Mother and daughter duo Jan and Christa Kuivenhoven dreamt of having a dedicated shop to showcase their jewelry line, Sea Swept Hawaii, featuring high-quality wire with gemstones, natural beads and sea splendors.
Friend Kimberly Richert — a standout jewelry artist whose Kai Ea Hawaii designs have been featured in publications, fashion events and private trunk shows — decided to join in the adventure. She had been looking for a dedicated place to sell her merchandise after getting requests from devoted fans.
Together, they opened Nani Kai Cottage, a quaint boutique offering handmade jewelry and gifts from Hawaii artisans. They poured their heart and soul in transforming the former security guard shack at the King Kamehameha Mall into a cozy, charming space with shabby chic and beach-inspired decor. All it took was a lot of hard work, some tenacity and a little luck to pursue the venture, which Jan says has so far been worthwhile.
The first day of business was Oct. 21 and a grand opening celebration is being planned in December. Inside, the atmosphere is casual and calming, the displays carefully curated and the items well-made with love. The featured sparkle includes necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings, ranging from $10 to $200, all by the Kuivenhovens and Richert.
But by no means will only their creations be offered. These proprietors are inspired by the shop local movement and want to be a one-stop shop for high-quality handmade goods produced on the Big Island and throughout the state. They envision their tiny shop as being a co-op of sorts for artists and makers. They’re passionate about their work and that of others, as well as delighted and proud to be sharing it all with the public.
Richert mentioned how she has long been inspired not only by art, life, nature and aloha, but also by “all the creative people who make handmade.” For her, Nani Kai Cottage is an opportunity to bring all those people together while also helping showcase and support their work.
Jan said the outlet is typically local craft fairs or art shows, temporary events that aren’t always ideal for making one’s work accessible to the masses. Nani Kai Cottage is a more permanent place where their crafts, wares and sweet and savory treats can be sold, she said.
Christa, a University of Hawaii at Hilo alumna, hopes Nani Kai Cottage will embody the generous spirit of the island’s crafting community, sharing resources, stories and making every effort to support their fellow small-business craft retailers. She would like to see connections made here between buyers and sellers, as well as the makers sharing their skills with the community.
Goods by other creators are being sought. There’s a plan to have a drive-through window for customers who pre-ordered items, Jan added.
Richert started creating jewelry about a decade or so ago, when her husband gifted her a basic beading class. She instantly fell in love with the process of creating accessories — from having an idea and finding the right materials to mixing up the treasures in intriguing ways and seeing it all come to fruition. She named her company Kai Ea Hawaii, which translates to rising or powerful ocean. Constantly inspired by elements of nature, Richert often incorporates beachcombing finds, such as surf-tumbled glassy shards and shells once buried in the sand. The shapes of her delicate, yet sophisticated adornments bespoke of her island home. Popular are her island-shaped earrings and shell bangles.
Richert recently debuted her new “Arabian Nights” jewelry collection, featuring exotic Moroccan-shaped earrings made in precious metals with dangling gems. Along with the rave reviews, the collection was featured at the Live Aloha Runway Show at Honolulu Fashion Week. Richert said there were only a handful of Hawaii jewelry artists selected for the show and she was “stunned, grateful and humbled” to be among them. She summed up the experience as “very exciting.”
The Kuivenhovens own the da Bead Shop, also located in King Kamehameha Mall. More than a decade ago, Jan purchased Kona Beads &Jewelry on Alii Drive. It’s a full-service store offering beading and stringing materials, kits, tools, classes, repairs, custom work and more.
Jan’s enthusiasm for jewelry making and sharing of knowledge is equal. She has seen how clients have experienced an unexpected pivot in their lives and took up jewelry making or other crafts to supplement their income, recharge their creativity or finally follow their dream. She feels lucky to assist and guide them.
Jan moved the successful store to its current location and changed its name four years ago, also when the mother and daughter duo started Sea Swept Hawaii. The Kuivenhovens say they’re extremely fortunate to be family as well as business partners. Not only do they trust in each other’s decisions, they also balance each other’s strengths, weaknesses and tastes. Their jewelry line is ocean-inspired and whimsical. When creating pieces, the Kuivenhovens try to evoke a seaside scene with a twist. They’re known for creating the mermaid bangle, which resembles the scallop scales of a mermaid.
Nani Kai Cottage is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 329-3259, email nanikaicottage@gmail.com or check out the company’s instagram or facebook page.