Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammy Kohl.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Tammy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was 19 years old, I started my jewelry design business as an avenue to help pay for college. Soon, I began selling my collections to Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom department stores. After I graduated college in the late 80’s, I moved my company to the West Loop of Chicago in Fulton Market. Back then, the area was a lot rougher and less populated than it is today to say the least.
I became an inventor and patented many designs with my most famous being the Takohl Treasure Ring. A ring that opens up like a locket and displays hidden engraving and gemstones. This brought many design awards and National and world recognition. Many celebrities garnered this design and my clientele continued to grow throughout the country and the world.
In 2000, I purchased property on Peoria St near Randolph St. and launch my store front fine jewelry gallery. Specialties include custom design tailored to the individual and their sense of style, award winning bridal, restyling existing jewelry and corporate awards.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My business is full of knock off designs, so in order to keep my work protected I would design original things that have never been thought of before and involve lawyers. I patented many of my inventions to keep my work proprietary. This also means relying on lawyers to do their work effectively. In one instance, because of an oversight on their part I lost rights to an important patent in 8 countries in Europe and lost a worldwide deal with a major German company.
Marketing new products that I invent is always a challenge. My newest amulet design is still patent pending. After 10 years of development, I finally figured out how to seal water into jewelry behind glass. My Takohl Love Amulet features energized selenite water whose resonance calms the individual and resonates “LOVE” to the wearer and to all around them. Learn more here:
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business revolves around creating custom jewelry that matches my customer’s personality and sense of style. I love to draw possibilities for new jewels that are conceived with passion and intuition and captures the emotions and sentiments that are unique to every person. Interpreting their design sense is my gift. My customers rely upon me to help them get the gift right the first time! My goal is to create affordable pieces that have sentimental value for our customers.
We are gem experts! Over 30 years’ expertise helping my clients make well informed choices when choosing diamonds and colored stones for bridal or investment purchases. My clients trust me to advise and educate them on choosing the perfect gemstone to meet their aesthetics and budget requirements. I treat my customers like they are family.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up on a farm in Wisconsin and as a farm kid you needed to choose a job on the farm at an early age. I often helped my Dad with fixing the farm machinery. This is where I learned the basics of metalsmithing and welding and problem solving.
Being always interested in making my own money, I started my first business in the 3rd grade selling sweet corn on the side of the road. Then I expanded into being a candy dealer to all the kids in my grade school. I would buy just above wholesale from the neighborhood grocery and retail to my classmates. Friendships came easily to me.
I was an artistic child. I was drawing or painting someone or something. I played a lot of baseball and also, I took up baton twirling. After numerous parades, pageants and performances all over the Midwest, I became a world champion baton twirler.
Pricing:
- Takohl Treasure Rings $495-$ 5000 and beyond
- Sterling Silver Earrings, Necklaces and Cufflinks $ 125 to 950
Contact Info:
- Address: Takohl- A Gallery of Exceptional Jewels
- Website: www.takohl.com
- Phone: 3124216222
- Email: studio@takohl.com
- Instagram: @takohl_gallery
- Facebook: Takohl
- Twitter: @takohl_jewelry
- Yelp: Takohl fine jewelry
“TaKohl/Maria”
Image Credit:
Paul Audia
Philin Phlash
Audrey Nielsen
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
