Queen in Heels/ Karen Ko: Designer of k2o

Daring. Bold. Independent.

Those are words that can be used to describe the k2o by Karen Ko jewelry collection. This collection is for a woman who is not afraid to stand out from the crowd. A woman, who is always in style and yet, wants to make a statement that she, is indeed her own person. A woman, who knows what she wants from life, is not afraid to throw caution into the wind, and go after her passion.

Daring. Bold. Independent.

And while those three words describe k2o by Karen Ko jewelry; they too describe the woman and designer behind the collection, Karen Ko herself.





Karen Ko once worked in the field of finance, that was before she made the daring decision that she would rather pursue her dreams. She left the finance world and enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Jewelry Design program. Once she received her degree, Ko took another bold step and started her own business. She is a wonderful example to independent women who have decided to take a leap of faith, make a change in their lives, and go for it.

1. Tell the Queen in Heels readers about yourself.

I really am an island girl who fell in love with NYC! I grew up in Hawaii; however, I traded my flip-flops for high heels when I moved to NYC. Since then, have never looked back! I actually started my career in finance, wearing suits and classic jewelry, but what I really wanted to wear were fashionable dresses, high heels and statement jewelry. Needless to say, I switched careers and went back to school at FIT to earn a degree in jewelry design. Shortly after graduating, I launched my first fashion jewelry brand: k2o by Karen Ko!

2. What is the meaning behind the name k2o?
k2o is actually derived from my nicknames “KK” & “KKO.” I wanted a name that was easy to remember, something short, catchy and with a little edge. Hence I shortened my nickname “KKO” to “k2o.”

3. What was the inspiration behind the current k2o collection?
I would definitely say first and foremost, my lifestyle here in NYC. I simply love using jewelry to transform my look, to be able to take a dress or a classic black pump and transform it from a day-to-night look or from a classic-to-rocker look by simply adding a k2o jewelry piece!

As a result, my k2o collection is full of bold and edgy statement pieces that ride the fine line between daring and glamour. Many pieces in the k2o collection can be worn more than one way, and all of them are designed to transform any outfit into a night/ rock glam look.

4. Describe your collection in just a few words.
Rock Glam, Bold and Daring.

5. What can we expect to see in the future?
Currently, I’m finalizing my holiday collection – you can expect to see some color outside of my core k2o color scheme: Silver, Gold & Black. And, of course, those colors will be paired with spikes!

6. Who is a woman who has greatly influenced you in business? Personally?
Hmm… that is a tough question! There have been so many women who have influenced me throughout the development of my career, whether it be to pursue my passion or to inspire new ideas. However, I would say the most important influencer would definitely be my mother! She was a successful entrepreneur and owner of a fine jewelry retail business.

7. What advice would you give to a woman that is venturing into developing their own collection (whether jewelry, shoes, clothing, handbags)?
Surround yourself with people who truly believe in you and never give up!

Thank you Karen Ko for your time. To learn more about Karen and her rocking yet ultra-feminine jewelry collection visit:
k2obyKarenKo website
k2obyKarenKo on Facebook
k2obyKarenKo on Twitter