This week’s “Meet a Monday” features the incredibly talented Kerrin Falk Forsyth, Founder and Owner of FALK Jewelry.
Originally from Madison, Connecticut, Kerrin has lived in Hingham since 2012, following a brief return to her hometown. She and her husband share a busy home with their three daughters—Charlotte (13), Annika (9), and Kyra (7)—along with twelve chickens, dogs, a cat, and a bunny. As a very active family, they love making the most of life near Boston.
Kerrin is also a para educator in an integrated (blending special needs kids with “model” students) preschool, along with also running FALK Jewelry.
Kerrin’s entrepreneurial journey began at age ten with a roadside stand. She officially launched FALK Jewelry while living in Denver, initially focusing on wedding jewelry and trunk shows. Her business expanded significantly during her time in Austin, Texas, and has continued to grow as she perfected her lost wax casting technique through studies at RISD.
FALK Jewelry reflects a perfect balance of beauty and timelessness. Each custom-made piece is unique, ranging from urban and edgy designs to softer styles inspired by the coast. Kerrin often integrates precious and semi-precious stones, with a particular fondness for the natural forms of red and pink coral.
Because many of Kerrin’s beautiful designs are released in limited edition runs, they are truly one-of-a-kind. Read on to learn more about Kerrin’s life as a designer and her wonderful advice for fellow moms.
Alyssa Fortin Photography
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Madison, CT…another beautiful coastal town!
Tell us about your family! How many kids, names/ages?
Dave & I have 3 girls: Charlotte (13), Annika (9), and Kyra (7). I am the middle of 3 girls!
How did you start your business?
I started my business when I was 10 years old on the side of the road in Madison, CT…I loved selling my jewelry & artwork! But, really, I officially started FALK jewelry designs when I was living in Denver and working at an art gallery. I started out doing mostly wedding jewelry and trunk shows, and grew it even more when we moved to Austin, TX. From there, I took it with me to Hingham and furthered my self-taught skills by taking classes at RISD.
Where do you call home now and how long have you lived there?
Hands-down we call Hingham home. We have lived here since 2012 with a little 18 month stint in Madison, CT pretty recently. “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone” was a very true sentiment and statement for us! So, we moved back.
What is your favorite part about living in the South Shore?
We love the vibrancy of the South Shore- and being able to take a quick ferry into Boston is beyond ideal! I will say our girls, dogs, cat, bunny and 12 chickens are very patient and have been along with us for quite the ride(s)!
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
What I love most about being a jewelry designer is the feeling or moment when a customer finds their piece…it is so special. I love being able to explain my work in person, too. The ancient technique of lost wax and casting is such a fun process to talk about…I love explaining it to kids, too.
Kate Rogan Photography
Are you involved with any non-profits or do you do any volunteering? Non-profits?
I enjoy donating pieces of jewelry for auction for a special cause/charity. I was involved with the Sunflower of Peace non profit for a couple of years- that was really cool. Also, I love that the Merry Market in Cohasset which is run by A Place to Rise so proceeds go to a wonderful cause.
What do you find to be the toughest part about being a working mom?
Hands-down the most difficult part about being a working mom is that there are simply not enough hours in the day to get it ALL done. So, something has to give…you’ve really got to set your priorities straight, otherwise a meltdown (by mom, or a kid), will happen!
What is the best advice you have received as a mom or would give to another mom?
My advice I give to myself: did I try my hardest today? if yes, then let the rest go. Things actually CAN wait. Your kids…not so much . Try your hardest to prioritize yourself and your partner, too.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m not sure if this is a surprise, but I am very active! I love all sports and was a D1 college rower (University of Texas at Austin). My husband was also a college athlete and is equally active, for which I am grateful. I love the balance of using my body but also sitting down and using my mind and intuition to make jewelry…it’s very meditative. I also love all animals and really would love my own farm someday. We do sort of have a mini farm already, I guess! Chickens, cat, dogs, bunny…whatever my middle daughter can catch…I also love and wine and cocktails and tons of dessert.
Your go-to Pandora/Spotify/Apple Music Station?
I love ALL types of music depending on what I’m doing but my background music at home is often Gregory Alan Isakov.
Anything else you would love to share?
I need help running a business! I’ve always done this on my own, but it’s tough. I do have my strengths but wow do I have my weaknesses. I guess I’m sort of a classic artist in that regard?!
Alyssa Fortin Photography
Be sure to follow FALK Jewelry to stay updated on her latest releases. You can also visit her website to shop her collections, which are also available at KLOTH in downtown Hingham —you won’t be disappointed!