team spotlight | SUZANNE

I have been wanting to show more behind the scenes of Christina Kober Designs and I thought the best way would be to first introduce you to our team. The CKD team is amazing. We are close-knit group that sometimes feels more like a family than a business - a great mix of dynamic, dedicated and talented women, that bring different backgrounds and experiences to build a very strong team.

In our Team Spotlight series, I will be introducing you to our team one at a time. I am so excited to share who we are, the team that brings Christina Kober Designs to life. We are the people who handstamp, solder and polish your jewelry, the ones that answer your questions, and the ones that package up your orders with love. My hope is that you will see more of what makes us who we are, what drives us, and connect to our stories of what inspires us.

For the fourth installment of our “Team Spotlight” series I am introducing you to Suzanne. She is our retail customer experience coordinator. Suzanne is super stylish (I am constantly asking her for advice), an awesome singer and has a great laugh. She is in a band with her husband and a second couple called  Rebel Union - they have an eclectic style of americana, country and pop with 4 part harmonies and beautiful, relatable lyrics. Suzanne always has a positive attitude, can spend hours chatting with me about natural beauty products and loves all things cats.

I’d like you to meet Suzanne!

What do you do at Christina Kober Designs?
I am the Customer Operations Coordinator. I handle all of the communication with our retail customers and I carefully and beautifully package & ship all of our orders - retail and wholesale!

What does your typical day at CKD look like?
I typically start my day by checking my email and answering any customer questions or concerns. Then I process any orders that were made and put them into production. If any orders are ready to go out that day, I package them and ship them out. When all of those things are done, I spend time sorting pieces into our wholesale orders as they get finished or working on any busy work that needs to be done - whether it’s website maintenance, organizing, or learning new ways to maximize the business!

What is something you think most people don’t know about handmade jewelry?
I think most people don’t realize that it really does mean that everything is handmade - we don’t order anything that is already produced. Our production jewelers cut the metal, hand stamp, and hand form every single piece of jewelry. With lots of care and love!

What inspires you?
I am inspired by a lot of things - most often listening to other people’s stories, whether it’s everyday things that come up in conversation or they’re going through something big. I’m always listening in conversation for anything that sparks an idea. Listening to music definitely puts me in a great creative space, as does spending time in nature just reflecting and relaxing in the moment.

What does a “treat yourself” day look like to you?
It would start with sleeping in (even though I love getting up early when everything is quiet and the whole day is ahead of you - but let’s be real I love sleeping more) and a brunch with my husband and friends including bloody marys and mimosas. Then I’d spend some time outside, hiking or canoeing or just hanging out on my patio, followed by a relaxing evening of watching movies and snuggling with our cats.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
My cat, Gibson! My birthday present from my husband when I was turning 22 was a trip to the humane society to pick out a kitten. We were just out of college and didn’t have a lot of money so it was a big deal to be able to afford to take care of a cat. We went in and Gibson definitely chose us. He wasn’t a kitten but he was so sweet and we fell for him instantly. Now he’s my little shadow, I can’t go anywhere in the house without him following me and wanting attention!

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ARE WELL KNOWN FOR AROUND THE STUDIO?
I would guess maybe for singing along to whatever music we have playing at the time. I would hope it’s not too annoying, but a lot of times Christina is singing along too so I think it’s okay!

You’re a musician. What type of music does your band play and what draws you to create that genre of music?
We make country music! I have always been drawn to country/americana music because of the storytelling perspective of the lyrics and the easy-to-sing-to melodies. Lyrics are very important to me as a music listener; I want to know the artist’s story, their perspective, and find some connection between myself and them. I try to keep that in mind when I’m writing music as well, because if that’s what I want to be able to connect to an artist over, I assume there are people who want that experience from me!

What is your favorite aspect of being a musician?
It’s hard to pick a favorite part! I love songwriting and creating new material because that whole process is so exciting; coming up with a new idea, getting the initial inspiration down on paper, and editing to make sure you’re saying exactly what you want to say in the way you want to say it. But I also get such joy from singing on stage, it’s so fun and freeing and there’s nothing else like it!

What is your favorite CKD piece and why?
My favorite piece is the Diamond Dusted Everlong Ring. It just spoke to me when I saw it - it’s so unique, modern, and stunningly simple. I had to have it - it was the first piece I bought when I started working here!

Ok, now time for a little quick fire….
Gold, silver, or rose gold?
Gold

Diamond dusted or Inspired?
Diamond Dusted

Savory or sweet?
Both really - but sweet most of the time!

Receiving gifts or giving gifts?
Giving gifts! Especially small unexpected ones just because it makes me think of someone.

Simple or Layered?
Simple

Wide ring or Narrow ring?
Narrow Ring

Coffee or tea?
Tea

Dog or cat?
I think it’s pretty obvious I’m a cat person haha

INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK?
Instagram

SUMMER OR WINTER?
Definitely Summer

NEUTRALS OR COLORS?
Neutrals 100%