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

Alright, Nikita thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I started KitaCreatesDesigns in 2020…right at the beginning of the pandemic. As a person who struggles with anxiety and depression, making jewelry became a coping mechanism for me. It was a way for me to relax my mind while also expressing myself creatively. Once I started to wear the jewelry that I was making, I would receive compliments from my family, friends, AND strangers. People eventually started to become interested in purchasing some of my pieces. One day, while working on a bracelet for my brother, he suggested to me that I start selling my work on Etsy. At the time, I didn’t know a lot about Etsy but I did some research….and then I took that leap!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

How I started: Before the pandemic hit, I was already struggling with anxiety and depression a great deal. Mental health has always been important to me and I was noticing that I was entering into a very dark place in which I didn’t want to be. So I began taking therapy and that was really helping me with my mental health. I was entering into a much better headspace. And then the pandemic hit…which REALLY set me back and took a toll on my mental health. I was entering into that dark place again and I was looking for ways to cope. But I also was looking for a creative outlet. While at home, I found a beading kit that was giving to me by my cousin. It started with one bead, and then another, and then another…next thing you know, I had made my first bracelet and my first pair of earrings.

Products I provide: When I first began, I was making bracelets and earrings using beads that were made from plastic and/or glass. While on my spiritual journey, I started learning more about healing crystals and gemstones. I then started to make gemstone bead bracelets as well as gemstone earrings. I even learned how to wire wrap different gemstones and crystals to make necklaces.

What sets me apart: I think what sets me apart is the personalization that I provide with each of my orders. While packing orders, I always include a handwritten note from me and I always address them by their name. I also include a positive affirmation inside the note. Everything that I make, I make with love and the desire for the customer to feel good about themselves whenever they wear a piece from me.

Most proud of: I am proud of the positive energy that I put into my work. In some of my pieces, I include the phrase “URLVD” which stands for “You Are LOVED”. And that’s how I want my customers to feel every time they put on a piece of jewelry from me. I want them to feel that they are loved. I want them to KNOW that they are loved. I want my customers to know that every piece that I make for them is coming from a place of love, good intentions, and good energy.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

In August of 2022, I became a vendor for a tea & tarot shop in Pulaski, TN called The Three of Cups. I was approached by one of the owners of the shop via social media about them having an interest in me selling my jewelry in their shop. So we set up a meeting and I was able to meet with the owners (who are 3 very wonderful souls). So no only can you find my jewelry in my online Etsy shop, but you can also find some of my pieces at The Three of Cups – Tea & Tarot located in downtown Pulaski, TN!

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

I believe that me being my authentic self and my desire/drive to make sure my customer have a good experience with me and my products is what helped me build my reputation. I also believe that my advocacy for good mental health has helped me build my reputation as well. I always try to spread good energy and positivity wherever I go and I also wanted to spread it through my work…which is what I have been doing since I started.

Contact Info:

• Website: Etsy.com/Shop/KitaCreatesDesigns
• Instagram: Instagram.com/KitaCreatesDesigns