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

Hi Kiara, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
From a very young age, I’ve always had a passion for rocks and crystals. I was fascinated with how each unique specimen was formed, and the time, pressure, and correct combination of minerals it took to create them. I knew I wanted to combined my love and knowledge of the mineral world with my passion for art & creating. The jewelry industry is saturated with mass produced, low quality jewelry and I wanted to be the change in that world. In 2017, I decided to pursue my dream career as an artist, designer, and jeweler and create a fine jewelry line that truly valued, high quality specimens crafted with unparalleled expertise.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets me apart from other jewelers, and artists is my unique old world style and my keen eye for exceptional high-quality gemstones. Each creation is truly one of a kind and was created with the intention to be passed down to generations to come. I will say, living in a social media era can get discouraging. One week you have a viral video, that will bring in hundreds of new people that appreciate your art. And then you will have months that your posts won’t even be seen to the people who want to see them. Consistency and believing yourself is the key to success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Everyone knows I am the rockhounding queen so I would probably take them to my favorite local rockhounding spot. Living in Los Angeles, you would be surprised how many areas hold earth’s hidden treasures. Towsley Canyon in Santa Clarita is an awesome hike that you will find many marine life fossils hidden throughout the mountain walls. There is nothing like the feeling you get on earth thing some thing that took millions of years to create, and I love sharing that feeling with others.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shout out to the community of amazing people who have supported my career and passions throughout the years. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to share my art and knowledge with the world.

Website: Wadeandwillow.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/wadeandwillowjewelry

Facebook: facebook.com/wadeandwillow

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@wadeandwillow?_t=8jTICdE97UM&_r=1

Image Credits
Brienne Michelle was is the photographer for the one portrait picture of me in the navy blue. I have all rights to the photo.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.