Keja Designs Jewelry
Centennial, Colorado
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Karen: Keja Designs Jewelry
I'm Karen Anderson and I'm a Silver Jewelry Maker and Designer. I've been at this for over 14 years now. I love bezel setting gemstones, so most of my work contains various gems.
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
Keja
This name is derived from my family:
K aren, E than, J eff, A bbey
KEJA
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
My signature style has become mixed metals of silver copper and bronze. In 2008 when precious metals became outrageously expensive, I had to come up with a way to reduce the price point of my jewelry. People didn't understand why Silver (known as the inexpensive precious metal) had become so expensive. So I incorporated both bronze and copper into my designs making them less costly....and the mixed metals is now what I am known for.
What makes your business unique to the industry?
I use many different Silver smithing techniques, creating various different looks. Most artists stick to a couple techniques keeping a "look" where I venture out in technique and don't repeat a lot of my pieces. Most items are one of a kind.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
Juggling the online business along with doing shows. I love meeting the person who buys the jewelry so I will always do that as long as I can. But it is an online world so I have dedicated to add product to my website weekly.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
It's been tough. Between sourcing materials and not being able to do shows. Virtual is the way to go. I fortunately had a website and social media up and running well before the pandemic. I've done online sales, and facebook events. But nothing is quite like a real show.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
My favorite part is meeting the person I made the jewelry for.
What is your *must do* local activity?
I love the RiNo area for restaurants, bars and of course art! The murals are amazing from very talented artists.
Where to find Keja Designs Jewelry:
Website: www.kejadesigns.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kejadesigns/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kejadesigns/