Meet Kate Kim | Caitlyn Minimalist Co-Founder & Designer

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

Hi Kate, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve always loved minimalist jewelry, but I struggled to find pieces that felt truly personal and meaningful. One day, while creating a custom necklace of my grandfather’s handwriting, I realized there was a demand for jewelry that combines simplicity with a personal touch. That’s how Caitlyn Minimalist was born.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Getting here wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. When I started Caitlyn Minimalist, I had to
wear many hats—designer, marketer, and even customer service rep. There were
challenges along the way, but I embraced each one as an opportunity to learn and grow.

By staying persistent and always prioritizing the customer experience, each obstacle
taught me something valuable—like the importance of staying true to my vision and
listening to customer feedback. Those lessons have been key to my success. What I’m
most proud of is the impact we’ve had on our customers’ lives. Hearing stories of how
our jewelry commemorates special moments makes everything worthwhile. That
connection with people is why I love what I do.

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?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to give them a mix of the area’s hidden gems and must-see spots. I would start the mornings by visiting one of my favorite breakfast spots or cafes in the OC area, then either go on a nice scenic walk or a light hike—probably do some yoga or meditate afterward. Afterward, we’d grab lunch at one of the many lovely spots in the OC and do some shopping. One of the great things about living in Southern California is that there are so many different activities to do here. There are beautiful beaches, scenic hiking routes, great museums, all types of shopping, and some of the best food you can find. The possibilities would be endless.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family, especially Michael, my husband and Co-Founder of Caitlyn Minimalist, have been my rock. Their unwavering belief in me gave me the confidence to take risks and follow my dreams.

I also want to recognize my amazing team at Caitlyn Minimalist. Their creativity, hard work, and passion are the reason we’ve been able to connect with so many people through our jewelry.

Website: https://caitlynminimalist.com/

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

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@caitlynminimalist