Rising Stars: Meet Jaeda Kinkoph of Rocky River

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaeda Kinkoph

Hi Jaeda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After spending over ten years in the luxury goods industry, and being introduced to incredible talent around the world, I saw a major gap in Cleveland’s jewelry market for independent designer representation. For years I dreamt about opening a non-traditional jewelry store that showcased these designers in a very casual and comfortable environment. After my twins started school, I happened upon an office space that I ended up transforming into a beautiful, appointment-only showroom.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Anyone who has ever remodeled a space will tell you it’s not a totally smooth road to the final product. Luckily we had time to bring the vision together before I opened in July of 2022. My next biggest hurdle would come in the way of going through the approval process through the county to hold ear piercing events. There was so much information I needed to get together that first time, and we had to push our first event back a couple weeks while waiting on the approvals. But since then, each event submission has been much easier.

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 pride myself on finding jewelry designers that you can’t find anywhere else. I want each fine jewelry piece to become apart of a client’s everyday uniform, so I stay away from “occasion” jewelry. I also don’t generally restock the same designs, because I want everyone to feel like they are getting something that not everyone is going to be wearing.

We also work with a local jeweler (who I was employed by for two years prior to having my kids) to bring custom projects to life. We do a lot of redesign, where we can take old jewelry, melt it down, and reuse the stones in an updated way. Jewelry is meant to be worn, not sit in a box!

We also like to hold collaborative pop-up events with other local businesses. Whether we head into a store across town for the day, or we have professional piercers come in for an ear piercing event, we want to continue to support fellow small businesses who believe in us as much as we believe in them.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Social media has been a spectacular networking system for finding local businesses to work with. Whether it’s for events, giveaways, collaborative Instagram reels, or just brainstorming, finding a group to cross promote with has been a true blessing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.porterfi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/porterfijewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/porterfi