Today we’d like to introduce you to Karel and Brian Fonseca and Colon.
Hi Karel and Brian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Our story is one of resilience, family, and the dream of reclaiming a legacy. Although we were born in different provinces of Cuba—myself (Karel) in Granma and Brian in Havana—it was in the capital where our professional journey in the art of jewelry began to take shape together in 2019. It was there that we began to develop our craft, inspired by our family’s jewelry legacy that dates back to before 1959. In 2022, seeking freedom and a more promising future, we made the decision to immigrate to the United States. We arrived via different paths but were reunited in Michigan, a state we chose to settle in thanks to the family ties we already had here.
It was in Michigan that we were able to transform our passion into a formal business, but we want to be very clear: KB GOLD JEWELRY is not the story of two founders, but the result of a true collective and family effort. We (Karel and Brian) may have initiated the idea, but behind us is an incredible support system of family and friends who have been essential in building this project.
As immigrants, we feel a deep connection with our community. We want to take this opportunity to emphasize that the vast majority of us come to this country to contribute, to work hard, and to add to the greatness of this nation. For that, we are deeply grateful to the United States. This great nation has given us the opportunity to grow as individuals and as entrepreneurs, and for that, we feel a responsibility to give back to the community.
And, of course, our infinite gratitude goes to our clients, who are the heart of our business. Their trust is the highest honor we can receive.
Our goal goes beyond selling jewelry. We seek to merge the soul and art of Cuban goldsmithing with the quality and excellence expected in our new home. We want every piece that leaves our store to be not just an adornment, but a future family legacy—a tangible symbol of the success, effort, and inspiring story of each person who wears it. We dream of our brand being a testament to what is possible when passion and opportunity meet.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been far from a smooth road. In fact, just a few months after our grand opening, we faced the biggest challenge of our lives: we were victims of a violent armed robbery at our store. Several armed individuals entered the premises, and during the confrontation, a shot was even fired inside the store. Thankfully, no one was physically injured, but the psychological and emotional impact was immense.
We made the difficult decision to close for an entire month to install state-of-the-art security systems and, more importantly, to support each other to heal from the trauma. That experience, which could have destroyed our dream, ultimately forged it in steel. We reopened with an unbreakable determination.
And the proof of that determination is that, just a few short months after that traumatic event, we did what many would consider unthinkable: we didn’t just recover, we expanded and opened our second location in Grandville. For us, it wasn’t just a business expansion; it was a statement that we would not be intimidated and that our dream was bigger than any adversity.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about KB GOLD JEWELRY ?
<font dir=”auto” style=”vertical-align: inherit;”><font dir=”auto” style=”vertical-align: inherit;”>KB GOLD JEWELRY es una empresa familiar impulsada por la pasión, la tradición y la resiliencia. Nos especializamos en la creación de joyería de oro de alta calidad, con especial énfasis en piezas personalizadas y artesanales.</font></font><font></font><font dir=”auto” style=”vertical-align: inherit;”><font dir=”auto” style=”vertical-align: inherit;”> Somos especialmente conocidos por nuestras auténticas cadenas y pulseras de eslabones cubanos. Para nosotros, esto no es solo un estilo; es una parte de nuestra herencia cultural que traemos con orgullo a Michigan, elaborada con la técnica y el cuidado que merece.</font></font><font></font><font dir=”auto” style=”vertical-align: inherit;”><font dir=”auto” style=”vertical-align: inherit;”>
Lo que realmente nos distingue es la historia y la esencia que hay detrás de cada creación. No somos una empresa transaccional; construimos relaciones. Cuando un cliente entra por nuestra puerta, se convierte en parte de nuestra familia. Escuchamos su historia, comprendemos su visión y colaboramos para crear una pieza que simbolice un hito en su vida. Esa conexión personal, que fusiona el arte de la orfebrería cubana con la historia personal de nuestros clientes, es nuestra seña de identidad.</font></font><font></font><font dir=”auto” style=”vertical-align: inherit;”><font dir=”auto” style=”vertical-align: inherit;”>
Nos enorgullece enormemente la confianza que nuestra comunidad ha depositado en nosotros. Ver a nuestros clientes lucir nuestras creaciones, sabiendo que superamos increíbles adversidades para llegar hasta aquí, es nuestra mayor satisfacción. Nos enorgullece que nuestra marca represente no solo calidad, sino también fortaleza, integridad y el poder del sueño americano.</font></font><font></font><font dir=”auto” style=”vertical-align: inherit;”><font dir=”auto” style=”vertical-align: inherit;”>
Queremos que nuestros lectores sepan que KB GOLD JEWELRY es más que una tienda: es un lugar donde se forjan legados. Ofrecemos desde diseños y fabricación a medida hasta reparaciones expertas. Si busca una joya con una historia auténtica y un significado profundo, le damos la bienvenida.</font></font><font></font>
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
For us, happiness has two sides: one is very personal, and the other is shared. On a personal level, happiness is the moment our hands transform an idea or a piece of precious metal into a tangible piece of gold. There’s a magic in that creative process, in shaping something beautiful and lasting. It’s the artisan’s satisfaction.
But the deepest happiness is the one that’s shared. When a client chooses us to create a symbol for a pivotal moment in their life—an engagement ring, a medal for a newborn, a chain celebrating a success—it transcends business. In that moment, we’re not just selling gold; we’re becoming custodians of an emotion and a part of that family’s legacy. Seeing the joy in someone’s eyes when they receive that piece is the true engine for what we do.
Why? Because we come from a place where dreams often have limits. To see that our hard work and effort not only build our future but also bring joy and become part of other families’ stories in this country is the ultimate validation of our own journey. Our happiness is, in essence, forging the happiness of others.
Pricing:
- Market-Based Pricing: Our pricing is dynamic and reflects the live market value of gold, ensuring our clients always receive fair and transparent value.
- Custom Craftsmanship: As we specialize in custom creations, each piece is priced individually based on the client’s vision. The final cost is tailored to the unique design, weight, and complexity of the craftsmanship involved.
- No-Obligation Consultations: We offer complimentary, no-obligation consultations. The best way to get an accurate quote is to visit our store to discuss your idea, allowing us to create a proposal that fits your specific needs.
- Tailored to Your Budget: We are committed to working within a range of budgets. Our goal is to create a beautiful, high-quality piece that meets your financial and aesthetic goals without compromising on craftsmanship.
- Clear & Competitive Repairs: In addition to custom work, we provide clear and competitive pricing for expert jewelry repair and restoration services.
Contact Info:
- Website: kbgoldjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbgoldjewelry?igsh=MXI3cWZhbXhpb2l3ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BmMyB3e5Q/
Image Credits
<font dir=”auto” style=”vertical-align: inherit;”><font dir=”auto” style=”vertical-align: inherit;”>KB GOLD JEWELRY </font></font>
