Mother's Day interview with Tansy Haak
To new mother’s, mother’s with grown children, expecting mother’s, and motherly figures – today is about you. We thank you all for everything that you have done, for each and every one of us.
To celebrate Mother’s Day this year, we sat down with the KIND founder, Tansy Haak, to discuss the ins-and-outs of running a business with three little bubs by her side.
Tansy founded KIND Collection in 2017, and since then, the family has grown. Today we are sharing Tansy’s candid words on how she manages running, designing and handcrafting KIND Collection, all whilst maintaining a balance so she can spend time with her loving family.
01. How did KIND Collection begin, and what sparked your passion about prioritising ethical and sustainable practices in your business?
I started KIND Collection after returning from an incredible adventure around Europe, India and Sri Lanka with my husband. Before we’d left I had been developing my practice as a sculptor and working in interiors. I wanted to find a way to combine creativity with my passion for small business so I designed and made my first collection and set about building a website and launching the brand. My commitment to using responsibly sourced materials and ethical practices was a focus from the very beginning. It was important to me that what I created had a positive impact on the the world and promoted a change in an industry which hadn’t always put people and planet first.
02. How do you balance being a working mother, a designer and a business owner?
It’s pretty chaotic at times but I love what I do. It’s constantly evolving but I find it easier now to have boundaries between work life & home life and try not to sweat the small stuff. My virtual meetings often have a little person pop into the room whilst we are discussing designs and my 5 month old has been accompanying me to my London appointments so I can feed her between meetings. It really does take a village but I think it’s good for women to show they can run a business and be a parent.
03. Has motherhood influenced your work as a jewellery designer?
It’s given me an added sensitivity to each piece. I have always loved the idea of KIND Collection being passed down the generations but I feel more connected to that now. When I see the kids trying on my jewellery I realise that one day they will be wearing it as their own with all those memories tied up in it. It’s one of the reasons I only work in solid precious metals. These pieces are made to be passed down and even if the style isn’t quite right for a new era the materials can be reworked into a new design to reflect a new generation whilst still holding all that history within them.
04. How do you ensure that your business values align with your personal values as a mother?
I feel that they both feed each other. The importance of kindness, to reuse, repurpose, recycle and to only buy things which will spark a real feeling inside you. To work hard, be confident, flexible, patient and to learn from your failures. All of these things apply just as much to my home life as my work life.
05. Do you involve your children in the business at all or teach them about your ethical practices?
The kids are always interested in what I’m doing, they love seeing the finished pieces and I’m always chatting away to them about the different stones and metals and where they’ve come from. As they grow older I’m so looking forward to being able to teach them the different techniques and how to make their own designs. The only problem is they’ve already started asking for diamond rings for their birthdays!
06. What is the most rewarding aspect of running an ethically focused jewellery business?
The best part is to be able to share the knowledge I’ve gained over the years and work on designs with people who really care about their purchases and the impact they are having.
07. How do you come up with the designs for your jewellery?
I work mainly on bespoke designs for customers who are celebrating milestones and memories. It’s always a special time to be involved in peoples lives and there is so much meaning entwined into each piece. What’s most important is that people can see themselves represented within each design.
08. What advice would you give to other working mothers who are considering starting their own business?
Do it! If you have a passion, start small and keep chipping away at it. I’m a true believer that you get out what you put in. You have to show up, say yes to opportunities and be committed. Learn from mistakes and move forward. You’ll be showing your babies just what they can achieve too!
09. Tell us about some of your favourite pieces you’ve made for mothers.
Lots of people come to me to create something to celebrate the birth of a baby! Often I have worked with the couple on their engagement and/or wedding rings and it’s always so special to start seeing peoples family’s grow. Often people opt for a piece from the collection to be celebrate. Mini discs are very popular as then they can add one for each child, as is the Full Moon disc. We can add gemstones to represent the birth month or engrave their new babies initials. I’ve made some beautiful bespoke wild love rings using markings and gemstones to represent the story of their new babes. This always feels so special as each piece is unique.