South Carolina Voyager Interview

What an honor to be featured in the South Carolina Voyager magazine! Read the full article below here.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Mavar. 

Hi Kara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I grew up in Iowa but made my way to Greenville to attend college where I studied 2D studio art. While there, I met my future husband, Luke. After we were married, we stayed in Greenville while he finished his degree. We fell in love with the area and have been here ever since—over 15 years! 

Early on, I took a job at a local pharmacy, but it left me drained and unsatisfied; it wasn’t a good fit for my strengths or interests. I needed a way to express my creativity, so I randomly decided to try my hand at making jewelry. One of my sisters encouraged me to start an Etsy shop to sell my jewelry. It wasn’t long before I discovered that people didn’t just like my work, they seemed to love it! And I, likewise, loved making handcrafted pieces that I designed from thought to finish! Realizing that I could earn an income from doing something I love was the push I needed to start my own business. Soon Karisma by Kara was born, and things took off from there! 

Throughout the years, I have learned various techniques, and my style has developed into what it is today. I’ve participated in numerous trade shows, each of which really helped to get my name out there, often leading to partnerships with local shops who requested to carry my jewelry. Then, in 2020 I was able to open my own studio/shop at Hampton Station, which is a dream come true! In addition to selling at my shop, I also still sell on Etsy as well as on my own website. My newer collections and one-of-a-kind pieces can be found at karismabykara.com. 

My days are full running the ins and outs of a small business and, more importantly, being a mom to my two sons Clark (4) and Austin (8 months). I wouldn’t change anything though. Except maybe add a few more hours to the day! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’ve definitely had my share of ups and downs. Being a small business owner can at times be stressful, discouraging, and lonely. During these hard times and times of self-doubt, though, I’ve found great encouragement from other small business owners. We’re a strong community, and we experience similar struggles, so I’ve found that everyone is always eager to lend a helping hand or listening ear. Additionally, running a business while raising small children also has its own set of unique challenges. However, I’m learning and relearning how to better manage my daily tasks since schedules quite often change! It’s been good for me, though, and has pushed me to be more focused and purposeful with my time and goals. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a self-taught metalsmith focusing on .925 silver pieces, but I also love to incorporate other metals such as brass and copper into my designs. Most of my pieces are inspired by nature, but I also enjoy experimenting with other styles. My background in studio art as well as years of practice in working with wire has influenced my current work and enables me to create both aesthetic and easy-to-wear pieces. 

Who else deserves credit in your story?
So many people! My wonderful parents laid the groundwork for my current success. They encouraged me to pursue the things that interested me, while at the same time didn’t put undue pressure on me to pursue things that weren’t a good fit for my skills and interests. This allowed me to discover my love for art and to pursue it with confidence and support. My husband is also my key cheerleader. Luke embraced my dreams with me, even when I up and quit my pharmacy job and then went a $500 shopping spree to buy jewelry supplies! My three sisters have also always been a consistent source of encouragement and often help me with wording or editing various verbiage for my business. My sister Kelley regularly watches my boys when I’m at my shop on the weekends. Chris and Ken Durham first saw my potential and hired me to work at their bead store; Susan Tate discovered me there and hired me to help teach her jewelry-making class. Liz Daly carried my work for years in her Downtown Greenville location. I could go on and on about various friends and family who have supported me throughout the years. They are a part of my success, and I’m so thankful!