbolic ring from Souliverse, I want my work to help people feel seen, understood, and connected to something greater—be it a memory, a person, or a part of themselves.

I’m also driven by a desire to show that creative work doesn’t have to follow one format or discipline. As someone who blends fashion, jewelry, visual identity, and storytelling, I want to remind others (and myself too) that you can carve your own path—one that’s multidimensional, evolving, and true to who you are.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Without a doubt, it’s the emotional response from others. There’s nothing more meaningful than hearing from someone who says, “This piece is sick,” “I feel like this was made just for me”,or simply “I love it.” Those moments remind me why I do this. As creatives, we sometimes forget the quiet impact of what we make. The most rewarding part is knowing that something I made with my hands can hold some value in someone else’s life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kandeek.com
• Instagram: souliverse.studio
• Other: Hey Furry! @heyfurry_
  Souliverse @souliverse.studio
  Hand Modeling @knd.souliverse