Meet Jessie Bonne | Jewelry Designer & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessie Bonne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
To be honest, KULT started as a hobby. I first made jewelry for myself and as people around me began asking where I purchased the pieces, I took it more seriously until reaching the point of ultimately launching my own brand. It was somehow more of a feeling than a thought, and then deciding to respond to a market that naturally emerged for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Designing jewelry was not exactly a logical path for me. I started my career as a branding consultant, positioning brands and helping them bring their essence to life. That creative and artistic expression built the foundation for my interest in creating my own brand that reflects my style and personality. 

With the entire KULT collection, I’m constantly pursuing the creation of timeless designs and jewelry pieces that will grow with the wearer, throughout different stages of their life. I love it when clients tell me that they have been wearing KULT pieces for years and cannot imagine a day without them or when they feel naked with it, but incomplete without it. 

Some of the most meaningful projects I work on are when I can create custom pieces for engagements, modern love commitments, or any other personal milestone. I love stepping out of convention by using unusual stone cuts (pear shaped, emerald cut), or make engagement bracelets instead of rings. 

A lot of my inspiration comes from architecture and vintage/antique jewelry. I then combine those elements with my personal sense of aesthetics to create bold, yet minimalist pieces that pair perfectly with everyday outfits. I’m lucky to work with such talented artisans and master jewelers that help turn my ideas into a reality with their experience and technical skills. 

After five years since starting this brand, my most important learning is to always be humble and seek/welcome help/critics in order to grow and improve. There has been a tremendous evolution between my first pieces and my latest collection, MILESTONE, and the idea is for my collections to keep evolving with my personal style, while highlighting some of the most beautiful stones from around the world. 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

When in Miami, I always try and make to the beach for sunrise—it’s definitely worth it. Sunset on the bay side is also a must.

As a South Beach local, I love stopping at The Standard Hotel or Joia Beach for sunset happy hours with great food & cocktails. And the best new addition to the beach is Margot, to enjoy a wide selection of natural wines and walk barefoot in the sand.

For the foodies. Mandolin is my favorite spot with some of the best food in town and—most importantly—a unique spirit where you feel like you’re in a Mediterranean oasis. I also love Azabu for Japanese food, Lucali has the best pizza, and Alter for a complete gastronomic experience. 

For good music and a welcoming vibe, I love Lagniappe’s daily live jazz concerts and their wine selection. The North Beach Band shell is another favorite because of the amazing international line up of artists paired with an architectural gem. 

For art experiences, I love the Perez Art Museum (PAMM) and the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). 

For treasure hunting, it’s always fun to visit the antique market on Biscayne and 87th or the Lincoln Road flea market on Sundays. You’ll meet interesting dealers, find great pieces, and enjoy different parts of the city. Miami just has so much to offer! 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people! My friends have been a constant source of inspiration during KULT’s entire evolution. My husband Lucas and my parents are also some of my biggest supporters, and always find ways to help me, whether it’s for producing an event, helping with numbers, or developing creating ideas. 

I want to give a special thank you in Miami to Anastasia aka Mrs. Mandolin for including me in her collection, to the Four Seasons Surfclub for believing in KULT, and to Veronica from The Onikas for sharing her experience and accompanying me in this adventure. It is so important to have fellow entrepreneurs to talk to, brainstorm, and create great projects with, I’m lucky to count on these women in Miami.  Last but not least, Celia Gruss, my muse, friend, and the best ambassador of KULT.

Website: www.kultjewelry.com www.kultjewelry.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kult.jewelry/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KULT.jewelry

Image Credits
Miami Pics by Femke Tawari