Building a Legacy: How My Dad's Wisdom Shapes Christina Kober Designs

In this special Q&A, we delve into the profound influence Christina Kober's father had on her journey as a jewelry designer and entrepreneur. Christina shares heartfelt memories and valuable lessons from her dad, who owned and operated a jeweler supply store in Atlanta for over 40 years. From meticulous attention to detail to building strong customer relationships, her father's principles continue to shape the way Christina Kober Designs operates today. Keep reading to learn more about how these enduring values and cherished experiences have helped Christina navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieve success in her craft.

Can you share a specific lesson or piece of advice your dad gave you that has had a lasting impact on your approach to business?

CK: First, I want to share a bit about my dad's business. My dad owned and operated a jeweler supply store in Atlanta for over 40 years. It was like a car parts store for jewelers, selling all the tools and equipment needed to make jewelry. Most of our competitors were much larger corporations with lower prices but lacked the knowledge to help customers use the tools. We did. Customers often came to us not just to buy tools but for the expertise. We would set up the tools for them, teach them how to use them, and even help those who didn’t buy from us, fostering strong relationships and trust within our community.

Customer service was always a priority in my father's business. He believed in taking the time to get to know customers, building relationships, providing detailed and honest answers, and approaching every situation with kindness and patience.

How did your dad's views on business influence the way you run Christina Kober Designs today?

CK: There are many things I could say to answer this question, but I'll focus on two key aspects.

1. Meticulous: My dad was incredibly detail-oriented, which made him excellent at hand engraving. He focused on the little details—from packaging shipments securely so that even if the UPS man decided to play football with the box, nothing inside would be damaged, to leaving for work at 6 a.m. every day to ensure everything was tidy before the store opened. He organized all the products meticulously, even creating his own numbering system for thousands of items, like tiny drill bits the size of hairs.
   
   I find myself adopting this meticulous approach in my own business. I consider every detail, from optimizing the ordering process on our website and providing extra product information to ensuring an exceptional unboxing experience. I carefully think through the materials and processes we use to create our products. I've also developed an organizational system for our materials and orders, allowing us to focus solely on the task at hand. All these details are meticulously planned.
   
   
2. Measured: My dad was cautious about adopting new products. He never jumped on the bandwagon of new trends. He would consider our customers' needs, whether people had asked for or needed the product, the quality of the item, and whether we, as employees, could help customers with it.
   
   When I create new designs, I also take a measured approach. I consider whether it's within my expertise, whether it builds on my collection naturally, and if we can make it to a quality standard that I am happy with.

Were there any particular challenges or obstacles your dad helped you navigate in the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey?

CK: Many times, people would come into the store looking to start their own business. I would always listen intently to the advice my dad would give.

I learned the importance of having a sales and use tax number before starting to sell. I also learned to save every piece of paper—receipts for tax purposes and notes for design ideas—and keep them organized for tax time and inspiration, respectively. Additionally, my dad emphasized the importance of always having business cards. Although I recently stopped carrying them, after being asked multiple times for one, I realize that was a mistake!

What values or principles did your dad instill in you that you find crucial in your business practices?

 CK:

1. Always meet people where they are: If someone is upset, your first reaction might be to go on the defensive. Instead, change your perspective to that of the customer and respond with empathy.
   
   
2. Let go of customers sometimes: You cannot be everything for everyone. Sometimes your business just isn't what a particular person is truly wanting, and that's okay.

Can you describe a memorable moment or experience with your dad that significantly shaped your business mindset?

CK: Throughout my dad's career, he helped many people begin their jewelry journeys. I witnessed this firsthand while working next to him, even when I was small and would come to the store during the summer when my parents didn't have childcare set up. He not only provided people with the tools to create jewelry but also believed in their talent and artistry. People would come into the shop, excitedly showing him their newest designs.

Currently, as I write this on the anniversary of my dad's passing, I'm reminded of something profoundly touching that happened at his celebration of life. Many of the people he helped spoke about how they were close to quitting or didn't believe in themselves, and my dad's quiet encouragement and inspiration helped them keep going.

This is the true "why" of my business. Watching my dad make a difference in other people's lives was incredible, and I strive to do the same through my jewelry.

How do you think your dad would feel about the success and direction of Christina Kober Designs now?

CK: I think he's proud. He was never one to openly express it, but my mom would tell me, and other customers would let me know how proud he was. When his dementia started to decline, he would still ask about my business whenever we talked—whether I was busy and what new things I was making. So I knew he was interested.

Today, I believe he would be proud of me as I become more comfortable being myself and letting my personality shine through. At the same time, I recognize that Christina Kober Designs is a business, and I'm trying to be more strategic with some of the choices I make (hello, gold-filled rings).

Christina's reflections on her father's influence reveal the deep-rooted values that guide her business today. From meticulous attention to detail and strategic decision-making to fostering genuine connections and providing encouragement, these principles have shaped Christina Kober Designs into a brand that resonates with authenticity and quality.