Business Minded: Katherine Denton, Founder of KDJ

“You’re going to get a lot of unsolicited opinions—so take it all with a pinch of salt. Trust your gut. No one knows your vision like you do.”

Mar 26, 2025

Business Minded is a series dedicated to celebrating female entrepreneurs who have conquered their respective industries with creativity, tenacity and a spirit of true originality.

I’ve always had an obsession with understanding the ins and outs of everything and anything. Yes, unsurprisingly, I have become very familiar with the phrase ‘busy body’ in my time. I just love to know, you know? Whether that was CIA-level Facebook stalking skills for the boy my friend saw on the train or a craned neck to work out why exactly that red Ferrari was pulled over, I wear ‘busy body’ as a badge of honour.

In my adult life, this love of knowing has transcended novel topics of ex-boyfriends and police operations and matured into craving an understanding of just how successful female entrepreneurs have built their small empires. No matter the industry, business model or lifespan of their businesses, I am desperate to know how it came to be.

And so, Business Minded by Mind Your Business, was born.

In this edition, I spoke to fashion influencer and jewellery designer Katherine Denton, all about her namesake fine jewellery brand, KDJ. Known for effortlessly fusing quality with sentimentality and wearability, she chats about everything from the intricacies of jewellery design to the importance of relinquishing control and why, sometimes, the secret to business success lies in just starting.

Hi Katherine! You launched your jewellery brand KDJ in August 2023. What inspired you to start your own brand and create your own pieces?

I’ve been fascinated—maybe even obsessed—with fine jewellery for as long as I can remember. There’s something about its permanence, sentimentality and quiet luxury that has always captivated me. Because I’m so detail-oriented, I could never quite find pieces that felt exactly right. Sometimes it came down to the tiniest things—like the thickness of a chain, the way initials were linked or how a piece sat and moved on the body. I constantly found myself imagining how I would tweak or redesign things, and I had so many ideas that I really wanted to bring to life. Starting KDJ felt like a natural progression—creating a brand where every detail is considered and every piece is something I genuinely want to wear everyday.

Artistry and craftsmanship are at the heart of your brand’s ethos, which comes through in the quality and utter elegance of each of your pieces. Why is this considered and quality-oriented approach so important to you?

In a world where so much feels mass-produced and fleeting, I wanted to create something that felt intentional and personal. With KDJ, my vision was to build a world of considered beauty—where every single piece is thoughtfully designed. This level of consideration is something I apply to every part of my life, from the way I dress to the way I live, so it was only natural that it would be at the core of KDJ. It’s about creating lasting pieces that hold meaning, not just for now, but for forever.

You’ve spoken before about how your attention to detail was something you feel you inherited from your Papou, who was a master tailor. Can you tell us more about how he has inspired your love of design and your business as a whole?

He always told me, ‘If you’re going to do something, be the best at it.’ That’s stuck with me. Maybe not the healthiest mindset—because I do overthink and obsess over every little detail (haha!)—but it’s taught me to always put my best foot forward. He showed me how even the smallest tweak could elevate something ordinary into something special, and that’s exactly how I approach KDJ, there’s meaning behind every detail.

Like anything worth doing, building a business certainly has its challenges. What have been some of the more unexpected challenges you’ve had to navigate and how have you overcome them?

Relinquishing control and learning to delegate has easily been one of the biggest challenges. It’s something I’m still working on—I haven’t fully overcome it, but I’m learning to let go, bit by bit. If I’m being completely honest, building a team has also been really difficult. Finding the right people is so integral to growth and it’s not something that happens overnight.

What is the greatest piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to start a business?

You hear it all the time, but it really is the best advice—just start. No one else knows what your website should look like or whether you’ve launched with every product perfectly in place. You can always refine and evolve as you go. You’re going to get a lot of unsolicited opinions—so take it all with a pinch of salt. Unless someone’s actually walked in your shoes and built their own business, smile, say thank you, and keep it moving. And most importantly, trust your gut. No one knows your vision or your business like you do.

What has been the most rewarding part of building KDJ?

Without a doubt, seeing people in my pieces—it’s the most surreal and rewarding feeling. I’ve also loved creating the world of KDJ. The majority of our clients return after their first piece, whether it’s for ready-to-wear, a bespoke design, or reworking something sentimental. That kind of loyalty means everything to me.

The messaging behind the brand is also all about how jewellery plays such a pivotal role in making the day-to-day feel more luxurious and whimsical. What are some rituals you do each day to help you conquer the day as your most balanced and confident self?

I can’t start my day without a shower—it’s always the first thing I do and it instantly makes me feel refreshed and clear-headed. I also make my bed every morning. It’s a small act but it sets the tone for a productive day. Getting dressed and putting on a touch of makeup is another daily non-negotiable. I like to feel polished and put together—it gives me a sense of confidence and calm, like I’m ready for whatever the day brings. And the moment I put on my KDJ pieces, I feel instantly elevated. There’s something about jewellery that adds quiet power and intention to even the most ordinary moments.

What does your AM skincare routine look like?

I’m pregnant at the moment so I’ve really simplified my skincare routine—less has definitely been more. I’ve been alternating between the Sisley Sensitive Skin Soothing Care and Caudalie Cru The Cream, both super gentle and hydrating. To remove makeup, I use the Emma Lewishma Oil Cleanser—it’s nourishing and doesn’t strip my skin. I also love the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask—it’s a daily staple.