Kimberly Jeanine Haynes

Kimberly Haynes is the founder and CEO of Kim-istri by KJH, a Greater Chicago–based creative business specializing in handmade jewelry and hand-painted wearable art. Over the past 26 years, Kimberly has transformed her passion for design into a thriving entrepreneurial venture, crafting one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, hand-painted jackets, and sculptural brooches that celebrate individuality, culture, and history. Her work has been recognized for its creativity and storytelling, with select pieces featured in the DuSable Museum Gift Store and sold to collectors across the United States.

Before establishing her own brand, Kimberly gained extensive experience in customer service, office management, and arts education. She worked as a Customer Service Representative at Maximus, a travel agent with American Express Travel Services, and an Arts & Crafts Instructor at the Chicago Park District, where she honed her teaching, creative, and organizational skills. These experiences helped shape her ability to manage a business while maintaining strong client relationships and delivering personalized, high-quality work.

Kimberly is formally trained in accessory and jewelry design, having completed an Associate of Applied Science in Accessory Design and studied various techniques in metalwork, jewelry-making, and fashion design. Her professional philosophy emphasizes creativity, storytelling, and the preservation of history through wearable art. Inspired by her heritage and a lifelong dedication to craftsmanship, Kimberly continues to mentor aspiring artists and encourages women entrepreneurs to turn their unique gifts into meaningful creative pursuits.