What started as something fun for her daughters to wear, turned into a business for local mom Stacey Kelly.
Stacey is the designer of AK's Hidden Gems, an affordable and bold accessory line for kids of all ages. As a mom, she wanted something fun and well made for her daughters to wear, but also something that was affordable. When she couldn't find it in stores, she decided to make the jewelry and other accessories herself. When her daughters, Abby and Katie, were in preschool and went to school wearing the jewelry their mom designed, other moms began asking questions about the jewelry.
"I would say I made it and then they would ask me if I could make something for them," explains Stacey.
Her business was born. Not only does she design jewelry for young girls, she also creates "mommy and me" sets, so moms and daughters can go out in style together. She also makes best friend and matching doll sets; and accessories for every holiday.
The items she designs include hair bows, necklaces and bracelets and she sells them on Etsy and at craft fairs. The different jewelry sets range in price from $7 to $20.
After quitting her job as a kindergarten teacher to stay at home and raise her kids, she is now able to be with her family and still make some money to pay some of the bills and for some extras.
“It makes them happy, it makes me happy, my husband happy, and now my customer’s happy, and I couldn’t ask for anything better than that,” says Stacey.
You can check out AK's Hidden Gems on Stacey's Facebook page and Etsy shop.
