Kellie Lambert, 37, and Lexie Robbins, 23, are the dream-team that keeps the MACC box office running—but did you know they also have their own jewelry company?
Founded just last year, Lasting Karma Co. is a new, local company specializing in making handmade jewelry with 50% of the proceeds going directly towards the JCC and MACC scholarship funds for children’s programs. Each piece of jewelry is customizable and presents Jewish culture in a unique, fashionable way. We sat down with Kellie and Lexie to talk a little more about their business, their creative processes, and some of their favorite pieces.
What got you interested in starting a jewelry-making business together?
KL: A few years ago, we started making friendship bracelets with the kiddos during MACC summer camp lunches and it just became something we wanted to pursue more. We decided to put this business together this past spring when we were trying to think of a way to support and give back to the JCC/MACC.
LR: The name Lasting Karma Co. is kind of a play on our names, Lexie and Kellie. We came up with the LK part of our logo first and we just liked the words Lasting Karma—we felt it described what we were going for well.
Who’s primarily responsible for designing Lasting Karma’s jewelry?
LR: We both are! It’s fun because one of us might come up with a design and teach the other how to make it so we can both make it. Or we can bounce ideas off each other. I think we work well together because we’re open to each other’s ideas and can draw off of each other.
What’s your favorite part of making jewelry?
KL: Creating. I like to figure out how to make something that I would like to wear.
LR: Making friendship bracelets. I like the weaving.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve ever made?
KL: I really like this dream catcher one I made and this kind of turquoise clover. I also like the more grown up version of the friendship bracelets. We don’t have many of these yet because they take a lot longer to make.
Have you ever gotten any crazy requests for custom pieces?
KL: Not yet!
Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry, self-made or otherwise? What’s special about it?
KL: A piece I really like is a necklace my grandmother gave me when I was very young. It is made out of a piece of fossilized wood and I think it is so unique.
LR: I have an aquamarine ring that my late grandfather bought for me the last time I saw him.
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
LR: To continue to create new pieces and expand our creativity and be able to share our ideas with as many people as we can.
What are you currently selling? How can people buy your stuff?
KL: We hope to sell some jewelry along with bookmarks during our upcoming JAAMM festival. Currently, items can be purchased at the MACC box office or through our Etsy shop at etsy.com/shop/lastingkarmaco. We are also happy to make custom pieces and can be contacted at lastingkarma@gmail.com. We donate 50% of our proceeds to the JCC and MACC to sponsor scholarships.
Anything else you’d like to mention?
KL: We’re all about happiness quotes. Here are a few of our favorites:
“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” – Omar Khayyam
“Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha
“If you want to be happy practice compassion.” – Dalai Lama
“There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.” – Buddha
