The Choice to Slow Down
For some time now, I’ve felt a quiet but persistent shift — not dissatisfaction, not burnout, just a knowing. The kind that doesn’t shout, but doesn’t go away either. It’s been a steady nudge telling me that something in my life and work is ready to be built differently, with more intention and less urgency.
Last year was full and productive in many ways. I created, I showed up, and I watched this business continue to grow. At the same time, there was a constant feeling of needing to catch up — to do more, refine more, move faster. Even in the progress, there was an undercurrent of pressure, a sense that I was always holding too many pieces at once. Nothing was broken, but the pace didn’t feel as steady or supportive as I knew it could be.
Designing With Intention
For some time, I felt a pull to move beyond simply making what sold well, replenishing familiar pieces, or recreating designs customers brought to me in photos. All of that matters — but it began to feel more like pressure than flow. I realized I wasn’t designing from curiosity anymore. So I started asking deeper questions instead: why I’ve always been drawn to geometric forms, circles, spirals, flowers, etc. Why certain shapes, symbols, colors, and gemstones have followed me throughout my work. That curiosity led me to sacred geometry, to the history of jewelry as more than adornment, and to the powerful women throughout history who wore jewelry not just for beauty, but for meaning, strength, and presence.
What I’ve come to understand is that the constant nudge I was feeling wasn’t asking me to abandon what I’ve built, but to take my designs in a new — yet deeply familiar — direction. One where each piece is rooted in purpose, where form and material carry meaning, and where design becomes a quiet form of storytelling. This evolution is for women who feel their strength deeply, who are becoming more of themselves with each season, and who wear jewelry not to be noticed, but to feel grounded, powerful, and present.
Building What Lasts
I’m sharing this not because everything is figured out, but because this season of becoming feels worth honoring. I want to take you along as I explore these questions, study what has always inspired me, and allow my work to unfold with more depth and intention. If any part of this resonates with you, I’m glad you’re here. This space will be a place for reflection, meaning, and connection — created slowly, thoughtfully, and with purpose.
Much of what I create comes from this same place of intention. If you’re curious, you can explore my Permanent Jewelry experience or browse pieces in the Shop All collection, each designed with care and longevity in mind.
I’ll be sharing more reflections like this as the year unfolds.
This feels like the right place to begin. 💕
With love & intention,
Kimberly Story
CEO & Creative Director, Lepa Jewelry