Hey Y'all,
I find that I rarely share much about myself here and since I was recently asked to do a #Fridayintroductions post over at my friend and fellow GirlBoss's blog, Andrea Kinnear Photography + Design, I figured it would be a great time to post my introduction here as well.
My name is Kristen Baird - Rabun and I’m the founder and designer here at Kristen Baird Jewelry. That’s right, I design jewelry and play with gemstones and fire on a daily basis. Are you hooked yet? I thought so, but more of that later.
How did I end up here? I’m originally from Richmond, VA and relocated to Savannah back in 2007 to attend SCAD. At that point I was an aspiring architecture + interior design major. After 3 years of studying buildings and structures, I felt a really strong desire to return to my passion for hands on making. Little did I know that I would find my calling in the jewelry department at SCAD. It was like a dream when I walked into the jewelry building for an elective class that I was going to take “for fun”. A week into the class, I made the call to my parents and they jumped on board with my change of major and the change my new career would have on my life.
After graduating, I decided to stay a year in Savannah to help decompress after 5 years at SCAD. Little did I know what was in store for me when I joined the Savannah Striders, the #1 running club on the planet, so I could meet the locals and transition from college life to the real world. All of a sudden, this tall, handsome guy started sweeping me off my feet, and 5 years later, we are happily married and living in the cutest Ardsley Park home. (Yes, it was a fixer upper and no, we haven't strangled each other even through 2 years of DIY renovations.)
These days, you’ll most often find me in my studio surrounded by my studio bosses, our German Shepherd, Remy, and our sassy cat, Billy Drew. There is never a shortage of inspiration images, design sketches, loose gemstones, and tools. Every inch of my studio is full of potential and it’s thrilling to me that I get to do what I love every.single.day. In an age where mass production is the standard, I am proud that my team and I still craft each piece of jewelry by hand. We inject so much love into the jewelry and my clients tell me over and over that they can feel and appreciate the time that went into the pieces and hands that worked skillfully to bring the jewelry to life. It’s fulfilling to me to know that the jewelry we make, brings joy and a smile!
Earlier this year, I launched my newest collection featuring nature inspired designs handcrafted here in Savannah using sterling silver with 18K gold accents and pops of colorful gemstones. Shortly after that launch, I set my sights on my first 18K gold + diamond collection. It has been quite the journey, but the pieces are coming together and I couldn’t be more excited! (Helllllllo, long awaited KB Bridal collection!) For behind the scenes sneak peeks, be sure to follow on Instagram @kristenbairdjewelry and check out my website to see the pieces as they are released!
Thanks for hanging out with me today! If you see me around, be sure to introduce yourself. I haven’t met a stranger yet and don’t intend to anytime soon!
Until next time,
Kristen
Photos courtesy of Diane Dodd Photography
