Kristin’s journey began when she decided to radically change her life and spent a year in India. It is here she found a new connection with herself through yoga, tarot reading, reiki and crystal healing. This process was strongly linked to the healing powers of metals and stones, and so her path of jewellery design was formed. It was a natural progression, one filled with inspiration and raw passion. And it is with these same feelings that she continues to nurture and cultivate Black Betty today.

We sat down with Kristin to learn more about her journey as an entrepreneur. From the defining moments to the lessons learned along the way, here’s what she had to share.

1.⁠ ⁠What inspired you to start your business?

I always knew I wanted to work for myself, especially in something creative and/ or healing. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, it felt like a natural dream. But it wasn’t until I called off a wedding and spent six months in India learning about crystal healing, reiki, tarot, yoga, and hypnotherapy that I found my true path. When I returned home to Cape Town, Black Betty found its beginning. It was the perfect mix of my love for nature, creativity, and healing. That’s how everything came together.

2.⁠ ⁠What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced, and how have they helped make your business stronger or more unique?

I’m someone who pours my heart into everything I do, and because I love a good challenge, I tend to get inspired by almost everything and want to try it all. Right now, at Black Betty, we offer a little bit of everything—piercings, bespoke designs, our own collections, permanent jewels, gemstones, online shopping, retail stores, wholesale, and events. We also have our own manufacturing studio while working closely with our Indian gurus. It’s a lot, and it’s meant building a big team to keep things running, which can be so very tough at times. 

What I truly love, though, is that we’ve created a space where you can find nearly any jewelry dream. Whether it’s your first piece of jewelry, your first piercing, or celebrating milestones like birthdays, engagements, or anniversaries, we’re here for all of it. We get to share in the joy of our clients as they mark special moments in their lives, and that connection is what makes everything so meaningful.

To answer the question, our biggest challenge is something we’re still working through—we’re learning what to streamline to create a smoother, more immersive experience. I’m excited to see where this journey takes us and how it will shape the future of the business.

3.⁠ ⁠How do you weather tough times?

My love & passion for what I do. The challenges never end, but I find strength in how much I've grown in handling them mentally, emotionally, and physically. I also have a goal… it's my constant reminder to keep my eyes on the stars and feet on the ground.

4.⁠ ⁠Is there anything new we should be on the lookout for?

Our new Sea Point store is scheduled to open on April 23rd (fingers crossed everything goes as planned), along with an exciting new collection launching this Summer, inspired by the very reasons I started Black Betty. 

It feels like we're returning home after a long, challenging journey, emerging stronger and more grounded than ever.

Her Chosen Black Betty Flawed Diamond is .... Them ALL! Click here to shop this collection.

"There is a crack in everything, that is how the light gets in" - Leonard Cohen's "Anthem".