We first met Kari Beth when Anthropologie Shoes & Accessories opened at The Mall at Green Hills. When we explained the new “FACES” feature we were starting on StyleBlueprint to the big dogs at the Anthropologie company, they said, “You should feature Kari Beth. We’re so impressed by her.” And, they were impressed with good reason. Not only is Kari Beth a fun person to shop with at Anthropologie’s main Nashville store, she’s got quite an eye when it comes to jewelry design. You can buy her line, which she creates with her mom, at Anthropologie Shoes & Accessories in both Chevy Chase, MD, and Nashville, as well as at Art and Invention, Serenite Mason, The Frist Center and online at www.RosesandRustics.com and www.Karibeth.com.
Where did you grow up?
Although I have lived in both Detroit and New York City, I was born and raised right here in Nashville! I absolutely love this city!
What is the greatest piece of advice you have been given?
Work hard, love what you do, and always know that the Lord won’t give you something that you can’t handle.
How did you start designing jewelry? Is this a solo venture?
I was a very crafty kid, and I was always dabbling in something artsy. When the time came to choose a college, I made a last minute decision to go to art school. I spent my second year of school at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, where I was a craft major. I studied metal smithing, jewelry, glassblowing, fibers, and I fell in love with jewelry design! That’s when I became determined to combine my love of jewelry with my love for vintage/antiques. And, in 2005, KariBeth.com was launched! And, no, it’s definitely not a solo venture! While I do design and create all of my jewelry pieces, my mother is the perfect “assistant.” I say that jokingly. I’m constantly running my ideas by my mom and getting her feedback. And, she’s the fabulous creator behind all of my jewelry bags! She hand cross-stitches my name for each and every bag that she creates out of vintage materials. And, my husband helps me out tremendously with the “business” side of things.
Greatest piece of advice you can give about forging ahead with your art of jewelry design?
I’m constantly trying to push myself to think outside of the box and come up with new and original ideas!
Tell us about working for Anthropologie and what you love best.
It’s an incredibly creative environment to work in. The displays and themes throughout the store are constantly changing, and many of my coworkers are artists themselves. It’s very interesting to see and hear what everyone is accomplishing. Also, it’s very inspiring and meaningful to be able to meet some of the people who have purchased some of my jewelry pieces from the local Anthro stores.
In your wildest dreams, where do see yourself in 10 years?
I just realized that in about 10 years, I will be in my 40’s. Now, that’s a thought! It has always been my dream to have bricks and mortar of my own. I want to have a shop that specializes in unusual antiques, as well as my jewelry designs.
Do you have an irrational fears?
I can’t stand being in complete darkness!
What books can be found on your bedside table?
- Modern Vintage Style
- Creative Walls
- A Perfectly Kept House Is The Sign Of A Misspent Life
- For The Love of Old
- Flea Market Style
And, you might find a biography or two every now and then.
Favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?
Whether at a theater or at home on the couch…watching a movie with my husband!
Event most looking forward to attending in Nashville this fall?
I’m not gonna lie, the October Nashville Flea Market is number one for me. After all, it’s called The Big One!
What is your “must-have” purchase for fall 2011.
Boots. Capes. Ponchos. You will find me wearing all three! I live in them!
Where is your favorite place to eat in Nashville?
Ooh, that’s a tough question! I’m going to go with Burger Up. Everything there is amazing!
Favorite vacation spot?
Vacation? What’s a vacation? No, I’m kidding. I don’t have a specific vacation spot, but I do take a lot of mini-vacations! The women in my family like to get together and take off on the weekends to go antiquing. These are usually “a good time had by all” weekends, where we’re laughing hysterically through half of the trip!
What’s your favorite workout?
My family lives on 400 acres of land, and we love going on hikes. It’s a great time to catch up with one another, and it’s even better when we bring the dogs along. It’s a workout that doesn’t really feel like a workout.
Name three things you can’t live without (excluding friends, family and God).
My dogs are like my children, so I guess they are excluded…
- Coffee – I’m addicted. Sometimes, it’s the only thing that I drink from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. Oops.
- Dessert- There should be dessert -especially ones that contain dark chocolate- after every meal.
- Antiques – They are my passion, my inspiration! If I had it my way, every day would be spent traveling and antiquing!
For more behind the scenes thoughts and photos from our shoot with Kari Beth, see photographer Ashley Hylbert’s blog: click here.
