Jewelry designer Lauren K. answers some of Marcel Proust’s questions to share some person insights.
Lauren Kessler had just graduated from law school when her elderly grandfather, a jeweler, asked for her help running his business. She had no grand plans to enter the jewelry trade, despite coming from three generations of jewelers; instead, she simply wanted to spend some time with her grandpa. While working alongside her grandfather in his New York City Diamond District office, Lauren Kessler uncovered a hidden passion for jewelry design. When her grandfather passed away, she bought out his business, eager to begin her days as a young woman who could be her own boss. Still, though, something was not quite right. Lauren felt increasing pressure to focus solely on traditional designs featuring what she calls “the big three”: rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. “I can appreciate a perfect emerald like anyone else,” Lauren said, “but that’s not me.” Instead of focusing on the admittedly beautiful, brilliant perfection of a flawless ruby, emerald, or sapphire, Lauren found herself drawn to imperfection.
From Lauren Kessler’s singular devotion to color and character to perfect imperfection, Lauren K, the brand, emerged.
What is the trait you most dislike in others?
Rudeness, treating others with a lack of respect. Narcissism and egocentric behavior are also huge triggers for me.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Health and people in your life you love and who love you.
What do you appreciate?
Kindness over all else. Paired with a sense of humor and intelligence. A strong trifecta.
What is your motto?
A person who is nice to you but not nice to the waiter is not a nice person.
What is your greatest fear?
An airplane crash.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty.
How would you like to die?
In my sleep!
When and where were you the happiest?
The early years of raising my two kids (New York)
What faults do you have the most tolerance for?
I have a lot of tolerance for people who make mistakes. As long as people are making a genuine effort, and they want to improve and learn from those mistakes, I consider that a part of growth and evolving.
What is the quality you most admire in a man? A woman?
Kindness & Kindess.
Who are your favorite writers?
Wally Lamb, John Irving, Phillip Roth, David Sedaris, Khaled Hosseini, Hanya Yanagihara.
What is your greatest regret?
Easily not studying abroad. What a missed opportunity! Youth is wasted on the young!
What is your main fault?
Impatience. I have very little patience for slowness, indecisiveness, or inability to finish a task.
Who is your favorite movie hero?
Oskar Schindler, a man who saw and fought against an overwhelming evil and did what he could to try to help others.
On what occasions do you lie?
White lies. I would rather tell an innocent or inconsequential lie than hurt someone’s feelings. It’s way too easy to avoid.