When this California girl moved to Louisville more than a decade ago, she started making jewelry as a hobby. Julie Moore had not made jewelry since college, and it turned out that she had quite a knack for it. She opened her own storefront, cale & cole, in Norton Commons and has never looked back. She sells not only jewelry, but gifts and accessories for both men and women. She loves the vibe of her neighborhood store and rarely knows a stranger. Meet Julie, owner of cale & cole and today’s FACE of Louisville.
Julie Moore, owner of cale & cole and today’s FACE of Louisville
When did you start making jewelry?
I started making jewelry about 12 years ago, shortly after we moved to Louisville from Northern California. I didn’t know anyone here and decided to revisit a hobby I had played around with in college.
How did you know you could make a career out of this?
I had no idea I could make a career out of it! I have been really fortunate to come across talented, supportive teachers and cheerleaders along my path.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as simple. I very much like to put together things that you might not see paired together very often. I layer pieces and mix metals to create an interesting look.
How would you describe cale & cole, because it is not just jewelry.
cale & cole is a unique accessory gift store. The store combines my jewelry made from high-quality materials and gemstones, and gift items for your girlfriends, the special men in your life and your home. Right now, I am super excited about the new products and accessories in the store for men, the women’s spa line, handbags and the new gorgeous candle line that is made in The Netherlands and USA, with French scents!
Where did you get the name cale & cole?
It’s a play on the name of my children … my son’s name is Alec, so i put the “c” at the beginning of his name. My daughter’s name is Nicole, so that’s where “cole” comes from.
What is some advice you would give young women starting out in their careers?
I would say that once you find your passion, do everything you can to follow it. Also, don’t think too long and hard about every detail; sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith. If I had waited until I had an answer for all the hard questions, I would have talked myself out of opening my shop. I am grateful every day to come to work and do something I love so much!
What is the hardest part of your job? And what is the easiest?
The hardest part would be keeping up with everything. I am responsible for the production of most of my inventory, so I struggle to manage my time well. The easiest part is working with my customers. I love being located in Norton Commons. I have met great people here; I feel very supported and a part of the community!
Give us a peek at your agenda. What’s a typical day or week like for you?
Actually, it’s really different every day just because it’s retail. Every day includes designing and producing, cleaning, emailing and making sure the store looks fresh and interesting.
What advice do you treasure?
My father always told me that facing and doing the things you are the most afraid of will come to be the things that define you. That is where you acquire your strength, your character and your confidence.
Fill in the blank. You’ll never see me without my __________.
Favorite jewelry!
Where can we find you hanging out around town?
Well, now I don’t have to go far from my store! Two really great restaurants just opened here in Norton Commons — Mercato Italiano and Citizen 7 are my two new favorites.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Louisville?
Eat!
Are you a night owl or an early bird, and what do you do during that quiet time?
Definitely a night owl. I hate getting up early. I absolutely love watching my favorite shows in my bed after a long day.
Tell us some of your favorite local restaurants.
I will always love Jack Fry’s. It reminds me of a bar in San Francisco that I went to with my dad. And Seviche and Decca.
What’s on your personal reading list right now?
I actually have a hard time finishing books. How terrible does that sound? But I just bought a book of short stories by B.J. Novak.
Lightning Round! Give us your:
- Candy or junk food splurge: Swedish Fish
- Guilty pleasure song: “Make Me Like You,” by Gwen Stefani
- Tearjerker movie pick: Field of Dreams … every time
- Standby nail polish color: Russian Navy by OPI
- Favorite cocktail: Meiomi Pinot Noir
- Cartoon alter-ego: Snoopy
What are three things you can’t live without besides faith, family and friends?
Starbucks Flat White, a new pair of shoes I just bought and, always, California
Thank you to Adele Reding for today’s beautiful photography.
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