Meet Whitney Hill, mom of one little guy, and jewelry artist extraordinaire.
With a hidden dream of owning her own quaint boutique in Paris - full of fabulous finds & treasures - Bel Kai Designs came to fruition.
Whitney’s pretty creations have one common thread - simplicity. From delicate earrings to a custom piece to wear close to your heart, Whitney’s designs are a must-have for your collection.
Read on to learn more about this organically grown business and be sure to ENTER TO WIN your very own custom creation from Bel Kai Designs!
We hope you find Whitney as creatively cool as we do!
1. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, and/or your business.
I have been married for 9 years and we have a 2 year old son – and another little boy on the way – due in May 2009. The biggest adventure in our marriage so far was moving from Indiana to Long Beach, CA four years ago – for no other reason than wanting a change and a nicer climate – and we’re so glad we took the plunge. Bel Kai Designs started about a year ago, but I have been designing jewelry for over 7 years.
2. If you had to describe your business in less than 15 words, how would you do it?
Bel Kai Designs is simple. classic. unique. jewelry that can be personalized to fit your style.
3. What is your inspiration for your business? Your products?
My inspiration comes from a deep desire to own my own {successful} business – and to be involved in every aspect of the creative process, from branding, marketing, designing and implementation…to create something entirely from nothing, to inspire others to do the same & to create jewelry that women LOVE to wear and share with others.
4. What is the most rewarding thing about being a mom? A mom-preneur?
That’s a tough question – not many days go by that don’t have little rewarding moments. My son is still pretty little, so seeing him learn new skills and new words is very rewarding. And even though I think it is mostly out of habit, as opposed to a respect for others, I would say that hearing him say “please”, “thank you”, “excuse me”, is very rewarding. Not to mention, really cute!
5. What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a mom-preneur?
I know this is so very cliché, but you must do what you love. There have been times that I have strayed from what I truly know and love, and it just doesn’t work. Life has too many distractions and responsibilities pulling you away. The only way to remain successful and motivated is to stay true to yourself and what you love to do.
6. What keeps you motivated?
I really love to hear reaction and feedback from jewelry I have designed – especially when I have made a custom or one-of-a-kind piece, in memory of a child that has passed or as a memento from a husband to a wife. I recently created a custom pendant for a woman who lost a child. She wanted to give her friend something special to thank her for her support and standing by her during that time. Together, we created a piece with this quote imprinted on it: “Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow”. I have pieces in my jewelry box that are really special to me – it’s neat that I can be a part of creating something like that for something else.
7. What is your next big goal?
So far, my business has grown organically, with very little advertising…from word of mouth of friends and family – I am looking forward to getting out there!
8. Name a product that you can’t live without, for you or your baby?
I have recently become addicted to Egyptian Magic – they sell it at Whole Foods and other health food stores. Apparently, it’s already a celebrity favorite, but I just found out about it. It is a healing balm that I use for everything – my hands, feet, dry areas on my face, diaper rash, dry winter skin, cuts and scrapes – even a controlling balm for my fly away hair. It’s the best!
9. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a mom {so far}?
Letting go….learning to let go of the less important thing (that very thing that I used to think was UBER-important). It is not easy for me to let emails go unanswered, let dirty dishes sit in the sink or let piles of paper sit on my dining room table. I try to remember why I wanted to work from home in the first place – to spend quality time with my son.
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