When I contemplated starting a brand, Ancient Egypt called to me most strongly. Inspired greatly by my grandmother, I felt it only natural to honor her through my brand by infusing Ancient Egyptian themes into every collection I envisioned. At the time of Kay's launch, I experienced the familiar mix of nerves, excitement, and scattered thoughts that accompanies all entrepreneurs. It felt like a new version of myself was emerging—a rebirth, if you will—hence my choice of the Scarab as the face of the brand, symbolizing renewal in Ancient Egyptian culture.
Always seeking solutions, I explored ways to transport my jewelry while traveling, how to safely store it, and how to organize my precious collections. Unable to find a brand dedicated to jewelry organizers for travel purposes, I resolved to create my own. Each collection demanded meticulous thought and dedication, from selecting names inspired by the items' shapes and stories to choosing the leather, colors, and scarab motifs. My fascination with Egypt led me to ensure that everything, from the leather to the craftsmanship, was sourced and made in Egypt—a tribute to my heritage.
Thus, my inaugural collection, Hatshepsut, was born. Its pouches, reminiscent of the temple of Hatshepsut, symbolized beauty and strength, qualities embodied by the ancient queen herself. This collection holds a special place in my heart as the first launch of the brand. It sold out within a week, marking the beginning of many collections inspired by Egypt. Just as with all subsequent launches, each collection is meticulously curated, from name selection to design, always harkening back to Ancient Egypt.
Kout El Koloub,
Founder of Kay
