About a week ago, I had the luxury of meeting and chatting it up with the wonderful Katie Scott of Katie by Design at our favorite Neiman Marcus, here in Houston, as she recently launched her Katie Design Jewelry collection, November 2014 at select Neiman Marcus stores and online.
Katie Scott, Houston-based, Interior Designer, branded Katie by Design in '05, creating interiors that were "defined, not designed". In '08, hunting for religious medals in her hometown of New Orleans, Katie, adorned with her hot pink Hermes cuff-link, came across vintage religious pieces that she placed over her cuff - and instantly, a new spark in Katie which brings us to Katie Design Jewelry, today.
The Haute Report gets a little scoop about the collection from Katie herself…
Interchangeable Alligator Cuffs
Katie starts off by explaining what it meant for her to launch her jewelry line and the spiritual connection behind it all. How placing the charms over her cuff link that day was such a divine moment as it sparked more creativity in her life.
KS: You know this was back in '08 when the economy was terrible - you know no one is really buying anything, I thought, "OMG" this would be the worse business idea but I kept praying about it so much because I was like, "is this distraction or direction?" and I was really praying for direction and it had a great increase in my spiritual life.
Display at Neiman Marcus of Katie Design Trunk Show
GB: I know that you branded Katie by Design with your home decor interior designs and your crossover to jewelry was when you placed those pieces over your Hermes cuff. So, now that you've launched it, how do you feel about it? Is there a warm feeling inside?
KS: It is! Kind of all surreal. I can't believe it all happened. I think that's another thing, being able to create something that's so tangible, something you've had so many dreams of. But you dream it! You believe it!
Katie gets a little choked up as she goes on to say, "Whenever I have doubts, I remind myself that these things did not happen without reason, purpose, no matter what my human doubts are. Faith is stronger than doubts, so I run with faith".
KS: First day seeing my jewelry here, was an out of body experience. Looking at the designers that surround me, John Hardy, David Yurman and Armenta. Like, OMG! I'm in the same presence with them. So, that was a real exciting moment. No reward without sacrifice though. With 4 kids, still doing interior design, writing a book and launching the jewelry collection.
GB: Oh! So, you're Super Woman!
KS: (Chuckles) Sometimes I surprise myself and I don't know how I'm doing this but more than the challenging days, are the good days. I practice balance, meditate every morning - meditation is my medication. My husband Stanton is the force behind me. One could be creative all day but without having someone on the business side of it, I probably wouldn't be here today.
GB: Oh, so that would be Stanton who said, "make sure you cut her off after 20 minutes, she's a talker"?
KS: Yes! (LOL!) Totally! (more chuckles) He's my manager.
Katie Design rings include crosses, rosary rings with diamonds, Starburst with Sapphires, Modern Mary and many more
GB: Now that you do have your hands in both, interior design and launching this beautiful jewelry collection that you have, is there one that you enjoy more than the other? Or are you passionate about them both? Even grounds maybe...
KS: Different Love. The difference being the meaning behind them. The jewelry is my passion because it's my spiritual life that really pushed this. Looking for more spiritual pieces, that's what drove me to the jewelry. Design is my passion so the combination is unbelievable. Interior design, I'm also passionate about. Yet, at the same time, it's kind of in a different way. With interior design, I'm creating someones dream in their home. Some want peaceful and serene. Some want energized and to be colorful, more fun and dramatic - like a counter balance to what their emotions are actually feeling. Interior design is very natural to me, it's a gift with ease. Whereas the jewelry makes me think - like we've got to explore this when I want something to look a certain way and they're telling me the science behind the medal and the certain engineering purposes that won't work and I'm like, "NO! It has to work!" Different reasons behind it all and I love it all. I would never want to give up one.
GB: Gotcha!
Interchangeable alligator cuffs and cuffs with saintly studs
We then chatter about wanting to diversify oneself for a brief moment. I'm caught up in Katie's positive vibes by this time and really enjoying her as a person, as she was so easy to talk with and uplifting.
GB: Gotta get out that comfort zone!
KS: Every time I get comfortable, it means it's time to grow.
GB: You started with making spiritual pieces, but now you've made your way over to making statement pieces as well, such as your Starburst collection. How did that come about? Because not everyone is spiritual but may still love the line? You know, that 'Katie gives us something too,' voice?
KS: Yes. Good point and question. But yes, one thing I learned, I met with a jeweler very early on when first starting this and he said, "you can't reach everyone. Diversify yourself. Do the things that have meaning and do some other things". I'm always trying to find meaning in everything. Starburst, for me, its significance came in time - feel like GOD is an aura of light. It was like seeing this big burst, a ray of light. Meaningful but doesn't have to be meaningful for everyone else.
We chuckle more and chatted about sacrifices. We even talked about my sacrifice of sleep (LOL!) being that it was the week of Fashion Houston - where working my full time job and blogging left me absolutely no time to think... (I work 12 hour shifts... enough about me)
Starburst Collection
GB: You're from New Orleans but you're Houston-based. It must mean a lot to have your line launched here at Neiman Marcus in Houston, although, it's not your hometown, it's home base.
KS: Houston has been so good to me... Always loved it here!
GB: You and I both!
KS: If I had to be anywhere, Houston is it! Friendly, diverse, feeds my fashion, design and the resources. Houston has been the source of all my resources.
Modern Mary ring with diamond bezel and Hamsa charm
GB: You juggle amazingly with both of your designs, interior and jewelry, I'm sure you travel a lot and have 4 kids, two of them you say are toddlers?
KS: Yes.
GB: Geesh! So, I guess asking if you're looking to adopt any adult children would be out of the question, right!?!
KS: (Burst into laughter) Exactly! (we chuckle more) You know, I could use another adult around. You will definitely be in consideration, for sure!
GB: Do you have a favorite piece here?
KS: I sure do! Let me show you. Body Armor is my favorite because of its significant meaning to me....
"With spiritual medals decorating and adjustable Alligator cuff worn for safe travels and protection, these decorated attachments are removable and offer versatility by simply changing the color of the alligator cuff or by applying a different design".
We then move on to viewing the collection in store as I'm super excited about seeing the Katie Design Jewelry line.
Katie's favorite - The Body Armor Cuff
The ultimate Body Armor fashioned with a modern edge. St. Christopher partners with Jesus and the Virgin Mary for protection and safe travels. The featured cuff has an attachment in ebonized sterling silver on a genuine alligator cuff in black. The cuff measures 1-5/8" and is pliable, adjusting and conforming to your wrist size.
Of course, Katie wears the jewelry from her collection as you can see in the above picture of her uniquely crafted rings which are chic & edgy with a spiritual touch.
By now, you should know that it's not a Haute Report interview without a selfie! HA!
I enjoyed every bit of Katie and her jewelry collection!
What I love the most is the versatility in her alligator cuffs, how everything had a meaning behind it. Whether you're spiritual or not - her collection will wow you with unique pieces! So much to choose from! Seeking spiritual or statement pieces that can ignite some soul into your jewelry box?
Katie Design fills that void.
I'm one who isn't always very big on accessories or jewelry as I tend to forget where I put them unless it has a sentimental value (smirk...) However, I definitely see myself going back, scoping out which pieces I want to add on my wish list. Who am I kidding? I already know what pieces have spoken to me, so my wish list has already been completed. HA!
Katie Design Jewelry - Ignites the Soul!
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