Rising Stars: Meet Kristin Cira

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Cira.

Hi Kristin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, jewelry has always been a passion of mine and something that makes my eyes sparkle a little bit more! I love styling pieces and learning about different stones and metals, and now designing jewelry of my own. Honestly, I have to give my parents all the credit. I distinctly remember, when I was seven years old, my sister and I made a wish on a shooting star. I wished for gold and diamonds. The next morning, my parents said my wish came true and they handed me a pair of gold earrings with a little sparkly stone. It was pure magic and I’ve been captivated ever since. Thanks Dad, for running to the drugstore and making my wish come true! Fast forward a “few” years. I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology. I am fascinated by the brain and enjoy learning about people. Post college, I worked at a local jewelry store and fell in love with training new employees and teaching them about the pieces and our processes. My love of teaching led me to go back to school to become an elementary school teacher. Throughout my teaching career, I have continued dabbling in jewelry as a stylist for a social retail company and shared accessories and jewelry, and now as a designer!

During summer break of 2020, I started making gold bead bracelets and fun colorful bracelets for myself. Soon after, I was making bracelets for friends and family and brought KC Joy Project to life! My mission was and continues to be to shed some light during a gloomy time. Since opening, I have created pieces for people all over the world and it has been incredible to see this passion and vision of mine come to life!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The greatest bump in the road has been balancing time with my family, teaching, and bracelet making. I have gotten creative with my schedule and love the flexibility of being able to pause and rejuvenate when needed. My family is incredibly supportive and helpful with my business.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
KC Joy Project is a jewelry company on a mission to share JOY with pretty lil’ bracelets! We create memorable pieces designed to fit in with your busy lifestyle. All of our gold bracelets are designed with gold-filled beads, which means they are hypoallergenic, great for sensitive skin, and are swim, sweat, and water-resistant. We also specialize in custom designs for a truly unique and one-of-a-kind piece.

One of the things that we are most proud of is our involvement in the community. We partner with local charities each year to help raise awareness and funds with a Benefit Bracelet Collection. Together we collaborate and design a collection of unique bracelets, and a portion of proceeds are given to the organization. It has been an absolute JOY to help raise awareness and ultimately help make a difference in many lives right here in Kansas City.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I expect to see a lot of makers come out of the woodwork! It has been so enjoyable to see the creativity and talents that so many friends and local makers have and are sharing with the community. I plan to keep creating and designing new pieces that are true to my style while adding trendy twists!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.kcjoyproject.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kcjoyproject/

Image Credits:
Jessica Moore