How is Kierra Jones, owner and lead buyer of The K. Jones Collection, claiming her charmed life? This style-savvy girl boss is empowering other women through her love of accessories! It was such a pleasure getting to know this highly motivated entrepreneur. Read on and I'm sure that you'll be inspired! AC: What inspired you to start your business? K Jones: I have always loved fashion jewelry. Growing up, I was overweight and really insecure. I used oversized clothing to "hide" my body. When I got in high school, I wanted to put more effort into my look. As I began to learn what styles worked for my body, it was accessories that made the styling process fun for me. I found how much you could really use accessories to transform your look. Fast forward to now as an adult, I really wanted to pursue my dreams of being my own girl boss. I decided to put more effort into creating something that was my own, something that embodied me, and allowed me to share my passions. So, a lifelong passion for accessories along with my desire to be my own girl boss finally moved me to start The K. Jones Collection. AC: What is your advice to young ladies who may be in the same position as you once were, dealing with self-esteem and body image issues? K.Jones: Before I answer that, here’s advice that I would give to others. When we see a young girl, we’ll quickly say “oh, she’s so cute..she’s so pretty”. It’s nice to give those compliments, but it would be great if we could compliment girls on their personality, on how smart they are. As for the young ladies dealing with self-esteem and body image issues, it’s important that girls look in the mirror and own their confidence. When I was in high school, I really don’t know what made me do it, but I would look in the mirror and repeat “you’re a gift to yourself”. We should believe that more and more as women and girls. AC: Tell us about The K. Jones Collection K.Jones: We're an online accessory boutique specializing in fashion jewelry and accessories. Each piece is handpicked for the modern woman who is chic, confident, and has a sophisticated style. She creates her own happiness, and she carries herself with class. AC: What business woman or women do you admire, famous or not? K.Jones: I have three that come to mind. I would definitely say Oprah. Beyonce. This has nothing to do with her music…put the music aside. What I like about her is that she is an example of investing in your craft, and learning all sides of it. She’s doing a lot of behind the scenes stuff: such as executive producing and writing. A business is so much more than the glitz and glamour. Beyoncé invested the time to become great at what she’s doing. I also admire Tyra Banks, and it’s for similar reasons. In addition to her business accomplishments, Tyra gives back so much. She has a camp where she works with girls, focusing on their self-esteem. That’s a huge portion of success. Are you looking back and helping others to advance toward their own level of success? AC: What sets The K. Jones Collection apart from others in your industry? K.Jones: Other boutiques offer beautiful pieces, as I do. However, it’s about so much more than the product. My story is that I became comfortable in my skin when I started putting effort into how I looked. Accessories made that fun for me and so that was the start of it. I’m trying to provide more than jewelry. I’m offering an experience. I want women to celebrate the gift of who they are. I love the fact that it’s me by myself working. It makes me feel accomplished. I love being able to connect with my customers one on one and have them know that Kierra hand-picked all of these pieces. These aren’t things that I just picked from a catalog. I chose these pieces because they fit my clients’ styles and they fit my style. I just want them to feel a special experience. My clients are beautiful, they’re fabulous, and they just need to accessorize a little bit. AC: What is your vision for the future of your business? K.Jones: My vision is to be a regionally known lifestyle and accessory brand. I love my jewelry, so I will never give up my jewelry. I do want to expand when it comes to accessories. I believe every part of life can be accessorized…your home, your office, events, everything. I want to experiment with more life and style products. Expanding as a life and style brand, and becoming regionally known is my vision for The K. Jones Collection In the words of K.Jones: “Celebrate the gift of you. Share your shine.” Very wise words from a lady boss who is, no doubt, destined for greatness. Follow @theKJonesCollection across social media! Visit the site and receive Free Shipping on Orders of $50 or More! Learn about other women-owned businesses HERE. Until next time, let's continue to claim our charmed lives!
-Antoinette
24 Comments
Antoinette
3/26/2016 09:47:34 pm
Hi Eva. Thanks for checking out the post. Accessories are so much fun, especially as an accent to a stylish cut.
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3/31/2016 11:41:59 am
Hi Eva! Thank you for reading & yes, I believe we always need to be forward looking, while still balancing & perfecting what we are currently doing.
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Antoinette
3/26/2016 09:49:11 pm
Thanks for your comment, Kemkem. The collection is definitely a lovely one.
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3/31/2016 11:43:25 am
Thank you Kemkem. I appreciate your interest in the collection, please let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to help. The women I mentioned are great role models for several reasons for us all. Glad you admire them as well.
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3/21/2016 02:16:08 pm
Great interview, I love the advice she gave. As a mom of a little girl I will keep that tip in the back of my mind at all times.
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Antoinette
3/26/2016 09:50:17 pm
Mimi, that one piece of advice stuck with me as well. Thanks for your comment.
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3/31/2016 11:45:25 am
Hi Mimi! Please do. I would love us all to walk around telling girls, boys, adults alike, you are powerful because xxx, you are intelligent, your personality is xxx. I always spoke to a group of child models last night and I said this very thing to them. At that age (10 and below) they are so vulnerable.
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3/21/2016 03:00:10 pm
Great interview. Very inspiring and good advice.
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Antoinette
3/26/2016 09:50:48 pm
Thank you!
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3/31/2016 11:46:03 am
Thank you, we all have to share what we learn. Glad it was helpful.
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Antoinette
3/26/2016 09:51:26 pm
Thanks a bunch, Audrey!
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3/31/2016 11:47:09 am
Aren't they great! I would like to thank Antoinette again for allowing me to share. This is such a beautiful platform.
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3/22/2016 04:03:44 am
Awesome interview! It's always nice to see black women doing big things in their industries and she seems to be doing really well.
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Antoinette
3/26/2016 09:52:06 pm
I totally agree. These stories are so inspiring.
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Valerie Robinson
3/22/2016 12:08:53 pm
I loved the advice she had for engaging with young girls and telling them that they are more than just their looks. Really enjoyed this interview! As a mom of 2 girls, body image is going to come up repeatedly.
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3/22/2016 01:39:31 pm
I love that she's not just focused on the jewelry, but on empowering women to develop a greater sense of self esteem. Great interview!
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LaShonda
3/22/2016 11:14:02 pm
What a great story about women in business! Its very motivating.
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Antoinette
3/31/2016 12:11:06 pm
Thanks for checking out the post, Kasi!
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AuthorThe creator of Truly Charmed, Antoinette Cain, delights in all things fashion, all things fostering empowerment, and all things that inspire ambition. Antoinette started this fashion and lifestyle blog to celebrate those who are living their Charmed Lives and to empower those who haven't yet realized that life may be imperfect, but in every day there is a Charmed moment. Archives
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