Meet Kristen Ferrigno | Founder & Jewelry Designer

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

Hi Kristen, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Before starting Kristen Ash Designs, I had a great corporate, job in Manhatten running business operations. I had been approved to work remotely, which opened up the opportunity I had been waiting for, to move to Charleston. Shortly after I was let go from my job. I spent many months trying to figure out what my next move should be. I had career coaches, meetings & less than exciting interviews. I always loved jewelry, from the time I was a young girl. I loved to wear all my grandmothers bobbles, long beaded necklaces & dangly clip on earrings. I studied fashion in New York & always enjoyed jewelry, fashion & design. I began designing jewelry about 15 years ago, at leisure for friends & family. I have developed very close relationships within the industry & across the globe. Starting Kristen Ash Designs was big leap that has given me so much in return.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started designing jewelry when I was in my early 20’s. Mostly high end pieces for my mom & later myself which expanded to other family members & friends over the years. I developed relationships with trusted jewelers & became quite particular about every piece. I have always been passionate about jewelry, fashion & design as my creative, leisure outlets.

Quality & attention to detail is where I shine. I choose to work with 18k gold, 14k gold & 14k gold filled metal. Kristen Ash Designs offers 3 core, product lines. The High, Luxury Line includes precious stones & custom designs that reflect your personal style & taste. Our Fine, 14k gold designs for timeless, everyday wear. Hand Beaded, Semi- Precious, 14k & gold-filled line. Gold-filled jewelry retains the value of its gold content over time because it contains much more real gold than plated jewelry. All of my designs are meant to be mixed & matched. I am committed to quality & fine craftsmanship of all my products.My focus is to take the guess work out of jewelry buying. Bring the best deal for the highest quality jewelry within your budget.

Building Kristen Ash Designs has been such a rewarding experience & brought so many beautiful people into my life. I am so grateful for the many individuals who support & contribute to the sucess of Kristen Ash Designs.

I’m doing what I love & get to see the excitement & joy on my clients faces. From a custom beaded necklace to a perfect diamond ring. Kristen Ash Designs is committed to making jewelry buying a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would hit all my favorite spots. I start each day with coffee at the Dime on Daniel Island. Take a spin class at The Works Cycle in Mount Pleasant, the staff & instructors are all so inspiring & welcoming. Shopping at The Cove on Daniel Island, this is a can’t miss shop with the sweetest owner Britt & the most luxurious buildable wardrobe staples. House of Sage on Daniel Island is another awesome store to grab a fun outfit for a girls night out! Walking down to The Kingstide for the most peaceful, waterfront views & a variety of specialty cocktails & mock-tails. For an upscale dinner I love The Peninsula Grille & The Charleston Grille at The Charleston Place Hotel. Shopping on King Street at Loefler Randal, Madison Matthews & Etu Home are some of my can’t miss spots. Basic Kitchen is one of my favorite lunch spots downtown with lots of fresh & healthy options. The watch rooftop is a fun way to wind down for food & drinks after a busy day of shopping. We would have to make time for facials at Ella Ora in Mount Pleasant, they offer, hands down, the best facials that leave you absolutely glowing!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The obvious is of course, my family. Without their support, advice & encouragement I would not be where I am. My dear friends & the many inspiring woman I am lucky to be surrounded with. From my favorite cafe’s, workouts, meetings & chance encounters, popping around Charleston. I continue to be inspired by the women in business here. Mary Jo Romeo is an Executive Coach & Business Growth Consultant who has helped me tremendously & supported me on this journey before Kristen Ash Designs was even established. She is also a board member of the Daniel Island Rotary Club & Charleston Leaders. I owe a lot to her amazing guidance & support.

Website: https://kristenashdesigns.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenash_designs/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenferrigno/