Something you should know about me by now is that I'm an ardent supporter of local small businesses and most things fashion-related. I guess its cause of their inspiring yet infectious entrepreneurial spirit that makes me enjoy being around and connecting with people who take the plunge to follow their dream or passion.
Kara is no small exception; in fact, she's the head designer/owner (and her own boss) of "
Kara Yoo Jewelry". And you know what? She's based right here, right now in the most beautiful and (in my opinion) greatest city, Vancouver.
I happened to be surfing the web one night in search of local boutiques and businesses looking for that, "je ne said quoi" like critics at a runway show. When I stumbled upon the "Kara Yoo Jewelry" webpage, I was instantly attracted to the simple, elegant yet minimalistic jewelry designs and creative photography.
As Kara puts it,
"
Kara Yoo Jewelry is quite simple and understated, so it can be worn casually or dressed up". Her must-have pieces are those she can wear everyday that go with almost anything.
One of them are her
Triangle Studs:
"I have a second ear piercing, so I usually wear both the silver and gold ones at the same time"
When I asked her about what inspired her neat designs, she simply told me it was a lot of things. "It's hard to specify as everything comes to me in a jumble. I love geometric and repeating patterns which can be found in a lot of architecture and every day life. She's also inspired by other local designers and the natural environment, of course.
Local jewelry designers and small business owners just don't appear out of thin air. Some know it from the start and some run down a winding path. Kara never outgrew the crafty stage and loved to make things for as long as she could remember.
"In high school my sister taught me how to make beaded jewelry, which I took up as a hobby throughout university. During my last year at UBC, I went to a conference and met the designers of Dannijo. I was extremely inspired, and knew that was exactly what I wanted to do!"
After earning a commerce degree with a specialization in marketing and entrepreneurship at UBC, Kara attended VCC for the two-year Jewellery Art and Design Program. Shortly after, she launched her jewelry line and put those skills to good use.
Loving the Kara Yoo Jewelry designs so far? (I know I do)
You can purchase her beautiful hand-made creations at:
6) or simply by visiting her
website
But wait! Kara so kindly offered a pair of her
Meteorite Studs as a giveaway prize.
Contest Rules:
1) This is an international giveaway; anyone may enter
2) Winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter
3) You MUST enter using the application below
4) Winner must respond within 2 days with shipping address
5) Chances of winning depends on the # of entries
Best of luck! And I hope all of you take the opportunity to enter below for the chance to win a pair of these beauties!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
