Meet Kimberly Nicole Bonéy | Owner and Designer of HerStory Vintage & Professional Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Nicole Bonéy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly Nicole, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in New York, raised in California, and went to college in Louisiana. I feel like I’ve taken some of the flavor from each of the states I’ve lived in and it’s played a big role in my appreciation for an eclectic design aesthetic. Each place I’ve lived holds a place of reverence for me. These places and the people in them have inspired my love of travel, culture, art and architecture.

My mom is originally from Jamaica, West Indies and was raised in New York. My dad is from New Orleans, Louisiana, and made his way to New York as a young adult. My parents, both incredibly creative in their own right, always held space for my creativity. They let me choose my clothing – no matter how many wild color combinations and textures I threw together in a single outfit. They kept the lines of communication open, even if the conversation wasn’t easy or comfortable. They made sure I had the space and opportunity to create art in whatever form felt authentic to me. They let me style my bedroom, down to the colors on the wall and the décor. They kept me in craft supplies and allowed me to read the books and watch the movies that appealed to me. Their steadfast love and support gave me the wings I needed to be myself.

Learning to embrace who I am early in life has been a gift in life and business. It has been the encouragement I needed to design jewelry and accessories I love and the confidence to be willing to share them with the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a writer and editor by profession. I’ve written monthly articles for a Northern California based lifestyle magazine for more than 12 years. I have worked as a copywriter in local government for more than four years. Both positions require a very different style of writing, and I love that my skill set stays fresh as I fluctuate between them. I’m most proud to know my writing helps to make a positive impact on my community and the people in it. Sometimes it’s inspirational and sometimes it’s informational, but I always hope it makes a difference in someone’s life.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Louisiana State University. I’ve worked as an admissions counselor, an educator, a sales consultant, a business owner, an office manager, and as part of the housekeeping staff at a hospital. I’ve used my skill set in virtually every job I’ve had, but it took me many years to carve out a career that employed my writing skills in a more broad-scale way. Finding my groove hasn’t been easy, but I can’t say I’d change anything. Every hurdle I’ve jumped to find my place has led me to this moment and a career I genuinely love.

Being able to write in many different capacities over the years has helped me confront any fear or discomfort I may have had, head on. Sometimes, I can write from my own knowledge of a particular subject, and other times, I have a lot of research and investigation to do first. There’s always something new to discover.

Writing has been an adventure I never get tired of. It has been my safe harbor, a place I can always go when I need to make sense of the world. The feeling of typing brings me a sense of peace – not just because I’m tactile, but because it gives my thoughts a place to live. It makes room in my head and my heart to learn, grow, move forward, and create.

When I’m not writing a story with words, I’m telling a story with my designs. My brand name, HerStory Vintage, was inspired by my writing background and by a line of vintage clothing and jewelry I named and curated when I owned and operated a store 13 years ago. I’ve always been a vintage fashion enthusiast and believe each piece comes with its own story – the legacy of the woman who wore it many years ago. I often found myself asking what that woman’s story was. It always felt like although we’d never met in space and time, we’d share a connection through a single piece of clothing or jewelry. That thought alone was always enchanting.

I often use vintage elements like old keys, chandelier crystals, hardware, and buttons in my designs. It feels like the perfect way to carry the legacy of these beautiful, time-honored pieces into the present and future. I love the way old and new elements play together in design. Sometimes I’ll mix in new elements in ways that give a nod to the past. That eclectic mix, when old becomes new again, and new looks to the past for inspiration, is my happy place.

When I closed my storefront in 2011, it made more time and space for my inner designer to flourish. Each piece from my brand has a story to tell. My website is filled with the stories behind each jewelry piece I’ve made, every denim scarf my husband and I have crafted, and each HerStory. branded design that comes to fruition.

My hope is that HerStory Vintage encourages those who wear it to embrace their own stories. Whether they are filled with hard or beautiful chapters, each one has helped shape the people they are today. I hope those who wear my brand feel the love and passion that has gone into creating it. The feeling of love, joy, and strength to walk your own path should always be the takeaway.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s something enchanting about the hustle and bustle and rough-around-the-edges way of the Garment District in Downtown Los Angeles. I love the endless stream of colors and textures, the sights, the sounds, and the delicious aroma of grilled hot dogs wafting through the air. As someone who has always loved fashion, I find it exciting to go to the source – to see what it looks like in its most raw form. Before it’s merchandised in a store window. Before it gets that high-profile brand name. It’s seeing the potential for something wonderful in a piece of clothing, an accessory, or a pair of shoes before the world tells you “it’s fantastic!” I’d bring my best friend there to experience the kindness of the people in those shops and the sense of authenticity I always find there.

We would have to seek out some of the coolest thrift stores in the area, because I swear my car goes on auto-pilot to thrift stores! There is always some magical energy drawing me to the unexpected. There is treasure to be found in a thrift store. with a little patience and an open heart.

I’d take my bestie to visit Runway Boutique on West Adams Street, some antique and furniture stores we find along the way, and a few shops on Melrose. We’d visit Rodeo Drive because you can’t come to LA on vacation without visiting such an iconic place. You’ve got to at least say you’ve been there!

We would swing up to the Farmers Market at The Grove for some Pampa’s Grill. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! I can taste the plantain and Alcatra right now! Of course, we’d have to head over to The District by GS on Crenshaw Boulevard for food, drinks, music, and good vibes.

No doubt we’d sneak away for a day at the beach. As a teenager, my cousins and I would love visiting Venice Beach on a Sunday afternoon. It was always a feast for people-watchers. We’d have to see if it held the same magic all these years later.

I’d bring my bestie to a museum or two… or three…. The California African American Museum, the Getty, the LACMA would be my top picks.

If we had our sneakers (and some willpower), we’d probably hike up to the Hollywood sign, something I’ve never done in the many years I’ve lived in California. It’s always exciting to experience new things with your favorite people.

We would have to seek out at least one flea market in the City! Flea markets are my jam! I have always found some hidden gems there. Flea markets are a place I find inspiration and materials for new jewelry designs. I especially love meeting the vendors. They are brilliant folks with a passion for their wares and plenty of wisdom to share. I love that.

We’d leave some room in the schedule to ask the people we meet about their favorite places and visit those, as well. LA is full of so many hidden gems and you can only find them if you are willing to ask the right questions and take a few risks. My best friend and I both always appreciate unexpected moments that find their way to us while we’re adventuring. That’s the best part of the story!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, for “letting me be me” right out of the gate. My husband, Cleveland and my son, Braxton, for always putting up with the “creative chaos” in our home and for being my muscle as I set up and take down my display at vintage and artisan markets. My big, loving and laughter-filled family, for always being such a source of joy. My friends and clients, who are among the most incredible, supportive, and inspirational people I’ve ever met.

Website: herstoryvintage.com

Instagram: @herstoryvintage

Facebook: @HerStoryVintage2008