We’re looking forward to introducing you to Michelle Grout. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Michelle, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think the most misunderstood thing about my business is that people assume there’s a whole team behind it, when in reality it’s just me. Every piece is designed, crafted, packaged, and shipped with my own hands. Unlike Amazon or fast fashion, nothing is mass-produced. Each piece is made to order with love and care, and my goal is to create high-quality jewelry you can treasure for years.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Michelle, the founder of XO Hanalei, a jewelry brand born from a lifelong love of creativity and a passion for making things by hand. Growing up in Hanalei, Kauai, I spent my days collecting shells and sea glass from the beach, turning them into jewelry, and nurturing my entrepreneurial spirit. By high school, I was selling my pieces to friends, and my love for creating continued to grow as I experimented and refined my craft over the years.
XO Hanalei was created to fill a gap in the market. Beautiful, high-quality jewelry that’s hypoallergenic, durable, and designed to be worn every day. Each piece reflects intentional design, meticulous craftsmanship, and a love for creating jewelry that can accompany you on every adventure life takes you on.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I was the shy, quiet one. The kid who didn’t speak up, who stayed on the sidelines, and often wondered why I was always alone. I never felt like my voice mattered, and I was afraid to assert myself. But as I grew older, I realized how important it is to speak up, not just for myself, but for others as well. While I’m still naturally introverted, I’ve learned to use my voice when it matters. If I see someone being treated unfairly, or if I feel my own boundaries are being crossed, I’m not afraid to stand up, advocate, and share my perspective.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to be shy and quiet, and that those qualities don’t make her less capable or important. I’d remind her that her creativity, her ideas, and her voice all matter, and that over time, she’ll learn how powerful it can be to speak up, not just for herself, but for others too. Every piece of jewelry I make with XO Hanalei is a reflection of that lesson: creating something with intention, using your voice, and showing up authentically can leave a mark on the world.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the jewelry industry tells itself is that beauty alone is enough. A piece can be successful just because it looks good, even if it’s poorly made, irritates skin, or doesn’t last. Another is that customers don’t care about quality or ethical materials, when in reality people increasingly want jewelry that’s durable, hypoallergenic, and made with intention. Many brands also overlook the fact that jewelry is personal. It’s not just an accessory, it’s something people wear every day, layer, and connect with. At XO Hanalei, we focus on creating pieces that combine beauty, craftsmanship, and comfort, because ignoring any one of those aspects is doing a disservice to the wearer.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe I’m doing what I was born to do. From a very young age, I’ve always been a creative, and that passion guided me to study studio art in college. My work with XO Hanalei aligns perfectly with my passions and what I feel God intended for me to do. I don’t believe in ignoring your dreams or passions, because life is too short to do anything else. Doing work that resonates with your heart is not only fulfilling, it’s how you can make your unique mark on the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xohanalei.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/xohanalei
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