From Corporate Training To Jewelry Making
Nicoll Novak from Parker, Colorado, a beautiful town just south of Denver. Friends call her Nikki.
What do you like most about Parker, Colorado?
Parker has such a strong sense of community. Downtown is full of small businesses, local events, and families supporting each other. It feels like the perfect place to grow a business. And of course, Colorado is just beautiful.
What’s your backstory?
My background is actually in corporate training, so totally different from the jewelry world! About two years ago, I got started with permanent jewelry, which I fell in love with because of the personalized experience.
To me, custom-fit, custom-designed jewelry always felt like something reserved for the ultra-wealthy, and I wanted to make that kind of meaningful, high-quality experience accessible to the average person. It’s such a beautiful way to commemorate life’s most special moments.
My husband, Brandon, is a welder, and he was the one who first encouraged me to try it. He’s been involved every step of the way — from setting up my equipment, to teaching me about different types of metals, to even taking some classes with me and making some of the jewelry I sell.
Along the way, I also started creating handmade jewelry — stretch bracelets, ready-to-wear bracelets and necklaces, connectors, and bangles. Since my background wasn’t in jewelry, I took classes and joined groups to learn new techniques, and that hands-on work has become one of my favorite parts of the business.
There’s something so special about knowing someone is wearing a piece I made with them in mind, with high-quality materials chosen to last.
As Adornable grew, I saw another need: small businesses and other permanent jewelry artists often struggled to find trustworthy wholesalers who truly invested in their stockists’ success. That’s what led me to launch Kaunis, my wholesale line.
Kaunis is all about supporting other small businesses by giving them access to hypoallergenic earrings, high-quality beaded bracelets, and boutique ear piercing supplies and training — helping them grow while also serving their customers with products they truly want. Beyond the products, I pride myself on providing my stockists with selling tools, business tips, and genuine partnership.
What are your income streams?
My business has grown into a blend of direct-to-customer and wholesale:
Handmade jewelry — stretch bracelets, ready-to-wear bracelets and necklaces (with chains, charms, and clasps), connectors, and bangles that I create myself.
Studio appointments at Adornable, where I specialize in permanent jewelry and boutique ear piercing.
Pop-ups and local markets, which gave me my start and still connect me to my community.
Online sales through my website and Etsy, where customers can shop gift-ready bracelets, rings, and earrings.
Wholesale distribution through Kaunis, my line of bracelets, hypoallergenic earrings, and ear piercing supplies and training that support other small businesses and permanent jewelry artists. I also mentor my stockists with selling tools and business tips so they can succeed with the products.
How have you attracted new customers?
The biggest impact has come from caring deeply about my customers and putting their experience at the forefront of every decision. I greet them with smiles, answer questions, and handle any issues with their jewelry — no questions asked.
That level of care has led to countless word-of-mouth referrals, repeat customers, and Google reviews. And I treat my wholesale stockists the same way: I cheer on their businesses, exchange DMs and emails regularly, and include handwritten notes in their orders.
What is your favorite product?
My favorite is my two-tone Morse code bracelet. Each one spells out a meaningful word like “Loved” or “Strong” in a subtle bead pattern, but the custom requests are my favorite part.
The words customers choose to secretly wear on their wrist are often fun, deeply sentimental, or sometimes even a little risqué — and it gives me a glimpse into their personalities. Being trusted to create something so personal feels like such a gift.
If you could go back, would you do anything differently?
I don’t think I would change much, because every lesson has shaped where I am today — and I’m proud of that. But if I could, I’d give myself more confidence early on. In the beginning, I was nervous and lacked confidence, which sometimes led to people undervaluing my work. Looking back, those moments helped me grow stronger as a business owner.
What are your goals?
Since starting my business, I’ve generated over $100,000 in sales, and this year I’ve already passed the $50k milestone. My next near-term goal is to cross six figures in a rolling 12-month period, which I expect to reach within the next 3–6 months.
From there, my focus is on scaling:
Expand wholesale through Kaunis so more boutiques and permanent jewelry artists have access to safe, high-quality jewelry and ear piercing supplies.
Grow online sales for Adornable, so customers can shop meaningful, gift-ready jewelry from anywhere.
Continue building lasting studio relationships, where many of my clients return to celebrate life’s milestones.
Hire help — which is scary when customer service is so core to my business, but necessary to scale.
My focus is on balance: creating a business that supports my family, allows me to be present with my three kids, and uplifts other small business owners along the way.
What platform and tools do you use?
GlossGenius for booking and payments in my studio
Shopify for Kaunis wholesale
Etsy for handmade/gift-ready jewelry
Squarespace for Adornable’s website, ready-to-wear jewelry, and email newsletters
Canva for marketing graphics
Do you have a favorite book?
I am the ultimate bookworm, so I’ll leave you with two of my favorites — one for professional growth and one just for fun. Marie Forleo’s Everything is Figureoutable inspired me and really shaped the growth mindset that guides me in both work and life.
For fun, I always recommend Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary. A dear friend suggested it, and even though I’m not usually a sci-fi reader, by the end I was crying. A 10/10 read.
Pets
I have three dogs! Tully — our goldendoodle, Nana — a Bernedoodle/Colorado Mountain Dog mix, and Gizmo — our little Maltipoo.
Where can we find you online?
www.AdornablePj.com (permanent jewelry/ear piercing)
www.ShopAdornable.com (ready-to-wear jewelry)
www.ShopKaunis.com (wholesale)
Instagram.com/AdornablePJ
Instagram.com/KaunisJewelry