By Pierra Calasanz-Labrador @tinypoem on Instagram Sometimes, the simplest necklace, skinny ring, or personalized bangle is the only thing you need to complement your effortless style. When you’re looking for lovely, low-key jewelry pieces that won’t break the bank, turn to proudly local brand Pulseras by Kim. Architect/real estate broker/jewelry maker Kimberly Tiamlee first flirted with the idea of making accessories as a way to relieve stress from doing her thesis in college. “After spending countless hours staring at a computer screen I found it refreshing to actually make something with my hands,” says Kim, 27, who has her mom to thank for enrolling her in “a ton of workshops and art classes” as a kid. She began making knotted friendship bracelets, which she posted on Facebook, and to her surprise, her friends started ordering from her. Figuring she had nothing to lose, she created a website and Instagram page, and Pulseras by Kim was born. From there, she started getting invited to join pop-ups, as well as brick and mortar shops. “I look for stockists with a strong handmade + local branding, it helps a lot in terms of sales when the stores that carry your items have synonymous goals.” If you’ve spotted her pieces at Common Room, Hey Kessy, or Craft Central, you might have noticed that the line eventually evolved from her first quirky and colorful creations, to the subtly pretty, streamlined pieces she carries today. “I always knew that I wanted to evolve to more classic and minimalist designs since that was more of my aesthetic, but I initially had a hard time sourcing for the materials that I wanted to use because I was allergic to most affordable types of metal. It took a lot of time, trial and error, and working with different suppliers before finding the right balance for me, price- and design-wise.” With the use of 18k gold-filled jewelry, she positions the brand between fashion and luxury jewelry. “You can wear it daily without fear of getting allergies or tarnishing; at the same time it’s affordable enough to not get a heart attack from, if for some unfortunate reason, you lose it,” she tips knowingly. What also sets her brand apart is the pendant and bracelet customization. “I’ve always believed in the power of words, and applying that to what you wear on a daily basis can change your mental state. Apart from the physical aspects of the jewelry, I want each piece to be meaningful to the wearer, so whether you want to put your boyfriend/ husband’s initial, a memorable date, specific coordinates or your mantra for the year, Pulseras offers on-the-spot customizing at pop-ups and online to craft that unique word or statement just for you.” Best-selling pieces include the disc necklaces, birthstone gems, and skinny brass bangles, which are especially popular as bridesmaid gifts. Her personal favorites? “The skinny gold-filled ring—I never take mine off, it’s super slim and stylish for any occasion, and the mini disc monogram necklace—I wear mine as a choker,” shares Kim. Running a creative business while holding down a day job might look like a piece of cake for this multi-tasking 27-year-old, but Kim attests that it’s a daily struggle. “It’s always a challenge to stay in focus, to plan ahead and keep on top of everything if your neurons are not the best at cooperating. But it’s a huge part of who I am and I wouldn’t really want to change it.” Her advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs? “Everyone experiences the world differently and that’s completely okay. I just cope with mine task to task; tools like checklists, planners and alarms help a lot, it keeps me on my toes. Mistakes still happen though, but you just have to be kinder to yourself, learn from it and aim to spread light and love.”   Pulseras by Kim is available online at pulserasbykim.com. Also available at Common Room, Katipunan and Alabang Town Center; Hey Kessy, UP Town Center and Alabang Town Center; Kendo Creative, Cubao Expo; and The Craft Central, Greenbelt 5 and SM North Edsa. For more info, like pulserasbykim on Facebook, follow @pulserasbykim on Instagram