Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Ness-Witte
Hi Kayla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in the jewelry industry began in 2001 at the age of 18 when I took a part-time job at a small, family-owned jewelry store near my hometown. At the time, I was attending technical college, pursuing a marketing degree. Little did I know, that first job would spark a passion that would shape my career for years to come. I quickly realized how much I loved the world of fine jewelry, and I made the decision to turn it into my career.
Determined to deepen my knowledge of gemstones and diamonds, I moved from Minnesota to California to attend the Gemological Institute of America, where I earned my Gemologist diploma. This experience broadened my understanding of the craft and the science behind gemstones and diamonds, which became an essential part of my journey.
When I returned to Minnesota, I worked with two family-owned jewelers in St. Paul and St. Louis Park. These years were formative, as I had the opportunity to build lasting relationships with clients, helping them select pieces that held special meaning—whether as gifts, symbols of love, or milestones in their lives. I truly appreciated being part of these companies, those moments and knowing that the jewelry we created would carry memories for years to come.
My next career shift took me to Texas, following my husband’s job relocation. There, I landed my dream role in bridal jewelry manufacturing, working on the inside sales team and as a sales trainer for retail partners. It was fascinating to gain insight into the inner workings of the jewelry industry from the perspective of those who craft the pieces—from bench jewelers to design teams. It deepened my understanding of the craftsmanship involved in creating beautiful, lasting jewelry.
Despite my full-time position in manufacturing, I continued to offer concierge-style jewelry services to friends and family without accepting any form of pay. I loved providing a personalized touch, helping others find or create pieces that held personal significance.
After a couple of years in Texas, we relocated back to Minnesota, in those years our family was blessed with two children. It was very important for me to be available to our family. During this time, I began brainstorming with friends and realized there was a real desire for a more intimate, personalized jewelry service—a place where people could find beautiful pieces and build relationships with someone they trusted. And so, Von T Jewelry was born.
The name “Von T” holds deep personal meaning for me. “Von” translated in the Bible is “Hope,” in honor of our baby girl Hope, who is in heaven. The “T” represents our two living children, as it’s derived from the first letters of their names. Von T Jewelry is a legacy I wish to leave for my children, a business built on the foundation of love, trust, and community. It was created with a vision to offer beautiful jewelry and a personalized, concierge experience to people right here in our community—treating each client with care and respect.
Today, I am proud to continue this journey of helping people celebrate their most meaningful moments through fine jewelry. Von T Jewelry is not just a business, but a reflection of my values: craftsmanship, relationships, and the beauty of creating something that will last a lifetime.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any journey, my path in the jewelry industry has certainly had its challenges. While I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work in an industry I’m passionate about, there have been obstacles that have tested my perseverance and growth.
One of the earliest challenges I faced was balancing my education with my career aspirations. Working in a family-owned jewelry store while pursuing a marketing degree was demanding, and there were times I questioned if I could manage both. But I quickly realized how much I loved the work, and that passion motivated me to keep pushing forward. It was a pivotal moment in my life where I had to make tough choices, and ultimately, I chose to follow my heart into the jewelry industry.
Later on, when I moved to California to attend the Gemological Institute of America, the transition to a new city and academic environment was another hurdle. It was a leap of faith—leaving behind everything I knew to gain specialized knowledge in an industry that was still somewhat new to me at the time. I had to adjust to the demands of the program, and financially, it was a strain, but I kept my focus on the long-term vision. The sacrifices paid off as it laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of gemstones, diamonds, and the intricacies of fine jewelry.
As I progressed in my career and moved to Texas for my husband’s job, I encountered another challenge: balancing work with family. My role in bridal jewelry manufacturing required some travel and some long hours, which made it difficult to juggle my professional ambitions with raising a young family. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me time management, flexibility, and the importance of having a strong support system.
When we relocated back to Minnesota and I launched Von T Jewelry, I faced the challenge of starting a business during a time of personal and professional transition. As a mother of young children, building a brand from the ground up required a significant amount of mental and emotional energy. There were moments of self-doubt—wondering if I could truly make this dream a reality—but I kept reminding myself of my mission: to offer a personalized, meaningful jewelry experience for my community. The journey to create something from nothing was tough, but each challenge helped refine my vision and made me more determined to succeed.
In every stage of my career, I’ve had to face moments of uncertainty and adversity, but I’ve always tried to see those moments as opportunities for growth. Whether it was adjusting to a new city, balancing work and family life, or starting a business from scratch, I’ve learned to embrace challenges as part of the process. It hasn’t been a smooth road, but every twist and turn has shaped me into the person I am today and strengthened my passion for the jewelry industry.
We’ve been impressed with Von T Fine Jewelry , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Von T Jewelry, we specialize in providing a highly personalized, concierge-style jewelry experience, designed to help clients celebrate life’s significant moments with beautiful, meaningful pieces. Whether it’s an engagement ring, wedding band, or special gift, we focus on delivering exceptional craftsmanship and a personal connection with every piece that leaves our studio.
What sets us apart is the personalized approach we offer. We understand that purchasing jewelry is not just about the product itself; it’s about the emotions, memories, and stories it represents. That’s why we prioritize building lasting relationships with our clients, ensuring that each piece that leaves our studio truly reflects their unique journey and vision.
Our reputation is built on our commitment to both quality and service. We’re known for our ability to create jewelry that perfectly aligns with each client’s desires and for providing expert guidance throughout the process. From the initial consultation to the final creation, we ensure that every client feels supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.
I am particularly proud of the trust and relationships we’ve built with our clients over the years. At Von T Jewelry, we don’t just sell jewelry—we create an experience that’s as meaningful as the piece itself. Every piece that leaves our studio reflects our dedication to integrity, craftsmanship, and exceptional service.
In addition to our curated jewelry and engagement rings, we offer a jewelry concierge service—helping clients source rare gemstones or guiding them through the purchasing process. Our goal is to offer a flexible, client-focused service that ensures every interaction is as special as the jewelry that leaves our studio.
Ultimately, what I want your readers to know about Von T Jewelry is that we are more than just a jewelry business; we are a trusted partner in helping our clients mark life’s most important milestones. Whether you’re searching for a timeless piece or a special gift, we are here to bring your vision to life.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One surprising thing that most people might not know about me is that I have a degree in marketing, but I contract out some of that for my business. When I was studying marketing in college, I was also working at a small family-owned jewelry store when I realized my true calling was in the jewelry business and working with clients. This unexpected shift has shaped how I approach my work today—combining my marketing expertise with my love for jewelry to create a brand that is customer-focused and values meaningful, personal connections.
Another surprising aspect is that, while many assume I’m constantly working, I’m actually very disciplined when it comes to my personal habits. I prioritize taking care of myself by working out regularly to stay energized and focused. I also believe strongly in the benefits of a good night’s sleep and I love to get up before the sun, so I make it a point to go to bed early—often much earlier than most people would expect! I don’t watch television very often, which helps me stay productive and fully present in my life. Whether it’s spending time with my family, focusing on my business, or finding inspiration for new jewelry designs, these habits help me maintain balance and clarity.
Additionally, while I’m deeply involved in the creative side of Von T Jewelry, I despise numbers and operations. Behind the scenes, I have my husband help with a hands-on approach to the business side, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vontfinejewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vontjewelry?igsh=NzUxMXpheTZna2Q1&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vontfinejewelry/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylaness/
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Amanda S. Dreaming Tree Photography
