My name is: Karo Kangas.

I’m known for being: A makeup artist and jewelry designer from Finland!

I'm talking about: Karo Koru.

You can find it at: karokoru.com; Karo Koru.

Before I created this line, I was: Working as a makeup artist in fashion (still do!).

What inspired me to launch it was: The pandemic. I had the time to get back to using my hands. Pottery, painting and sculpture all led to me making jewelry and discovering a love for it. What grew out of my little hobby surprises me still to this day. I love it. 

How it works is: Necklaces, chokers, bracelets, earrings and anklets. All one-of-a-kind and all made by my hands.

What makes it special is: I poured my philosophy of treating the planet with a gentle touch. All the products are a mix of vintage, re-used and upcycled beads and pearls. What’s really special is that I make every piece by hand. Each piece is as unique and special as the person who wears it.

One thing you can’t miss is: Our special collections. By pure luck, I find vintage hearts or smiley face pendants or vintage zodiac pendants from the 80s. Our collection is always evolving, as I refuse to use anything new. Snooping online and in vintage stores helps inspire what comes next. 

My favorite secret detail is: I hand stamp each and every Karo Koru jewelry bag and do most of the shipping myself from my home studio.

For me, what it means to create a product with purpose is: To make something beautiful, while adhering to my hope to be gentle on our planet and leave a healthier environment for my son.

One ritual you can practice with this is: To be kind to yourself and the world around you. 

It can help you live your process because: Life is short and we all should breathe easy, love deeply and laugh loudly.