July 10, 2024

EP 160: A BOLD TWIST ON CLASSIC WITH KARYN CANTOR

EP 160: A BOLD TWIST ON CLASSIC WITH KARYN CANTOR

 

MC Design Academy is designed to be a space where I get to share my expertise with you, where you'll get to learn all about visual merchandising, design, display, retail, and everything in between. Come along as I practice my craft and be sure to like, subscribe, and follow our socials to keep updated. See you in the merchandising land of MC Design Academy!

Karyn Cantor is a true entrepreneur, a dynamic force in both the design and retail realms. With her keen eye for style and a knack for business, she's carved out a niche for herself in the jewelry and gift business. Her journey began in 1995 when she founded Classic Hardware Jewelry, initially specializing in pocket watches before expanding into a diverse array of jewelry pieces. What sets her brand apart is its fusion of boldness and romance, characterized by clean lines and sturdy craftsmanship.

Classic Hardware is renowned for its high-quality vanity cases, offering everything from business card holders to tampon cases, as well as high quality necklaces, bracelets, and rings all handmade in the USA with meticulous attention to detail. Karyn affectionately refers to her creations as "Accessories with Class and Sass."

In addition to her thriving jewelry business, Karyn has cultivated a brick-and-mortar presence in Los Angeles, a testament to her enduring success in the retail landscape. For over a decade, her store has been a hub of creativity and style, attracting patrons who appreciate unique, handcrafted pieces.
Alongside her physical storefront, Karyn extends her reach through various online platforms, including her own website, Etsy, and Faire, ensuring her creations reach a diverse audience.

Yet Karyn's entrepreneurial pursuits don't stop there. She's also made a mark as the Los Angeles representative in the gift industry with Just Got 2 Have It! For eight years, she's collaborated with fellow store owners, leveraging her expertise to help them thrive in their own businesses. As a rep, Karyn relishes the opportunity to connect with others in the industry, fostering growth and innovation within the community.

Driven by a passion for design and a commitment to excellence, Karyn continues to inspire and innovate, leaving an indelible mark on both the fashion and retail landscapes. Here, Karyn and Michelle dive into the Classic Hardware jewelry line and all the inspiration behind it. They also discuss how Karyn developed her retail store, how she infuses her personal style into her brand, how she handles theft in her store, and how she finds balance while running her three businesses.

What’s Inside: 

  • The inspiration and influence behind Karyn’s jewelry line, Classic Hardware
  • How Karyn developed her retail store in Los Angeles
  • How Karyn finds balance while running multiple businesses

Mentioned In This Episode:

Classic Hardware Website
Classic Hardware on Faire
Classic Hardware on Etsy