We were lucky to catch up with Halle M. Kost recently and have shared our conversation below.
Halle M. , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
When it comes to my work ethic, I have to point to the obvious: mom and dad. My mom has always been a source of endless inspiration. While raising my sister and me, she somehow managed to master countless talents. She’s a natural leader who taught us the importance of strength, confidence, self-respect, and standing up for ourselves. She leads by example, showing that staying true to our values and advocating for ourselves isn’t just important—it’s essential.
Beyond that, her creativity knows no bounds. She crafts the most incredible appetizers and amuse-bouches, made our Halloween costumes by hand, and “helped” (ok, let’s be honest—did most of the work) with our school projects. She turned our home into a festive wonderland for the holidays, especially Christmas, creating a new themed Christmas tree each year that made it feel like a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie. She’s the queen of thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts, and honestly, everything she touches seems to turn to gold.
Her motto has always been: “Any job worth doing is worth doing well.” I’ve adopted it myself, though with a little twist: “Any job worth doing is worth doing pretty.” To me, this means taking the time to add care and attention to every piece of jewelry I make, so it’s not just well-made but also beautiful.
Then there’s my dad—a rock of support who has always been my biggest cheerleader while also pushing me to keep trying. His constant encouragement is grounded in the belief that persistence pays off. Whenever I feel stuck, he always reminds me of Thomas Edison’s famous journey—how it took over 2,000 attempts to create the light bulb. He’s taught me to keep going, to embrace the process, and to never give up. My dad is also a talented creative, with numerous published books and articles showcasing his expertise in electronics – from building a robot to constructing a CNC router machine from scratch—hello, genius! His ability to bring ideas to life is truly inspiring, reflecting his dedication to mastering his craft and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
I’ve kinda lucked out in the parent category.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Recently, I’ve been really excited about hosting private jewelry parties. These events allow me to connect with people who truly love bungalowBLONDE Jewelry in a personal and meaningful way. There’s something magical about creating moments where people can not only see my designs up close but also hear the story behind them. I really enjoy sharing my brand’s values and having personal conversations with clients. It’s that connection—the chance to talk about the inspiration behind the pieces and the love that goes into every design—that fuels my passion.
As I look to the future, my dream is for bungalowBLONDE Jewelry to grow through private parties, eventually leading to something even more special: a dedicated private event space. I imagine a space that embodies everything bungalowBLONDE stands for—a serene, resort-inspired bungalow where I can host intimate gatherings and celebrate milestones with my customers. This “bungalow” would be the ultimate extension of my brand, where jewelry, community, and a touch of paradise come together seamlessly.
Who knows? This dream might not be as far off as it feels. I’ve already started exploring retail spaces, imagining how I could bring this vision to life. Whether it’s through a charming boutique or a dreamy event space, my goal remains the same: to create meaningful experiences where people can feel like they’re in paradise, even when they’re not.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When it comes to important qualities, sticking with it is at the top of my list. It’s all about trying. If something doesn’t work, try again—and if that doesn’t do it, give it one more go. Keep trying! Eventually, it’ll click. It’s okay to feel frustrated along the way; it’s part of the process. What matters is not getting stuck in that frustration, but moving forward and learning from it.
Equally important is surrounding yourself with a solid support system. Whether it’s one trusted confidant or an entire team of friends, having people you can lean on is invaluable. You’ll need them to vent to, brainstorm with, bounce ideas off of, or even just to reassure you that you’re not losing your mind…because, yes, that can definitely feel like it’s happening sometimes!
For me, my go-to is my husband, Chris. I’m lucky to have someone who not only cheers me on but also knows how to steer me in the right direction when things get tough. He’s got such a knack for giving killer advice that I sometimes wonder if he should be the one running bungalowBLONDE Jewelry. 🙂
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
One of my dreams for bungalowBLONDE Jewelry is to collaborate with hotel resorts and spa spaces, creating partnerships that align with my mission: to make people feel like they’re in paradise, even when they’re not. I’d love to see my resort-inspired jewelry collections displayed in resort spaces, where guests are already enjoying the relaxation and beauty surrounding them.
By collaborating with resorts and spas, bungalowBLONDE Jewelry could bring an added layer of indulgence to their guests’ experience. Each piece of jewelry would be a keepsake—something they can wear long after their vacation to remind them of those cherished memories of sunsets, ocean breezes, and ultimate tranquility. My designs are intentionally crafted to reflect the essence of paradise, with an effortless, resort-inspired elegance that complements the aesthetic of these serene destinations.
This vision is more than just a business goal; it’s a way to deepen the connection between my jewelry and the sense of escape and rejuvenation that inspires it. Every bungalowBLONDE piece is designed to transport you to a place of calm, beauty, and joy—whether you’re strolling through a tropical resort or simply wearing it during your everyday routine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bungalowBlonde.com
- Instagram: @bungalowBlondeJewelry
Image Credits
All photos are my own.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.