Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalyia Carson-Tave.
Kalyia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Udeseve Jewels & More started a few years ago as K-N-C Jewels. I worked it for about a year but got caught up with life and work and decided to put it down for a little bit, as I was going to school to get my medical assistance certification with the hope of continuing my education to become a registered to nurse. Well, as many of you may know, life has a way of having some unexpected turns and you have to deal with the hands that are dealt with you. After receiving my certification as a medical assistant, I became ill and was urgently placed on dialysis in need of a kidney. When this happens, all of my goals begin to come to a pause because I had to address my health more than my goals to work and continue my education. So, having to be on dialysis three to four times a week, it prohibited me from being able to continue school and also to work. I begin to become discouraged because it seemed like life had turned for the worst.
One day while praying to God, and expressing to him my disappointment in what was going on in my life, he reminded me that just because it seemed that life had turned for the worst, did not mean that I still could not accomplish my goals and my dreams, He reminded me of the scripture that said, “He has given us the ability to create wealth.” He begins to place thoughts and ideas in my head and I believe to move on it. I begin to research ways to perfect my craft. He gave me the name UDeserve because so many individuals have gone through so many things and there comes a point in your life where you feel like you are not worthy or that you don’t deserve to be happy, loved and appreciated. However, you deserve so much more and then some. UDeserve is a jewelry line that creates exclusive and personal design jewelry. We also create candles. We believe that everyone is different and everyone has their own style. So our aim is to get an understanding of your style and design exclusive pieces just for you. Why, because UDeserve It!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can honestly say that it has not been a smooth road, however, having God on my side makes things so very easy. Also, to have my family support, husband and church support makes it so easy. Sometimes making jewelry helps ease my mind when I am on dialysis when I am having a rough day. I can sit down and not exert too much energy and make different pieces that will later put smiles on different individuals’ faces. Even though I may not be able to make individuals smile right now medically, I am still making individual smile and feel appreciated and beautiful within themselves.
Please tell us about UDeserve Jewels & More.
My business specializes in handcrafted jewelry and candles. Everything that is made, is created by me. While I do have pieces that can be duplicated, I aim to make exclusive pieces for my clients.
The thing that I am most proud of is to see the smiles on my client’s faces when they are purchasing their jewelry. It makes me feel good just to know that they walk away with a smile and a thought of how they are going to look in that piece of jewelry when they put it on or how great there house will smell when they light that handcrafted candle.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is anything that involved church. My mother, Pastor Gloria McGee, kept me and my sisters in church. I loved to sing and song around everywhere as a child. Anytime I could be a blessing and encouragement to someone made me happy.
Pricing:
- Bracelets $8-$15
- Necklace Sets $12-$25
- Candles $5-$10 depending on size
Contact Info:
- Email: udeservejewels@gmail.com
- Instagram: udeserve_jewels
- Facebook: Udeserve Jewls & More
Image Credit:
#T3 Photography, # ByDesign
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