Meet Kaining Wang | Jewelry Designer & Maker

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

Hi Kaining, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
Building HanJi has been a continuous search of my creative voice as a designer. The need to release new collections motivates me to develop a creative eye, enrich my jewelry-related knowledge and hone my metalsmithing skills. The end goal of my career is to build a personal brand with a unique and poetic style that conveys trust and a passion for creative expression, I want to have a team that will continue the legacy and drive the brand forward after me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We believe that jewelry is a language with which the maker communicates and a wearable sculpture through which the wearer self-expresses. It is not only decorative but also deeply personal and intimate. At HanJi, we insist on making original designs with stories behind them. The designs always start from a concept, often inspired by philosophical ideas and natural forms. They then become writings and sketches before existing in the three-dimensional space as finished pieces. We believe that these concepts and intentional design choices are the souls of our jewelry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my best friend to the Olympic National Park. We would go on day hikes, eat at local restaurants, and sleep in the lodges. In my view, the most fun and inspirations lie in nature. It will be a physically challenging and soul-nourishing trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family has always been supporting my interests and passion. It is because of them I was able to study a major I loved in a college of my dream where I was mentored by professors who greatly encouraged carefree artistic expression. There I also met a group of high-achieving peers who pushed me to challenge myself and offered me a helping hand in every aspect of life whenever I needed it.

Last but not least, I have to shout out to Ellise from Live Long and Plant, Wendy from Wend Jewelry, and all the local makers I have met since I started HanJi. They have been the most generous in providing me with guidance, in sharing resources, and keeping me going forward with their encouraging words.

Website: https://hanjijewelry.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanjijewelry/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanji-design-686196203/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanjijewelry

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHKTix1MeR1qRsTwTNKYeiQ