We recently connected with Taline Kazandjain and have shared our conversation below.
Taline, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.
The idea for Karnik by TK-LA was born from a deeply personal place. I had always dreamed of collaborating with my father, who was an artist and architect by profession. Sadly, by the time I was ready, Alzheimer’s disease had already begun to take its toll on him. After his passing, I channeled my heartbreak into inspiration by transforming his original artwork into luxurious silk and wool scarves, each crafted with care in a historic, 100-year-old mill in Como, Italy.
I’ve always loved scarves. They have a femininity to them, like a poetic tool that flows with you throughout your day. I love how each time a scarf is worn differently, it creates a unique look. To me, a scarf breathes life into a wardrobe, makes a person stand out, and adds a soft, warm glow to one’s face. I knew I wanted to transform my father’s art into wearable pieces rooted in a harmonious blend of luxury, grace, and heritage.
The process wasn’t simple. I had to track down and borrow the paintings from their current owners and have each piece photographed professionally. The artwork had aged over the past 40 years; many had lost some of their original patina and vibrancy. I needed to restore them to prepare for printing on fine Italian fabrics. I taught myself Photoshop and spent countless hours retouching details, enhancing faded colors, and refining textures and images. While preserving the soul of the original art, I experimented with various design layouts, revising and redeveloping them several times, knowing that even the smallest details could make a big difference. It was a labor of love and a steep learning curve, but it allowed me to translate the artwork into modern, sophisticated designs that could be worn and cherished. From there, I began researching manufacturers in Italy who could honor the detail and quality I envisioned and be meticulous with the silk process.
As the scarves came to life, I realized I needed to find a way to visually communicate their story and beauty. That’s when I picked up photography. I taught myself out of both necessity and passion. I learned to shoot and edit my own images for social media, the website, and marketing materials. Photography became a powerful extension of my creative process, one of the many roles I had to take on while building Karnik by TK-LA. From data analytics and inventory management to packaging, branding, and marketing, every aspect required hands-on involvement and care. Through persistence, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to quality, I transformed an idea born of personal loss into a thriving business.
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.
My name is Taline Kazandjian, and I’m the founder of Karnik by TK-LA, a brand born from a deep love of art and storytelling. Before launching TK-LA, I spent years in the world of cinema, specializing in the marketing and distribution of foreign and independent films. That career shaped my appreciation for narratives that connect people across time and space—an ethos that continues to inspire my work today.
At the time, I lived in New York City, a place that deeply influenced my creative vision. Surrounded by its vibrant energy, rich history, and iconic architecture, I was constantly inspired by the city’s celebration of individuality and self-expression. Living there shaped my eye for detail and strengthened my belief in fashion as an expressive art form. It taught me to appreciate the beauty in the contrast between old and new, which is something I carry into every TK-LA design.
Karnik by TK-LA is my second career, born from a deeply personal place following the loss of my father to Alzheimer’s disease. The experience changed me and motivated me to create something meaningful and beautiful that honored family, artistry, and craftsmanship. Every scarf in the collection is made from the finest materials of luxurious 100% silk twills and soft, lightweight wool/silk blends. Each piece is designed to be cherished and passed down through generations.
The use of rich colors and intricate patterns draws from historical manuscripts and artistic storytelling, creating scarves that are both timeless and modern to wear. Whether draped over a coat, tied in the hair, or framed as décor, I love that each of our scarves carries a story. TK-LA is a touch of history, a moment of beauty, and a connection to something greater.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
When people ask how I built a strong reputation, I always come back to a few core things: time, dedication, and a clear sense of purpose. For me, it’s always been about staying authentic, focusing on craftsmanship, and having a true sense of purpose behind everything I do. Karnik by TK-LA isn’t just about scarves; it’s a reflection of creativity, personal connections, and the stories we carry with us. The brand represents more than just style; it’s something people connect to. They feel the care behind each piece and the story the brand tells, which has helped build trust and a loyal community over time.
But it’s not just the personal story that matters—it’s about making an impact, too. That’s why I support Alzheimer’s research through my platform, channeling my efforts into something that goes beyond fashion and truly benefits others. This commitment gives the brand deeper meaning and keeps me grounded in my mission to do more than just create beautiful pieces. I donate 10% of each scarf sale to The Alzheimer’s Association.
Of course, none of this would be possible without a strong foundation in quality and design. I carefully source the finest materials from Como, Italy, where each piece is hand-sewn by skilled artisans. In addition to the silk twills, the lightweight wool/silk shawls feature hand-frayed finishes. Each piece reflects meticulous craftsmanship, creating scarves that aren’t just accessories, but heirloom pieces.
It all comes down to being consistent, staying thoughtful in the work, being honest in the message, and staying connected to my audience.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
My approach to finding new clients is rooted in building connections. Much of this has happened organically through word-of-mouth. When people connect with the brand, the meaning behind my scarves, and the quality of the fabric and finish, they naturally want to share it with others. This approach has helped me reach various avenues of clients who appreciate the craftsmanship and thought behind each piece.
In addition to word-of-mouth, I actively create opportunities for personal engagement by hosting curated pop-up events and attending trade shows. These events give me the chance to meet people face-to-face, share the artistry behind my designs, fabrics, and craftsmanship, and build deeper relationships. There’s something powerful about seeing customers’ reactions in person, hearing their stories, and learning what resonates with them. These moments of interaction have been instrumental in my growth.
Strategic partnerships have also played a key role in finding new clients. I’ve worked with influencers and creatives who align with my values, allowing me to introduce my brand to new audiences. The authenticity of these collaborations has helped me stay true to my vision while connecting with people who truly appreciate what I do.
Ultimately, finding new clients has been all about word-of-mouth. That’s how my community has grown.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tklosangeles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tk_la
- Linkedin: Taline Kazandjian
- Other: Substack:
tkla.substack.com
