Female Feature Friday: Kori Green of Kori Green Designs
We are back at it, bringing you another Female Feature Friday. We are so excited to be sharing a new amazing Girl Boss every week. The inspiration behind this series was to highlight the brilliant women running small businesses in an effort to inspire other women to bring their talents to the table. We can do it all, ladies!
After getting her law degree from the University of Texas in Austin, Kori Green found her passion in creating beautiful one of a kind pieces of jewelry! We love her pieces and her story! Check out the rest of the post for more awesome #momboss advice!
LET’S GET DOWN TO (SMALL) BUSINESS:
Name and Occupation:
Kori Green Jewelry and Clearly Handbags.
Briefly describe your business:
I design and create handmade jewelry and sell to boutiques across the country, I started a clear handbag company with my friend and office mate, Ro Rynd. We design and sell clear handbags and straps to accessorize the clear bags.
How did Kori Green Designs come about and what were you doing before its creation?
I was in law school at UT and my friend wanted to start making jewelry so when I finished the Bar Exam we bought some beads and started experimenting. I later moved to Fort Worth and transitioned from a partnership to my own brand because of the logistics of being in a different town.
What are some of your favorite pieces from your collection, both mens and womens?
The men’s line is my brand new baby... I love the Bridle bracelet and Antler bracelet... they are named after Texas towns.
In the women’s line, I still love the flowers the most because each pair is different and has its own personality. I also love the newest gold chain bracelets and necklaces with coins.
Why is small business so important to you?
Because it is so personal and a reflection of yourself, you put so much time, energy and personality into every piece of the business. I love, love, love creating pieces that are part of the best days of people’s lives and things they go to time after time as an expression of themselves everyday in their everyday life.
What was your first real job?
I worked for The Texas Speaker of the House, Pete Laney as a Legislative Assistant.
What motivates you to keep going on the less than awesome days?
Knowing that tomorrow is a new day with new possibilities!
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own business?
Do something you love and you will always be proud... if you try to be someone else you will never be satisfied with it and, of course, be ready to work hard… really hard.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made and what/how did you learn from it?
Really just spreading myself too thin... try to say yes to the things that are most important instead of trying to please everyone.
What has surprised you most about running a small business?
That you aren’t ever really off of work or on vacation... you are always thinking about it or answering questions, emails, and requests.
Who have you looked to for advice and mentor ship?
The amazing women I share space with at Local Design Studios + Galleries... we all face similar issues and problems and their experience is so very valuable. We also have lots of ideas and projects we incubate together.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in small business?
It means that I get to keep lots of plates spinning... I’m responsible for managing all aspects of the business and get the kids everywhere they need to go with their busy schedules and all the normal mom and wife duties.
What’s next for Kori Green Designs?
Just continue to let the materials I love guide me to make pieces people love to wear... we also have a fun collaboration in the works.
LET’S GET THE SKINNY ON FORT WORTH:
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO FORT WORTH?
We would come and visit friends and loved the city so we just bought a house and moved on a whim!
BEST TACO IN FORT WORTH?
Hmmmm... that’s hard to say... I love a Fuzzys Breakfast Taco probably the most, I also love Salsa Limon steak or shrimp taco.
BEST HAPPY HOUR IN FORT WORTH?
I love to go to HG Supply for Happy Hour or Winslow’s Wine Bar.
FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A DAY IN FORT WORTH?
Take a walk in my neighborhood with my Lab Friday (we have 3 dogs) or on the Trinity and go to the Clearfork Farmers Market. Then go to brunch with friends at Pacific Table or Righteous Foods... Maybe then some shopping with my daughter (BKids, Birdie, Tyler’s are stops). I, then, would either enjoy going to Central Market and cook at home then play Mahjong (I just recently learned to play) with my group or go to Joe Ts for a margarita and see Pat at Billy Bob’s.
FAVORITE KIDS ACTIVITIES IN FORT WORTH?
My kids are teenagers now so our activities revolve around food... we love to make cookies together. We also are usually shopping, taking a walk, or going on some drive times!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A BUSINESS OWNER IN FORT WORTH?
Fort Worthians (is that what we are called?) support their small businesses and the customers are so genuine and warm.
TELL US 3 OF YOUR FAVORITE FORT WORTH SMALL BUSINESSES.
You Are Here.
Lawrences.
Noble 31.
WANT MORE #GIRLBOSS INSPIRATION?
Be sure to check out our interviews with:
Melissa Ice of The Worthy Co / The Net
Marcie Finney Ditto of Mustard Seed Jewelry
Mandy Gleason of Replica Surfaces
And my personal journey with Sip Dine Design