Origin Story
I wasn’t coming out of design school, or finishing a really cool internship with someone when I launched this jewelry company. It didn’t happen like that.
I started because before using my rings this way, I was drowning. It wasn't good. At the time it was the most amount of things life had ever thrown at me. All at the same time.
I used to find nail marks dug into my palm, from clenching my hand to get through moments in my day. I felt like I had to stay optimistic, take on everyone’s issues and remain standing. But it was hard. So I’d ball my hands into a fist, quietly by my side, while keeping a smile on, listening, working, being there.
My husband had been swallowed whole by a wave of depression. Retreating from the world was how he dealt with his parents’ life; physical violence, never ending fighting and bickering. The second we decided to get married, we were pulled into it, as if by a riptide. Not given a choice, taken underwater and made to hold our breath. We were the eldest. As children of immigrant families, our auto-pilot was programmed to be there for our family. I hadn’t seen anything like their fights before. He knew what to do, how to stay whole. I did not.
Did you know there are limits to what you can handle? Afterall my mom’s nickname for me was, “911,” because I could handle anything. So I thought I was different. Turns out, I’m human.
Everything began boiling over when I started working at Google. The scope of the role was new, the responsibility heavy and the blessing of the job itself like another weight. I’m not exaggerating when I say you get stretched, and stretched again learning to stay afloat. All while still holding my breath from home. When my second manager in 12 months sat down with me for breakfast one day, I burst into tears. I was lost. I felt worthless. I was crying in front of my new boss! I was SO embarrassed, I made up an excuse and literally ran away. But I said I’d be back in time for our next meeting. Ever the dependable performer.
I ran a red light that day because I couldn’t see through my tears.
The thing was; it wasn’t just the job, or the family stuff, or my husband’s depression. Though each of those things were new to me. It was how I expected myself to navigate. I expected myself to know the answer, to be able to solve everything, take care of everyone and still learn a new job, build a new team. All while smiling.
The overwhelm was real. Constantly overthinking if I was making the right call, if I was doing enough, being enough for everyone else except myself. I was ASTOUNDED that I could be so depleted that I'd run out of anything good to offer.
I absolutely hated acknowledging that I had limits that needed to be managed.
So I made my rings into a promise for myself.
To see them and simply take stock of the moment. To see what I needed. To notice if something was depleting me. Not so I could run from it, but so I could add more of the things that nourished me back into the day. To be better to myself.
After all I made promises to everyone else in my life. As a wife, a daughter, a daughter in law, a friend, a manager, a people leader... To everyone I said, "I'll take care of you, I'll provide air cover, I'll be a safe place for you"
Why couldn't I do that for myself? So I began.
Those moments of self awareness became a habit. I got more help.
I told my boss what my full plate actually looked like. I got a therapist. Then another one specialized in trauma. I drew lines around what I would and would not accept at home. I said no. The more I shared, the more help I found.
Wearing a ring as a promise to myself started it all.
Maybe it empowers another woman to pay attention to herself.
Maybe she speaks up and says she needs a break.
Maybe she doesn’t feel guilty doing it.
Sending only hugs,
Mish
Do you offer free shipping?
We offer free standard/ground shipping within Canada and the USA when you spend $150+.
Where do you ship to?
We offer worldwide shipping. All shipments are sent from Canada. Estimated customs/duties are shown at your checkout page. If you run into issues or have any questions, email us at customerservice@boldandkind.com. Customers are responsible for all customs fees/duties.
How do duties/customs fees work for international customers?
We know transparency is everything, so you'll see your shipping rates and estimated duties calculated on the check out page, provided by our shipping partners. Customers are responsible for all customs fees/duties.
How do returns work?
We accept returns and exchanges within 30 days of the delivery date so long as all items are in original condition (sizing sticker still on). Start by emailing us at customerservice@boldandkind.com and tell us what happened. Please note, customers are responsible for the cost of shipping items back to us.
Final sales are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
Where do you ship from?
We ship from Ontario, Canada! This is neither a fast fashion nor a drop shipping business.
Will your rings turn my finger green?
No! All our metal rings start with a stainless steel base so they are extremely resistant to corrosion or rust. The wood finish bands are carved from recycled oak from whiskey barrels and the black bands from purple sandalwood.
What kind of gold do you use?
We use 18-24k yellow gold in all our plated gold jewelry.
What makes some of your rings black?
The black rings get their colour from a Chromium plating technique.
How do I take care of my rings?
Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and rust, so you should be able to wear your rings all day. To keep your collection glowing, remove and store your rings in a cool, dry place when you're not wearing them!
What are the wood affirmation bands made of?
The "oak finish" affirmation bands are carved out of wood from recycled whiskey barrels. The "matte black" affirmation bands are carved out of purple sandalwood then tinted black.
What's the meaning of life?
Oooof friend, what a good question. The smell of coffee, buying new stationery, dancing in the shower, a night out with the besties, a dip in the ocean, morning air, long-wrap-around hugs, midi dresses that feel just right…rings that make you stand taller? Just kidding, you make you stand taller.
Why are you doing this?
If you feel like reading, check out the Origin Story. The short of it; rings kept us grounded through some tough times, so we’re sharing them as reminders for everyone. But also, we’re obsessed with rings! We are not a fast fashion company, and may only release one line a year. Stay tuned!
Why Bold&Kind?
We believe you should chase your dreams, go after exactly what you want, but be kind to yourself along the way. So friends, Be Bold & Kind™. Be relentless but real, fierce but soft, strong but true. You got this!
What are your sustainability goals?
I want to be good for people but also the planet. Right now, this is a one-woman run enterprise, using my life savings. As I grow, so Bold&Kind’s capabilities. One day I want to help with Garbage Island (side bar, if you don’t know, read!) and will treat that as our moonshot. Today we’ve partnered with OneTreePlanted so a portion of all sales go towards planting trees. Reforestation was the most accessible way we could start helping, but more is coming.
Do you offer custom engraving?
Not at this point.
Do you offer gift wrapping?
Sorry we don't. All Bold&Kind jewelry ships compostable bags.
Do you sell giftcards?
Not just yet!
Do you do any custom work?
We do not. Yet.
How can I reach someone?
Email us at customerservice@boldandkind.com and we'll get back to you!
Where can I find you online?
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @beboldandkind
Are you in any jewelry boutiques?
Yes! We are stocked by Eye of Iris (2104 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States)
I want to carry your line in my store!
Amazing! Email Mish at admin@boldandkind.com to start the conversation. We're happy to work with businesses in Canada or the US for now.
Do you offer a warranty?
Absolutely! All Bold&Kind jewelry has a 2 year warranty from the date of purchase. It covers defects not wear. Simply email customerservice@boldandkind with your order number to get started.
How do I change the currency for shopping?
There's a drop down at the bottom of the page.
How secure is my credit card and personal information?
We are powered by Shopify, and in their words, “Shopify is certified Level 1 PCI DSS compliant. This compliance extends by default to all stores powered by Shopify. We are very serious about securely hosting your store and have invested significant time and money to certify our solution is PCI compliant. From annual on-site assessments validating compliance to continuous risk management, we work hard to keep our shopping cart and ecommerce hosting secure.”
Where can I find your Terms of Service?
Find the link at the bottom of the page.
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