When you hear the phrase “it’s never too late…to try something new…to learn something new…” believe it!
At the young age of 40, I ran my first marathon (Chicago) in 2017…can I get a ‘you go girl’! And then I ran 2 more within the next 12 months.
And, after 20 years of having a career as a Pilates instructor/personal trainer and owning fitness studios nationwide (Orange County Cali, LKN NC, Chicago IL), I would have been hesitant to start a NEW business in a NEW industry...the fashion jewelry industry. Because it all happened organically, I didn't have to decide, it just kind of happened. Bonus, I have always had a love for the bright + shiny…accessories, jewelry, basically all things glitzy and pretty!
The cliff notes backstory is that my husband and I had to close our fitness studio, RUNAWAY Fitness, in Chicago in '22 because of the pandemic. I continued personal training people, but our world did turn upside down. And then another blow came summer of '23 when our 12 yr old sweet Bella girl was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor on her liver. She was my baby, my all, we have no children, she was our everything and we were beyond devastated. So during her finale time here on earth I needed a mental distraction, an escape, just something…so I started making beaded bracelets for fun.
Our girl passed Sept 28th, my world stopped, and so did the jewelry making.
But in November, in her honor, I made the first official bracelet set to sell...Bella Beads! I decided a portion of the sales would be donated to the VEG (Veterinarian Emergency Group) & I sold my first set later that month.
And that was the beginning of Bull + Star. The name is inspired from our life in Chicago, originally known for being the meatpacking center in the US, and the star is inspired from Chicago's flag with the 4 iconic stars.
Bull + Star also represents a beautiful combination of strength + beauty, which you will always discover in the creation of and finishing touches to the jewelry that is handmade with love.
I hope you love and enjoy your Bull + Star jewelry as much as I do!
Be Bold + Shine Bright,
💖 Kristine
