A Chat with Christie Melene Kent

Meet Christie Melene Kent, the creator and designer of Melene Kent Jewels. Kent’s sophisticated line of handmade jewelry has been featured everywhere from Bloomingdales to nearby Olivia Browning. Adding even more credibility to our blooming artist community – Kent has her studio here in Charlestown. This emerging entrepreneur is also a family oriented fashionista – Kent and her husband are the proud parents of two children and one canine.

Q: So does fashion run in your blood? How did Melene Kent Jewels come about?

A:  I inherited my middle name (Melene) and my urge to design from my mother and grandmother who were designers and buyers in Manhattan.  Melene is short for Carmelena, which translates from Italian to "golden".  The first necklace that I designed was for my 2003 wedding.

Q: Your designs seem so edgy and fashion forward – dispelling any notions that mom’s don’t have time to care about fashion.  Moms can still be hip, right?

A:  Now that I am a mother myself, I dislike the notion that motherhood is the cause of a drab look. It is important to retain your individuality, confidence and fashion sense.  One unique, special piece of jewelry can transform any outfit to look more updated and fashionable.

Q:  Tell us about your line of jewelry.

A: The Melene Kent Jewels line is comprised of handmade jewelry.  I enjoy working with mixed metals to create varied textures.  You will find oxidized metals, sterling and fine silver, rose gold, bronze, 18K gold, 22K gold, pyrite, hematite, rubies and Murano glass among the materials in my studio. The current collection has a "sophisticated rocker chic vibe." Lariats, headpieces and armbands add a surprising twist to everyday jewelry options. Sea creatures such as jellyfish, urchins, crabs, stingrays and various rock formations have inspired my designs.  

Q: I hear you started off in the corporate world – what’s it like now working for yourself?

A: Previous experience in the pharmaceutical industry provided me with good business skills. Working for myself has taught me a greater sense of financial responsibility. I miss the corporate account, car and benefits, but much prefer the freedom to create and be responsible for my own destiny. In a nutshell, it is so much more rewarding to fly solo.

Q: Boston tends to get some flack when it comes to fashion. What’s your perception of the fashion scene here in Beantown?

A: Boston is holding its own lately on the fashion forefront. With the recent arrival of Boston Fashion Week, and multiple new designer showrooms new designers from the US and abroad are taking note that Boston is a relatively untapped market, and the dynamic is starting to change. 

Q: Where do you like to shop in Boston?

A: Intermix, Crush, Wish and In-Jeanius are a few of my local favorites. A good portion of my shopping budget is reserved for Lululemon -- as I am a huge believer in daily exercise and balance of the mind/body and soul. In all honesty, I do a lot of my shopping at www.revolve.com and www.shopbop.com since my children are not good companions in the dressing room.

Q: Water, cityscapes, community – it’s no wonder there are so many creative people here in the neighborhood. How does Charlestown inspire you?

A: Charlestown itself doesn’t inspire me, the people in Charlestown do. I love it when someone commissions me for a special design that they hold close to their heart. 

Q: What do you think makes Charlestown different from the rest of Boston’s neighborhoods? 

 A: Having lived in Beacon Hill, the North End and Charlestown, I do feel a greater sense of community here.  Maybe that is just because I am older and have a family?

Q:  Where can we buy Melene Kent Jewels?

A: Currently, Melene Kent Jewels are available for purchase online (http://www.melenekentjewels.com) or locally at Exhale Battery Wharf and Olivia Browning. I am also an independent designer for Bloomingdales.

Q: What’s next for your line?

A: I will continue to incorporate texture and mixed metals in my designs. You can expect to see some fun bright colors in time for the long awaited arrival of summer.  The 70’s have inspired my most recent pieces. 

Q: Tell me about some of the line’s successes.

A: Locally, I was selected for Mommies Who Shop, SOWA and Charlestown Open Market. I’ve been approached by celebrity stylists in LA and have gained a following by clients as far as Japan and Hong Kong. Melene Kent Jewels was selected as an “Emerging Trend” for Boston Fashion Week 2010. My line has been featured at Bloomingdales, Equinox, Exhale and at Boutique Week. Melene Kent Jewels has also been seen on Fox News, in Vogue, LA Weekly, Factory and the Huffington Post. I am also an active member of the National Jewelry Council. I have a few exciting opportunities in the pipeline that I hope to share soon!