Meet Kristen Allen of Decatur, GA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Allen.

Hi Kristen, 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 backstory with our readers?
Ever since my Auntie Gretchen first introduced me to sewing, crochet, and jewelry making at just 8 years old, I’ve been hooked on creating. Visiting her house became my creative space, where I’d work at a new technique or craft a new piece of jewelry each time.

In high school, I dreamed of turning my passion into a business. My amazing Business teacher guided me through the essentials—pricing, sales, and planning—and I’ve carried those lessons with me ever since.

Fast forward to my last semester in college. While between jobs and internships, I had a serious chat with my aunt about what I could do in the meantime. That’s when the idea of starting an LLC sparked. Less than a year after graduation, on August 1st, 2022, I took the leap and launched my own business. It wasn’t instant success—it took time to find my groove—but I kept going, and full-time entrepreneurship became my new reality.

What started as handmade jewelry and accessories crafted by my aunt and me has blossomed into a beautiful small business. Now, we offer services like permanent jewelry, engraving, and a self-service bead bar. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, celebrating three amazing years of growth and resilience.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We’ve faced a few challenges along the way, from finding the right event organizers to connect with, to building our customer base.
As an only child, l often had to wear many hats, sometimes even juggling family medical issues, which made things even more demanding. Despite these hurdles, we keep pushing forward, continuously growing and navigate in this space.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a jewelry designer/maker and sewist who works with all types of materials but my favorites are gold filled, sterling silver and stainless steel. I am proud that even with our new service additions, we still make time to create handmade pieces for the business. I value the craftmanship of making thing myself and seeing the progression of turning pieces of material into a stunning item. I would say this is what sets us apart. As well as I mostly buy supplies from other small business’s, so we continue to circulate in our community.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is just relaxing with my family on a warm late summer night. I loved sitting in my little chair, listening to my mom and aunt share stories and catch up on life. I would spend that time lost in my own world, multitasking — finishing old projects and starting new ones, all while cherishing these moments.

Pricing:

• Bracelets: $40-$80
• Anklets: $50-$90
• Necklaces: $80-$140
• Hand chains: $60-$105
• Charms: $10-$25

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theidealselection?igsh=cTM1aGY5M2l5NTZv&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://beacons.ai/theidealselection

Image Credits
The Ideal Selection LLC.