Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Koletas.
Kim, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been creative and dreamed of having my own business, but for years it remained a “someday” dream.
In 2020, when I found myself out of work during the pandemic, I finally decided to take the leap. Years earlier, I had taken a stained glass class at a small community center and completely fallen in love with the art form. What started as a creative outlet gradually grew into a small business creating stained glass pieces, then jewelry and, most recently, a collection of signature dog bandanas.
The shop is named after my rescue dog, Hemmingway, who has been the inspiration behind the brand from the very beginning. My jewelry collection, The Jasmine Collection, is named after our other rescue dog, Jasmine. Today, Hemmingway’s Specialty Shoppe reflects many of the things I love most—quiet coastal towns, tropical blooms, rescue dogs, and the feeling of discovering a beautiful place you never want to leave.
I’ve always believed the things we surround ourselves with should have meaning. My faith has played an important role in that perspective, and I’ve always tried to use the creative gifts I’ve been given to create things that bring beauty, encouragement, and joy. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, a stained glass panel, or a bandana for a beloved pet, I hope what I create becomes a small part of someone’s story.
It continues to be a journey filled with learning, growth, and plenty of unexpected turns, but I’m grateful to spend my days creating and sharing the things I love most.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In fact, I first started pursuing this dream years before Hemmingway’s Specialty Shoppe came to be, but life had other plans and I eventually had to put it on hold.
Life hasn’t always followed the timeline I imagined, and building a business while navigating family responsibilities has required a great deal of patience, flexibility, and perseverance. Most recently, we’ve been navigating the adoption of our daughter while my husband has been away for extended periods of time, which has been both incredibly rewarding and uniquely challenging.
Like many small business owners, I’ve also faced seasons of uncertainty and self-doubt. Running a creative business means putting a piece of yourself into everything you create, and that can feel vulnerable at times. Learning to keep moving forward, even when progress feels slow, has been one of the most important lessons of the journey.
Looking back, those experiences have taught me resilience and reminded me that some of the most worthwhile things in life rarely happen on our own timeline.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create handcrafted jewelry, stained glass art, and signature dog bandanas. While the mediums may be different, they all share the same purpose: creating thoughtfully crafted pieces inspired by the places, people, and experiences that have shaped my life.
I’ve always been drawn to quiet coastal towns, tropical places, and anywhere life seems to slow down for a while. Much of my work is inspired by a sense of wonder and timelessness.
What I’m most proud of is building a brand that reflects the things that matter most to me: faith, family, creativity, and compassion for animals. The business is named after our rescue dogs, Hemmingway and Jasmine. Their stories have been a constant reminder that some of the most meaningful things in life often begin with a second chance.
What sets my work apart is that I’m less interested in following trends and more interested in creating pieces that feel timeless and personal. My hope is that they become cherished pieces, not because they’re fashionable, but because they remind people of something they love.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I wouldn’t consider myself a natural risk-taker. If anything, I probably lean a little too far on the side of caution.
Starting a business was definitely a leap of faith for me, but I’ve learned that waiting until you’re completely comfortable usually means you’ll never start at all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hemmingwaysspecialtyshoppe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hemmingwaysspecialtyshoppe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hemmingwaysspecialtyshoppe
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HemmingwaysShoppe
