We were lucky to catch up with Kim Syverson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kim thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

This backstory is an emotional one.

A few years ago, my uncle died suddenly. He was especially close with his family and grandchildren. Because of their sudden loss, three of his grandchildren made their own bracelets to wear everyday to keep that connection with him.

A year later, my cousin, the mother to the three grandchildren, reached out to me. She asked if I could make “nicer” custom bracelets for her three children. The ones they made were missing beads, they were breaking apart, and/or stretched out from daily wear. My cousin wanted to give her children new bracelets to wear as gifts for Christmas!

I was very touched by this request! I was honored my cousin chose to ask me to create such a meaningful piece to give to her children. The only request she had was to put her father’s initials on them. I knew exactly what I would create!

The next day, I asked my cousin, “What colors do the children like?” She replied, “The boys like black and blue.” Her daughter likes pink and purple! I look through the semi precious beads I had. I find about 5 different strands of beads for her sons and a few pastel colored ones for her daughter. My cousin picked out what she thought they would love! Once those were decided, I started on the project. It took a day or two to complete.

When I finished, I took a picture of them to show my cousin. I wanted to be sure she absolutely loved them before I mailed them. She said they were perfect! I couldn’t have been happier!

Kim, 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?

Four years ago, I started a new project making jewelry. I made bracelets and earrings as presents for birthdays and holidays. The gifters would wear the pieces and people would compliment the jewelry! I was encouraged to sell the handmade jewelry.

In 2019, I started the Esty shop for Coastal Kim! Since Coastal Kim is located in Arizona, we use various gemstones native to Arizona in most pieces! Two of our bestselling bracelets were inspired by the cities of Sedona and Bisbee. They are unique to us because of the creative interpretations that went into the designs.

Coastal Kim may have roots in Arizona, but my daughter’s heart and mine love the beach and ocean. They blend very well together! We created a bohemian beach vibe along with the Arizona ties.

We are a family and women-owned small business! My daughter is the “Color Coordinator.” She helps pick out the colors!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is how much the customer loves your piece.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think non-creatives will struggle to understand how a creative decides on how much their item will cost.

From my experience, over the last year the cost of supplies have increased. Because of the increase, I had to increase the price of my pieces. It’s a domino affect.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CoastalKim
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastal_kim/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastalkim1

Image Credits
Kim Syverson