Interview With Jewelry Designer Xander Kostroma

Hi there, my lovely sparkle seekers! Do you ever *ponder* what it takes to become a successful jewelry designer? You may also *marvel* at how a fashion brand goes from a dream to dazzling in over 550 boutiques worldwide?   

Picture provided by Xander Kostroma

https://www.xanderkostroma.uk/

Xander Kostroma is living proof that it’s possible—and then some! ✨😊💎  

He turned his passion for semi-precious stones into a sparkling reality. Xander finishes his jewelry and home accessories with either 925 sterling silver or 14k gold-plated components. ✨💍🌈  

And I haven’t told you the best part? They’re nickel-free! You may wonder, why? Xander is allergic to nickel himself! Talk about turning a challenge into a triumph. 😮🌟👏  

This kind of success is a dream few of us will see come true. If only I had started earlier with my beadwork jewelry… Who knows where on earth I’d be today? 😂✨🤷‍♀️  

Okay, maybe not in *every* boutique worldwide. Then again, my creations aren’t bad either! Still, it’s probably more than safe to say the entire world isn’t waiting for them. 😅🎨🤦‍♀️  

Jewelry designer, Xander, believes that anything in life is possible if you focus, believe, and work hard. 💡✨🙌**  

Well, with pieces this gorgeous, it’s hard to argue with him! Maybe it’s high time we all dream a little bigger, one bead—or stone—at a time. 💎💭💖 

Picture provided by Xander Kostroma

What is your name, function and the company you work for?  

My name is Xander Theodore Shanxi Kostroma. I am the designer/director for my company Xander Kostroma Fashion Ltd and we trade under my fashion brand name, Xander Kostroma.

How old are you?

37

What kind of work do you do, or what are you studying to be? 

I am Self Employed since 2014. I launched my LTD company in 2015. I am the director and head creative for my label “Xander Kostroma” which I launched in 2018. 

Now a days, we sell across 4 continents, into around 500 boutiques and I manage an international team of 8 people plus subcontractors totaling almost 20.

What made you decide to become a Jewelry Designer? Tell me about your journey.

It was something that always fascinated me from when I was a kid working in retail. I was drawn to the accessories department. Over the years as I progressed in my career, I got promoted from floor staff to head office positions which took me Internationally.. after working for some of the biggest names in retail fashion, I realised I no longer wanted to work in corporate, so I set out to create my own brand instead.

Is fashion important to you? Why? 

My label is more than just fashion. We position ourselves between fashion and healing. My work focusses on crystals, whereby each piece will feature one somewhere… so taking this into account, fashion alone isn’t important, it’s more about what Spiritual benefits can my pieces give to my clients. That is what is important to me.

Picture provided by Xander Kostroma

What are your successes, and how did you achieve them?

Ooof, that’s a really opened ended question. What do you mean by successes? We have shipped almost 60,000 orders since my company inception…. To some that is massive!! Celebrities including Joss Stone for example, have bought  from me  (later the necklace she bought went onto becoming one of my best selling styles). …my company is debt free… these are physical successes… 

Spiritually, I have had clients write to me saying my suncatchers have helped them feel peace after a bereavement. So, what is success? If you were to ask me, am I happy as a fashion brand owner… then yes, I am very happy. That to me is a success in itself. I achieved it by believing in myself when no one else would.

What’s something you might want to do in the future?

We are slowly, but surely branching out into more accessories. My branded skull tote bags for example, have become somewhat of a collectable item! We make these in limited drops and we release new colours each season. This  summer we launched our first range of coverups which were received well… so for next summer, I will be expanding on these. 

Is the name of the Brand important to you when you buy clothing or jewelry?

For me what’s important is the quality and the materials. I only wear 100% cotton, linen, viscose or a blend of those 3 fabrics. 

Describe your personal style of fashion?

Dressed-down and casually oversized

How did you find your personal style? Do you have a signature look? 

I don’t like tight clothing.. the skinny jeans aera was terrible. I’ve always worn oversized hareem pants for example. No I don’t have a signature style I think? Maybe, I am not too sure.

Do you have an influence on other people’s fashion style?

I have no idea about that. I focus more on how they’re feeling. I’d like to think I make them feel good and my jewelry inspires them. 

Picture provided by Xander Kostroma

What are in your eyes the best trends at the moment?

I don’t follow trends or what other brands are doing.

What are in your eyes the worst trends at the moment?

As above

What kind of fashion advice would you give us?

Don’t follow trends! Who cares about that. If something makes you feel good, then do more of that and less of what doesn’t.

Who is your style icon and why?

I don’t really have one.

Is there something else you would like to share with us?

I was homeless at 16, I am a school dropout. I learnt everything as I went along. My work as a jewelry designer has taken me internationally; I lived in Switzerland for 8 years, before moving to Portugal 4 years ago where I am now settled… I was born in Wales and have I lived in various cities all over the UK…

I speak 3 languages, I’m also trying a possible 4th language! Business wise, my team and I operate remotely where everything is done online.

I started this company with around €2000 (I saved extremely hard for this) I built my website myself and I went from there. I sold those pieces, and made more. I sold those and made some more… and here I am. Almost 60,000 orders later.

So, it doesn’t matter your education, what is your background, if you went to fashion school, if you can afford the “best” clothes etc …what matters is understanding that whatever you want to do in your life, it is possible!

First, believe in yourself, and then go out and just do it.

Picture provided by Xander Kostroma

Thanks, Xander, for sharing your inspiring journey and insights with me! 💖✨💎 I absolutely love what you said: "First, believe in yourself, and then go out and just do it." Those words are a powerful reminder that confidence and action are the perfect ingredients for success! 💪😊

Alright, dear readers, if you ever find yourself doubting your path or waiting for the right time, let Xander’s advice be your motivation. Trust yourself, believe in your dreams, and just take the first step—you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve! ✨💍🚀

https://seadbeady.blogspot.com/p/jewelry-designer-interviews.html

Hope you like my blog.....Until next time.....Have a nice day 

Renata (Seadbeady) 

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