Meet Chun Hui Chen-Decosta | Jewelry Designer – Komakai Jewelry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chun Hui Chen-Decosta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chun Hui, is there something you believe many others might not?
“Make a business plan”. If I had done that I would have never started my business! I let my experiences and mistakes guide me rather than spend too much time and energy doing market research, budgeting, strategizing, competitive analysis, etc. I’m not saying not to do those things but had I done too much research, I would have probably given up before I started. Sometimes ignorance is better than knowing everything before you take the leap

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My jewelry has evolved tremendously since I started the brand in 2014. I started out making shell and gemstone jewelry, which was the foundation of my wholesale business that is thriving today. In 2019, a customer requested a Blue Tahitian pearl necklace. At the time I knew nothing about pearls, but this customer’s order was a pivotal turning point in my design aesthetic. I became completely obsessed with pearls after completing her order. My price points are much higher than I started and business has grown significantly since.

Aspiring jewelry designers may think the market is too saturated, why launch yet another jewelry brand? To that I say, there is only one of YOU. There will always be demand for unique jewels designed from a new perspective. Make your designs as unique as you, tell your story through your art and the world will respond.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Honolulu – I would take them to my favorite beach thats 5 minutes from my home near Diamond Head. We would have brunch at a beachside cafe down the road and spend the rest of the day with the sand between our toes. Next we would get shave ice and have a dinner at my favorite japanese restaurant nearby. The rest of the week we would spend exploring the North Shore, hiking Makapuu lighthouse, shopping at farmers markets and local boutiques, bbq-ing at the beach, catching every sunset. The local music scene here is amazing – so much talent performing live music every night in Waikiki. Hawaii is paradise – a place I am so lucky to call home

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Marc who let me take this leap and fully supported me to build my business from scratch.

Website: www.komakaijewelry.com

Instagram: @komakaijewelry