Our Story

Our Story

Hi, I’m Kristen—the owner, designer, and creator behind Golden Zen Boutique.

You could say jewelry has always been part of who I am. My family’s jewelry business was established before I was even born, so I truly grew up surrounded by sparkling showcases, gemstones, and beautiful jewelry. Some of my earliest memories are running through my parents’ jewelry store with earrings in my tiny hands as soon as I learned to walk. I absolutely loved being there.

As I got older, my passion only grew stronger.

My dad, a jeweler with more than 40 years of experience, patiently taught me the art of jewelry making. From him, I learned not only how to create beautiful pieces but also the importance of craftsmanship, quality, and treating every customer with honesty and care.

I worked alongside my family in our jewelry store until I graduated high school. When my parents retired, I knew it was time to find my own path.

I decided to try something completely different and took a job as a server at a fine dining restaurant.

It didn’t take long to realize it wasn’t where I belonged. The environment was stressful, customers could be harsh, and every day I found myself wishing I was creating something instead of simply counting down the hours until my shift ended.

One day, a new manager looked at me and said, “You’re replaceable.”

Those two words changed my life.

Instead of letting them discourage me, I made a promise to myself: I would build something that no one could take away from me.

I saved every paycheck I could, buying jewelry findings, tools, and supplies little by little until I had enough to create my very first collection.

That’s how Golden Zen Boutique was born.

The very first market I ever set up happened to be directly beneath the restaurant where I worked. I still remember looking up at the building during the event, hoping this could become something bigger.

That day, I made more money selling my jewelry than I had ever earned working at the restaurant.

I knew then that this wasn’t just a hobby—it was my future.

With persistence, countless early mornings, late nights, reinvesting nearly every dollar back into the business, and refusing to give up, Golden Zen Boutique slowly grew into what it is today.

Today, I have the privilege of meeting incredible customers at local markets and festivals while also partnering with resorts, hotels, boutiques, and gift shops through my wholesale program. Seeing my jewelry displayed in businesses across the coast is something I once only dreamed about, and it’s a reminder of how far this journey has come.

One of the greatest blessings in my life came in December 2025, when I became a mom to my daughter, Ava. Becoming her mom gave my work an even deeper purpose. Every order I pack helps support our little family, and every milestone Golden Zen Boutique reaches is one I hope inspires her to chase her own dreams someday.

At Golden Zen Boutique, I believe beautiful jewelry shouldn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. My mission is to offer affordable, high-quality jewelry that helps women feel confident every day. My stainless steel necklaces are waterproof and tarnish-resistant for everyday wear, and my earrings are made with hypoallergenic materials for sensitive ears.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself, searching for the perfect gift, or stocking your own boutique, resort, hotel, or gift shop, I want every piece of Golden Zen jewelry to bring confidence, beauty, and a little bit of joy.

When you shop with Golden Zen Boutique, you’re supporting more than a small business.

You’re supporting a lifelong dream that began in my family’s jewelry store, was built one paycheck at a time, and continues to grow because of amazing customers and wholesale partners who believe in my work.

Thank you for being part of my story.

I can’t wait to be a small part of yours.