Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendal Jones-Emig.
Hi Kendal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was growing up, I remember my mother taking me shopping, and I usually had the absolute worst attitude about it—unless toys or electronics were involved! As I got older, though, she started taking me to thrift stores and gave me the freedom to browse and discover things on my own. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with thrifting and developed a fascination with luxury fashion houses, vintage designer pieces, and the stories behind them.
I attended Western Michigan University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Information Systems. After graduation, I began working in Electronic Health Record support and quickly advanced into some of the company’s most important projects. While I enjoyed the work, I always had a creative and entrepreneurial side that never quite went away.
A few years into my career, I married my husband, a businessman, jeweler, and gemologist. He always knew I had a passion for hunting for unique pre-loved treasures and a dream of opening an upscale resale boutique. Around that time, I made the decision to step away from the tech industry and join him in helping manage our family businesses. My husband owns WM Spaman Jewellers, one of the oldest and most respected jewelry stores in Kalamazoo.
As much as I love Kalamazoo, I felt there was something missing—a welcoming space where women from all backgrounds could gather, browse beautiful pre-loved pieces, find unique gifts, and simply enjoy conversation and community. I envisioned a hidden gem that complemented the timeless elegance and heritage of the jewelry store while creating something entirely its own.
I put together a business plan and presented it to my husband. His response was simple: “Let’s open a storefront.”
I kept the idea mostly quiet from family and friends while I worked through the details. When we finally opened with a small soft launch, the response was overwhelming in the best way possible. Family and friends traveled from Detroit to celebrate, and the community embraced the concept almost immediately.
Today, Studio Cache operates from the lower level of a historic building my husband and I own in Kalamazoo’s historic South Street neighborhood. We offer a curated collection of home goods, wellness and beauty products, pre-loved clothing spanning multiple decades, and vintage designer handbags. While everyone has their own definition of “vintage,” I like to keep an open mind and curate pieces that speak to different people and different styles.
More than anything, Studio Cache is about creating a space where people can discover something beautiful, connect with others, and appreciate the character, craftsmanship, and stories that make pre-loved pieces so special
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of my biggest challenges was walking away from a stable career in technology to pursue entrepreneurship. I had earned my degree, built a successful career in Electronic Health Record support, and was working on high-profile projects. Leaving that security behind to pursue a passion project came with a lot of uncertainty and risk.
Another challenge was introducing a concept that wasn’t widely represented in Kalamazoo at the time. While resale and vintage shopping have long been popular in larger cities, creating an upscale resale boutique centered around pre-loved luxury, vintage fashion, and curated lifestyle goods required educating customers about the value, quality, and sustainability of secondhand shopping.
Building the business from the ground up also required wearing many hats. From sourcing inventory and learning authentication processes to marketing, merchandising, bookkeeping, and event planning, there were countless lessons learned through trial and error. As a small business owner, there isn’t always a roadmap—you often have to figure things out as you go.
Perhaps the greatest challenge was learning to trust my vision. I kept the idea for Studio Cache relatively quiet because I wanted the concept to develop without outside opinions influencing it. Opening the doors and sharing something so personal with the community was intimidating, but the positive response reinforced that there was a place for what I was trying to create.
Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that challenges don’t necessarily disappear—they simply evolve. But each obstacle has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and has made Studio Cache what it is today
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Studio Cache?
We specialize in curated pre-loved fashion, vintage designer handbags, accessories, home goods, and wellness products.
What sets us apart is that we’re more than a boutique—we’re a community gathering space. We’ve built a hosting room for people to truly connect. I wanted to create a welcoming environment where people could shop, connect, and discover something special. We’re particularly known for our collection of vintage luxury handbags and carefully curated inventory, with an emphasis on authenticity, craftsmanship and character.
What I’m most proud of is the community that has grown around Studio Cache. Through shopping experiences, events, and collaborations, we’ve created a space where people from all backgrounds feel welcome. I want readers to know that what started as a small vision has grown into a place where people gather not only to shop, but to celebrate, collaborate, and connect. Through events, pop-ups, workshops, and community partnerships, we’ve been able to create meaningful experiences that extend far beyond retail.
I want readers to know that Studio Cache is for anyone who appreciates style, sustainability, quality, and the thrill of discovering something special. We believe luxury doesn’t always have to be new, and some of the most beautiful pieces are the ones that have already lived a life before finding their next home especially through our consignment services. Our goal is to curate a collection—and an experience—that feels timeless, welcoming, and uniquely Kalamazoo.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to start small and grow organically. Some of the most valuable lessons come from listening to your customers, adapting, and refining your vision along the way. Also, be prepared to wear many hats in the beginning—you’ll likely be the owner, marketer, buyer, bookkeeper, and customer service representative all at once.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiocache.kzoo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Studio-Cache-61579052087375/
