Meet Kira West of MadeByKwest (& Our New Fave Gold Chain)
Kira West is creating with a purpose; she combines her artistic vision and her passion for activism. Kira’s latest project, a jewelry company called Made ByKwest, was constructed in the midst of the Pandemic. That’s right, while we were all whipping instant coffee and *trying* to bake the perfect sourdough, Kira put her love of travel and wellness into designing different world collections. Currently, the African Collection is available on her site and keep your eyes peeled for the other six continent collections that she’ll be releasing. Each of Kira’s collections give back to nonprofits, such as Girls Going Global and African Entrepreneur Collective. In addition to designing jewelry, Kira is the co-creator of ACTIV-ISM - an anti-racism wellness program - and launched a website called Biz Recs, connecting you to other mission based small businesses.
Get to know Kira West, the designer who created your new favorite Made ByKwest gold chain that you’ll never take off.
How did designing your own jewelry company and co-creating ACTIV-ISM: An Anti-Racism Wellness Company impact the launching Biz Recs?
Success for me is tied to impact and I want to be impactful in all that I do. I felt like there was more I could do with my blog to be impactful, so I introduced the Biz Recommendations Map. I wanted to share more than just great stories, I wanted to create a wellness destination.
There is such a beautiful community among entrepreneurs even in different industries, I was so supported during the beginning of my journey with Made ByKwest, my impact driven jewelry brand, I wanted to pay it forward. So many entrepreneurs shared best practices, stories and purchased pieces when we launched. After co-founding ACTIV-ISM with Taylor Rae Almonte and discussing racial justice within the US, I felt called to show up with the communities I was a part of to further open doors for other BIPOC and Black founders. It was so hard to find great small businesses in one place, so I created that with customized interactive maps and vetted recommendations.
What inspires your creativity and how do you work around a creative block?
I’m inspired by travel and movement. In today’s world, I’ve also learned that travel and movement can be so simple. Travel can be discovering a new corner of the city and movement can be as simple as a long walk. When I’m struggling with a creative block, I take a moment to pause, turn on my favorite song, go for a run or workout and change my work setting to move past it. Sometimes putting the task down for a bit really helps!
When did you decide to start your own business?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so no one was surprised when I finally launched my own product-based business. I’ve been thinking about where I’d fit in for quite some time now but finally launched in 2020. The pandemic was a great opportunity for me to pause and focus on bringing a few dreams to life. Made ByKwest was one of those! We often tell ourselves there’s more to be done to get to a state of readiness but if we’re so focused on perfection.
You’re SO busy with all your projects, when you do have free time, how do you like to spend it? What’s a must for a “me” day?
I love to spend free time alone on a long walk or even on a solo trip. Mindfully drinking coffee is also an incredible way I focus on myself. For me, self-care or soul-care as I’ve heard it called more recently is really about the small moments. I lean in when I can and focus on what feels good in the moment. I also spend time with my family, friends, fiancé and our dog.
What’s your favorite piece of jewelry on your site right now?
It’s so hard to choose but I wear The World Necklace daily! I never take it off.
What Continent collection are you looking forward to releasing the most?
I’m looking forward to releasing all the rest of the continents so people can mix, match and stack creatively. We’ve also got some exciting new items in the works beyond just the continents. Keep an eye on madebykwest.com this fall!
What would you tell a woman wanting to pursue a career outside of a typical 9-5?
Do it and focus more on progress than perfection. We’re all learning and that’s a part of the process. Do not allow your doubts to get in the way of the amazing things you can achieve.
Keep up with Kira on her personal website, stay involved by subscribing to ACTIV-ISM and follow her on instagram - @madebykwest - so you don’t miss out on any of her upcoming projects.
Did the perfect small business with a mission pop into your head when you hear about Biz Recs? Submit them here!
