We had the good fortune of connecting with Kahlia Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kahlia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting AMOR DEUS was always a thought. Growing up I loved fashion and getting dressed and I hope to one day get back to clothes but my favorite part of getting dressed was adding jewelry. The older I got and had to afford my own lifestyle I realized how much money and time I was spending on buying and searching for jewelry due to it tarnishing. I decided to combine my knowledge and passion into creating a premium jewelry line that is water and sweat resistant so that you no longer have temporary jewelry, but long lasting jewelry where you don’t have to spend a lot of money to look great. Once I knew my why the rest flowed effortlessly.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
AMOR DEUS, means “Love God” in latin. Everything I have done and everything I will do is with the love of God guiding me. Starting AMOR DEUS was not easy, I was stagnant for so long because I had so many things I wanted to do but was spread so thin nothing was growing. Then when I finally sorted my ideas, we were in the middle of a pandemic and I was out of work. Not having steady income to feed myself or the business was one of the scariest and hardest challenges to overcome. When I felt challenged I would focus on my faith, give my worries to God and would come back with a clearer mind. My goal is to provide high quality jewelry that is simple, trendy & can be styled multiple ways. Staying focused on why I am doing this and who I am doing it for and most importantly placing my love of God above everything will enable to AMOR DEUS and myself to grow.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friends are foodies, artist and nature lovers so we have so many options! I would take them to the immersive Van Gogh experience or to Wonderspaces and then explore downtown to see all the beautiful murals, architecture. Hopefully there is also an art walk going on. One of my favorite foods is sushi so I would take them to Harumi Sushi & Sake or to Squid Ink in peoria, they have the best garlic edamame. Just to make sure we get some nature time in (and as a sun devil alumni) I would ensure we go on a hike at Hayden Butte preserve at sun rise or at sun down giving them a mix of food, fun and fitness.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My support system! My friends and family have been so encouraging that I could not imagine doing it without them. To my parents thank you for letting me start AMOR DEUS in your home and taking over your office. To my friends, thank you for every share, like, motivational message and order that has picked me up when I was questioning myself. I have thanked her previously, but another special person is Ani Djirdjirian. She is an amazing Armenian actor and singer, who gave me my first big order and without asking made videos promoting my jewelry to her audience. Additionally I want to thank a previous teacher of mine Sarah Holmes. I haven’t spoken to her recently but she was a fabulous woman who was so smart and dressed AMAZING, she motivated me, believed in me and picked me up during my time completing my undergraduate degree. You helped me get here and I hope I make you all proud.
Website: www.shopamordeus.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopamordeus_/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopAmorDeus
Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopamordeus?
Image Credits
Felisha Carrasco