Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Kathryn Martinson.
Mary Kathryn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a creative at heart. My entrepreneurial journey started early—in 2004, when I was just in 4th grade, I launched my first jewelry business. A friend and I would walk door-to-door in our neighborhood, selling handmade designs displayed on a poster board.
In high school, I pursued every creative opportunity I could, graduating with nine art credits before continuing my education at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where I earned a degree in graphic design.
While in college, I started making jewelry again—initially for fun and a little extra income—and eventually opened my first Etsy shop. That small idea quickly gained momentum when a local boutique in my hometown of Huntsville, AL took a chance on my work. From there, the business grew rapidly, and we began selling in stores across the country.
Soon, we were doing trade shows nationwide and our pieces found homes in iconic retailers like the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Ryman Auditorium. One of our most exciting milestones was becoming an officially licensed partner with The Coca-Cola Company—an opportunity that allowed us to design and sell Coca-Cola and Diet Coke jewelry, including in the Coca-Cola Store itself.
After a decade of running my jewelry business, I launched a second venture: Kick Ass Needlepoint—a bold, edgy needlepoint brand. In just one year, it’s seen tremendous success and has paved the way for our first brick-and-mortar store, opening this November in West Nashville. It will offer a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience featuring jewelry, needlepoint, and curated gift items.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — and I don’t think any entrepreneurial journey ever truly is. There have been plenty of challenges along the way, especially in the early stages when I was figuring everything out on my own. I didn’t have a business background, so I had to learn everything from product development and wholesale pricing to managing production, navigating trade shows, and building relationships with retailers.
There were moments when growth outpaced our systems — especially when we started selling in larger quantities and working with national retailers. Keeping up with demand while maintaining quality and staying creative was a tough balance.
I’ve also faced the emotional rollercoaster that comes with running your own business — the pressure, the self-doubt, and the fear of failure. But I’ve learned to view those hard seasons as necessary growing pains. Each challenge forced me to level up, get scrappy, and keep moving forward.
Looking back, those struggles are what shaped me into the business owner I am today — more resourceful, resilient, and clear on what kind of brand I want to build.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a designer, maker, and multi-passionate entrepreneur. I specialize in creating bold, story-driven products that blend nostalgia, humor, and personality — whether through handmade jewelry or modern needlepoint kits. My work is rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and a deep love for connecting people to meaningful, feel-good pieces.
I’m best known for my original jewelry line, which started as a passion project and grew into a nationally recognized brand. Our designs have been carried in iconic retail locations like the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and even the Coca-Cola Store, thanks to a licensed partnership with The Coca-Cola Company. That collaboration — creating officially licensed Coca-Cola and Diet Coke jewelry — is something I’m especially proud of. It felt like the ultimate “pinch me” moment as a designer.
More recently, I launched Kick Ass Needlepoint, an edgy, modern needlepoint brand designed to break the mold of traditional stitching. It’s irreverent, fun, and totally unexpected — and that’s exactly what sets it apart. It’s about making something old feel fresh and wildly expressive.
What sets my work apart is the mix of creativity, business savvy, and authenticity I bring to everything I do. I’m not afraid to take risks or try something unconventional. Whether it’s licensing deals, launching new products, or building a retail experience from scratch, I’m always pushing boundaries while staying true to the heart of what I do: making things that spark joy and connection.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is creating — turning an idea into something tangible that brings people joy. There’s nothing like seeing someone connect with something I made, whether it’s a piece of jewelry that makes them feel confident or a needlepoint kit that sparks their creativity. That sense of connection and purpose is what fuels me.
I also find a lot of happiness in building community — working with other makers, mentoring new entrepreneurs, and creating spaces where creativity feels accessible and fun. Watching people get excited about making things with their own hands reminds me why I started in the first place.
On a personal level, I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by good people, good energy, and a sense of freedom — whether that’s in my studio designing, at a market meeting customers, or dreaming up the next big idea over coffee. Creativity, connection, and growth — those are the things that truly light me up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marykathryndesign.com and www.kickassneedlepoint.com
- Instagram: @marykathryn_design @kickassneedlepoint.com
