Growing up, Kilee dreamed of being many things—a mom, an artist, an author, a doctor, and a dancer. Ballet was one of her early loves, and she often wrote short stories about shopping trips with her girlfriends while they walked their dogs. As she left for college, pursuing art seemed like the natural path, but thriving in the art department was a different story. She soon felt she didn’t measure up and sought a new major where the comparisons weren’t so overwhelming. Kilee ended up majoring in Nutritional Science, married her college sweetheart, and discovered she was pregnant shortly after graduating.
Motherhood and being a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) were her intended paths, but about six weeks after her first baby was born, she found herself going stir-crazy and in search of more to do. She had a few ideas which led to the start of an Etsy shop, and suddenly she had lots to learn. That Etsy shop and the skills it took to make it a success proved to be the lifeline Kilee didn’t know she needed. Having a project outside of motherhood that was just for her and sparked her creativity again was a feeling she craved and vowed never to let go of again. The Etsy shop led to a blog, which led to the start of Nickel & Suede, where she is the founder and CEO.
In 2014, while getting dressed for an OOTD post, Kilee found herself needing gold earrings. She always wore large, hammered metal, silver teardrop earrings and wanted a similar gold pair. She had the thought to make them from some gold leather she had in the basement and it was surprisingly perfect. The metallic gold leather looked exactly like the metal earrings she always wore, but it so much lighter and more comfortable. No one had ever used leather for jewelry in the same way and a new category of earrings was born. She started selling the earrings on Etsy and home parties and the brand was born. Nickel & Suede was launched from her basement in 2014 and within just a few years N&S was on the Inc 5000 list for being one of the fastest growing companies in the US. Over a million pairs later, Nickel & Suede is the leading manufacturer in leather earrings and operates two retail stores in Kansas City.
Kilee remains passionate about helping women kindle their own spark and cultivate their personhood outside of motherhood. From employing over 95% women to her social media presence to Nickel & Suede’s loyalty program, Pep Club, Kilee is dedicated to cheering on women and celebrating their unique skillsets and abilities.
Family
As the only girl with four brothers, the last thing Kilee expected was to be the only girl in her own family. But now she wouldn’t have it any other way. Married for 18 years and a mom of five awesome boys, life outside of work is very... muddy? Between skateboarding, sports, band, and 3D printing, there are lots of movie nights, road trips, and adventures. They also own two dogs, a floofy Bernedoodle and a sassy little Frenchie.
The family cherishes their Sunday Sundaes tradition, where they make sundaes on Sunday nights and talk about the week. It’s a sweet way to connect and share stories from their busy lives.
Balancing work and family can be a challenge, but Kilee finds it incredibly rewarding. Her best advice is to "Be where you are" and to be the person you want your kiddos to remember. She believes that being your best self is the example that will help them the most.
Founder
Kilee Nickels is the CEO and Founder of Nickel & Suede, an accessories brand with the mission to provide just the right thing to finish every outfit. Starting in her basement in 2014, Kilee's vision and creativity have led to the sale of over a million pairs of earrings. As the brand's Chief Creative Officer, she employs her unique personal style and ability to recognize global fashion trends to lead product design.
Under her leadership, Nickel & Suede has experienced triple-digit growth, evolving into a national brand with two retail locations, a design office, and a production facility in Kansas City, where everything is still made. Recognized by Inc. 500 as one of the fastest-growing companies nationally and #1 in the Midwest, Nickel & Suede has garnered a cult following for its innovative lightweight statement earrings made from premium Italian leather.
Kilee works alongside her husband, Soren, and leads a team comprised of over 90% women. Together, they continue to inspire and expand their brand, staying true to their roots and mission.
