We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiswane/Jazmine Keys a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kiswane/Jazmine, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In 2017, Jazmine was selling Paparazzi Jewelry. She talked about learning a lot about the business and how to build a brand. Initially, she started doing this to make extra money to offset some medical costs for her daughter and also wanting to be able to pay some debt from her first marriage. After learning and watching, Jazmine and I came together and wanted to build our own brand and “kreate” unique pieces that fit the personality of that person. We knew that there would be a lot of risk involved so we sold all of the Paparazzi Jewelry to start the business. We knew this would work because there were not a lot of people, or at least the circle of our friends and family who wanted to wear jewelry that looked the same. I mean let’s face it, Jazmine understood that Paparazzi was more than just selling the jewelry and making money, but Paparazzi just did not feel like it was hers. We wanted our own brand, own style, and basically to set our own rules. What excites us the most is shopping for beads and sitting at the table to “kreate”

Kiswane/Jazmine, 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?

The inspiration came from Jazmine’s husband. We he saw how sometimes it was a struggle to sell the Paparazzi jewelry he encouraged both of us to start our own brand, our own business. We immediately began to follow other handmade jewelry owners on all social media platforms, we watch videos, and we look at what is trending most in the “business of handmade” jewelry. We are most proud of all of our “kreations” and how the business has grown. Mostly importantly, sharing the importance with her children what building a brand and a business looks like and the importance of “generational wealth”.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Social Media and attending Vendor opportunities has been a huge help in building our clientele. When we have upcoming events, we have had to learn the social media algorithm of best times to post and what audience to reach. We heavily invest in presentation such as packaging, business cards, table set up, and even in person delivery. We have sales and post items when there are important dates such as Breast Cancer Awareness or Juneteenth Celebrations. Summer and Christmas is our busiest seasons. And when we provide good quality “kreations” it generates unexpected inbox messages and inquiries. One thing that stands out is that we are not over-priced. This not a get rich business, we do this because we love to “kreate” AND it helps relieves stress of the everyday life we are all experiencing.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My business partner, Jazmine is my sister. We are 10 years apart and she is my biggest supporter. Our vision and goals of this business came together to what you see today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kulturedkreations19
• Facebook: Kiswane Jazmine Keys
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Kimberly Whitaker