We were lucky to catch up with Katrin Santore recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katrin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

My name is Katrin Santore and I am a self taught artist whom creates affordable gemstone jewelry. I chose to use my last name “Santore” (pronounced as san-toh-ree) for my company name as a family tribute.

I am inspired by my paternal grandparents, who left Italy to pursue the American dream, as well as well as a long line of entrepreneurs on my mother’s side of the family. My father’s training as a geologist sparked my life-long interest in gems and stones. Although I did not recognize it at the time, these early experiences influenced all aspects of my life, instilling in me a fascination with modern-vintage style, and for one of my first jobs at a bead store, where I learned and loved stone history and meaning, and designing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Becoming a mom inspired me to start my own business. It allows me to balance my professional and personal life and, more importantly, provide a model for my children, showing them the ways in which passion and profession can be combined.

I hope my jewelry reminds the wearer to pursue their purpose and helps them feel beautiful always, in all ways.

My goal for Santore Jewelry remains the same as when I founded the company in 2012: to make unique, versatile jewelry for busy people looking to create a sense of personal style on the go and on a budget. Today, Santore Jewelry sells 700+ designs and ships 600+ orders per year to 1000+ stores in retail locations throughout the globe.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When the pandemic hit, I was coming into my a very busy season (Spring Q2). I had just come off of my best trade shows to date and was in full swing production on jewelry for the boutique orders. Then as all the shops shut down, the orders began to cancel one by one. It was very very scary. I had invested in materials, and had debt from the trade show investments.

Every day I chose to pivot. I contacted my stores, I asked who would take their orders, I was kind, and I listened. and I adjusted when needed. I researched every way possible to get small business support and took the support when available as a back up plan.

I also adjusted my social media strategy to highlight my accounts more since we were all going through this together.

My resilience proved successful as I came out stronger and more profitable after the shut down.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation has been built on kindness, integrity, consistency and confidence. I wear my brand values on my sleeve and operate with the upmost integrity. I treat my customers well and want them to always feel good when buying my brand. I do what I say and I always follow through. Customers (wholesale and retail) appreciate this and remember this.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SantoreJewelry.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/SantoreJewelry

Image Credits
photo credit: Megan Giaimo