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When I first started dreaming about this podcast, I knew Kira would be one of the very first people I’d invite on.
Not just because I wear her earrings almost daily (truly - they’re a staple for me), but because of the way she’s built her business: thoughtfully, creatively, and completely on her own terms.
Kira is the founder of Cascadia Jewelry, known for her handcrafted, everyday pieces-especially her signature hammered earrings. But what I love most about her story isn’t just what she’s built… it’s how she’s built it.
In this episode, we sat down to talk about where it all began, what the early days really looked like, and how her business has evolved over time - and it’s such an honest, refreshing reminder that there is no one “right” way to do this.
Connect with Kira:
Website: https://cascadiajewelry.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cascadia.jewelry/
Find her at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market + local events
From a Single Class to a Business
Like so many creative businesses, Cascadia Jewelry didn’t start with a big plan.
It started with a class.
Kira took a metals class where she learned how to cut and shape metal - and from there, she made her very first pair of earrings. She started wearing them to work, and people began asking where they were from.
That simple question: “Where did you get those?” - turned into something more.
She began making more pieces, selling at local art walks, and slowly building momentum.
Not overnight. Not with a perfectly mapped-out strategy.
Just one step at a time.
Growing Through Markets + Community
One of the things I love most about Kira’s story is how much of it is rooted in in-person connection (which is exactly how we met).
From early art walks to farmers markets and pop-ups, she built her business face-to-face with customers - learning what people loved, what sold, and how to refine her work over time.
And along the way, she found something just as valuable: community.
Other makers. Other small business owners. People who understand what it means to create something from scratch and put it out into the world.
Because the truth is - this kind of work can feel lonely.
But when you find your people, it changes everything.
The Turning Point
Kira’s journey isn’t a straight line - and this part of her story is one of the most powerful moments in our conversation.
After the loss of her husband, everything shifted.
She found herself re-evaluating how she wanted to spend her time, her energy, and her life - and made the decision to go all in on her business.
Not because it was easy.
Not because it was guaranteed.
But because it mattered.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the hardest moments in life reshape our priorities in a way that brings us closer to what we truly want.
There Is No Blueprint
If there’s one takeaway from this episode, it’s this:
- There is no one-size-fits-all path to building a business.
What works for one person might not work for another.
What looks good on paper might not feel right in practice.
And that’s okay.
Kira talks about learning to trust her instincts, to stay flexible, and to build a business that actually fits her life - not someone else’s version of success.
That kind of permission is powerful.
Building Something That Fits Your Life
Today, Kira runs Cascadia Jewelry full-time, sells consistently at local markets, and recently opened a studio and showroom space in Fairhaven.
And while her business has grown and evolved, one thing has stayed the same:
She’s building it in a way that feels aligned.
Not rushed.
Not forced.
Not following a formula.
Just intentional, steady growth - rooted in what she loves.
Connect with Moss Bags:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags
