Meet Kim Keenan | Jewelry Maker & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Keenan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I’ve had a creative mind for a long time and making jewelry has been a creative outlet for me since I started working in the retail business and with gemstones at a younger age. Starting this business has been an extension of that. I wanted to be able to connect with the community as well as people from all over, so this journey is something that I knew I wanted to embark on in able to do that. My inspiration has come from my travels, my natural surroundings and my emotions. My prior experience as a retail manager of multiple stores has provided me with the tools, knowledge and confidence to be able to do what I’m doing now.
Starting my own business meant that I was able to make my own rules and be more flexible with my life and my family. When I get customers who come in and say that they “love being in here because it just makes them feel good and happy”, then that’s really what it’s all about and what matters to me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are a small family business that is meticulously curated with goods and gifts that we personally use and or believe in. We have a variety of products that are local and handmade; inspired from our travels and where we live.

It has not been easy. We learn and we grow as we go. Getting here has been a long time coming but the challenges still present themselves daily. Getting people to know we’re here and to also keep a track of what customers are looking for when they’re shopping has been our main focus.

We just want everyone to know that we are a family who works really hard to make their dreams come true. If you are looking for unique gifts for someone special or even yourself, we guarantee you’ll find something here in our pleasant space and leave with a smile on your face.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Beaches: Beech Avenue Public Beach
local spot with narrow stairs between vacation properties

*Carlsbad City Beach
small, but stunning, wide staircase

*South Carlsbad State Beach
easy acces with vast coastline & open space

Lagoons:
Batiquitos
for longer trails & bird watching

*Agua Hedionda
for water sports

*Buena Vista
for shorter trails & a nature center

Parks:
Alga Norte
for the kids

*Calavera Lake
for hiking & biking

*Leo Carillo Ranch
for picnics & peacock sightings

Coffee/Breakfast:
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
our favorite, located in beautiful Bressi Ranch

*Lofty Coffee Company excellent beans and crafty coffee libations

*Sleeping Tiger Coffees tip: go back at night for Witch Creek Winery tasting

*The Goods
Really. Good. Donuts.

*Beach City Smoothies delicious smoothies and acai bowls to cool off when it’s hot

Lunch/Dinner

Senor Grubby’s
get your california burrito here

*Pizza Port
our fav: the “Bressi” and a “Swami’s IPA”

*Gonzo Ramen
our fav: the “Gonzo Red” and “Chicken Karaage Bowl”

*Windmill Food Hall
variety of food venders with a bar and live music

Grubby’s Poke & Fish Market
fresh caught seafood sold by the pound and delicious poke bowls

*Prontos’ Gourmet Market
great spot to get lunch for a picnic or the beach

*Karl Strauss Brewing Company
casual setting with great food and beer

Dessert:

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
our fav: “Midnight Madness”

*Froglanders Crepes and Yogurt sweet and savory crepes along with a variety of frozen yogurt flavors and toppings

*Strawberry Shack
strawberry everything!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband who has been in great support of me since the beginning; helping me navigate the rigors of opening a brick and mortar as well as running the day to day and online operations.

My grandma has influenced me greatly; she was someone who took a chance on opening her own business as a florist and ran it successfully for many years.

My dad; always pushing me to take risks, experience all that I can and to use my talents to an advantage.

My good friend Xenia; fellow business owner who guides me with her wisdom in the industry and her continuous optimism.

Website: wildgoldshop.com

Instagram: @wild_gold_shop