Interview with Katy Kippen of Grayling Jewelry

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November 20, 2009 by Cecilia D. | Comments (4)

Formerly as the manager and buyer of the first official denim bars in Portland, she left the business to finally pursue her own passion. Emerging jewelry designer Katy Kippen of Grayling Jewelry talked to us over an intimidate sushi dinner in Northwest. We got the opportunity to look at samples of her collection and even received adorable gifts of our own! One thing’s for sure, Katy’s got an eye for design and knows what her customers’ wants and needs are. Not only that, years in retail has helped her get a sense of what businesses are looking for also when buying a line. We wish Katy success with her business and are happy she’ll be a part of our Holiday Cravings shopping party!

Katy—what is something someone would be surprised to know about you?
A lot of people didn’t know I made jewelry! I’ve been doing it since I was 15 and have been trained and have taken independent studies in metalsmithing. I spent a long time investing in someone’s business, and finally realized it was the time to pursue my passion and take it to the next level.

Can you share with us some of your current projects?
My main project right now is my bridal and bridesmaid jewelry collection, set to launch in early spring. It’s hard to find jewelry proper for brides and bridesmaids. I take part in consulting and designing the perfect piece for their special day.

Also, I am working to build a shopping cart on my website!

What are your plans for Grayling presently? Where do you want to see it in the next year?
I’m shooting for 10 wholesale accounts. Right now, I have six solid ones. But I’m not just pushing a number, rather work for relationship driven accounts with my buyers.

How do you go about finding inspiration?
I find inspiration in unusual places. When I was naming my line, I was looking through paleontology books! My family is also a huge inspiration to me. My grandfather was a stonecutter and he and my grandmother were collectors of very odd and curious items. My father loves history, especially the Civil War era and carves very elaborate and beautiful gunstocks. My mother is a musician and also a painter. She has a positive and uplifting attitude and persona. Growing up in an artistic family has definitely contributed a huge part to my own creativity. I also have a very vivid long-term memory of spending my childhood overseas and traveling because my father was in the Air Force. Like I said, I’ve found inspiration in all sorts of strange and unusual places.

Tell us a little bit about your studio workspace.
I share my studio with John, a 67 year-old gold and platinum smith who is easy going and smart. I actually found him when I was looking to design my wedding ring. It’s a great space with rolling mills and machinery, different ring sizers, custom presses and anvils, as well as standard casting equipment for gold and higher carat metal. It’s difficult to use the machinery sometimes because I primarily work with sterling silver and brass, but whatever I need, it’s available to me at this studio.

Who would you love to see wearing your jewelry?
Seeing my mom put on my jewelry are some of the best moments in my life—she gets super excited and happy. I would love to see brides in my jewelry too. Also, Anjelica Huston as Morticia Addams in The Addams Family.

Who are some of your favorite Portland designers or boutiques?
Una, Hazel Cox, and Halo Shoes. We’re very lucky in Portland to have all these great boutiques and designers.

How do you feel about the local fashion community in Portland?
There are some major personalities driving different things in the Portland fashion community. Independent designers hold fashion events their own unconventional way. They’re definitely more leader and less follower. That’s what makes Portland cool. I don’t think it’s necessarily a good idea for everyone to come together, but rather about celebrating individuality and to help each other out, forming a sense of community instead.

What is your professional background?
Marketing management and lots of years of retail! I also work as a marketing consultant by helping develop marketing strategies for start-ups and small businesses.

What experiences did you take from retail at Nolita that has benefited you in your work now?
Now that I’m on the wholesale side, I know what the key points are when buyers are looking to buy a jewelry line. Doesn’t mean I’m doing all of it yet, but I try to meet those needs. Knowing what they’re going through takes a lot of guesswork out.

What are the advantages of being your own boss?
My laundry is more under control. I’m still working as much as I was before, if not more, but I’m putting my efforts towards a dynamic cause instead of a static cause. I wanted to try something new and that’s the most exciting thing.

What challenges do you face introducing an exclusive jewelry collection into the market and how do you handle those challenges?
I am quick to disassemble and move on, or scratch an idea that doesn’t seem to work. Good thing I come up with many more new ideas all the time! I realize that if the style isn’t booking, I didn’t have to pay someone to make a sample because I made it myself. There are challenges but I’m dealing with them the best that I can. Jewelry is a lot different than clothing. It’s not as seasonal as clothing but just as trend driven. I try to stay on top of that and address the needs of different customers by keeping an assortment of lines while trying not to saturate and get too diverse.

Where can we find your jewelry in Portland?
I’ve created a capsule line for Relish, an 11-piece collection just for that boutique because we’ve established a great relationship together since the beginning. Pin Me Apparel, Lille Boutique, SOLE (they have the biggest assortment of the Glamrock collection), PDX Boutique, and Parts & Labour will have things for the holiday.

Any last words, Katy?
I’m excited to be part of the Holiday Cravings party! One thing I miss about being in retail is the interaction with customers and knowing who buys your products. It’ll be nice to have face-to-face interaction with customers at the CRAVE holiday shopping party.

Also, Portland is a great place to live and do business—it takes putting your money where your mouth is. But the beautiful thing is that Portland feels like a community, so use that for all its worth.

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4 Responses to “Interview with Katy Kippen of Grayling Jewelry”

• Katy Says:
  
  November 22nd, 2009 at 1:38 pm

  I am so excited the CRAVEparty has evolved! The new owner is AWESOME!

  It will be an evening of great shopping, at incredible prices, AND all the purchases truly support local artists and shops, too!

  XOXO

• Karen Vitt Says:
  
  November 23rd, 2009 at 12:23 pm

  I agree with Katy! CRAVE is making exciting changes and I can’t wait for the event. Great interview, I’m a fan of Grayling, Katy AND Mai-the-marketing-maven! xo-Karen

• Mai Says:
  
  November 24th, 2009 at 9:42 am

  you both are too sweet. love u ladies!! xoxo

• Juan Zavala Says:
  
  November 28th, 2009 at 11:16 am

  I love how Katy Kippen believes in promoting individuality. The fashion industry has lost individualism. I love how Katy Kippen line is representing her. We must never follow only lead I believe this is why our world is not boring. Great job Katy Kippen. I would like to promote your line on my sight under trendsetter tab on my metamorphosis sight. I am in San Diego. San Diego needs to know about your designs. They are edgy, soft and unique in a modern way. When is the Crave Party maybe I can come down to see the line. Are you doing any trade shows. Cecilia Doan great eye. Always love your research.
  Juan Zavala

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