Local's Boho Bracelets Are a Big Hit

Kathya Bendek's eponymous bracelet brand is popular with women of all ages in Miami.

 

By Annie Vazquez anniecvazquez@gmail.com9/6/2011

When it comes to style, Miami gals like to keep things casual while peppering a little bohemian beach flair to their ensembles. That’s why Coral Gables designer Kathya Bendek’s eponymous label has been getting a lot of local love lately.

Everyone from grandmas to teens to tots are wrapping up their wrists in her bracelet creations which run the gamut from leather wraps brimming with fresh water pearls to rainbow hued string baubles baring dangling tassels to arm candy with religious symbols.

“Her bracelets are really easy to wear, they have a good price and they're colorful and cute for children,” said store owner Annie Campodonico, who runs South Miami children and accessories shop Petite Amie.

Nikki Beachouse Boutique’s sales associate Amanda Dagnan said Bendek’s gems are a hot seller at the South Miami shop which specializes in resort wear and contemporary garbs.

“Our customers like them because they can dress up any outfit and you can mix and match them,” said Dagnan. “We have customers who come in for the bracelets with crosses or the hand of God. Then we have clients who like the gold and silver beaded ones.”

Bendek got her break in the jewelry business after the owners at her hair salon, Lyons Salon and Spa, saw her wearing her designs and asked her to sell it there.

“They really liked it and that’s when I realized I could make a business out of it. Before that, I was just making them for fun,” said the 30-year-old mother of two. The line is primarily fashioned out of gold,rodio,pewter,silver,leather,silk and pearls. It ranges from $10 up to $200.  

As far as future plans, Bendek said she’s only focused on bracelets right now.  “But I do want to diversify and make rings, necklaces and earrings,” she said