MOOSE JAW — When Kimberly Lewis first heard her name announced as the recipient of the Perseverance Award at the PRISM Awards banquet in March, she was overwhelmed with appreciation.
The owner of Seven Stones by Kimberly, a custom jewelry business, had built her brand from the ground up, overcoming significant challenges along the way.
“I was pretty happy to win it and be recognized for what I’ve gone through in life,” Lewis said.
Lewis wasn’t just an award recipient at the PRISM Awards — she was also a sponsor, creating custom necklaces for the winners across six categories.
A business born from change
Seven Stones by Kimberly officially launched in late 2022, following a period of personal and professional reflection for Lewis. After years of working in the health care sector at the Moose Jaw Special Care Home — previously known as Extendicare — she felt compelled to make a change after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was a tough time, mentally,” she said. “There was no time off, no vacation, and I worked in long-term care where the residents were hit the hardest. We were the only ones they could see, but we couldn’t even hug them. It was just really tough.”
In October 2022, Lewis took a three-month leave to spend time with her family and focus on herself. One night, as she lay in bed, inspiration struck.
“There was this voice in my head that said, ‘Kim, you need to be your own boss,’” she recalled. “I stayed up from 10 p.m. until 4:30 a.m., and by morning, Seven Stones by Kimberly was born.”
Her business specializes in custom diamond and crystal jewelry, home décor, and even handcrafted cribbage pegs, which have gained widespread popularity. Recently, Lewis added permanent jewelry to her offerings, with a space now being finalized at Against the Grain Studio in Moose Jaw.
Community at the heart
Beyond growing her business, Lewis has been focusing on giving back to the community that she loves. In January, she launched the Purple Ribbon Campaign, becoming the first ribbon sponsor for the Moose Jaw Transition House, supporting women and children escaping domestic violence.
“I’m always looking for the next (meaningful way) to help the community,” she said. “I love Moose Jaw. This city is my everything, and I want to see it progress and help those in need.”
Lewis was inspired to create the campaign after realizing there was no local equivalent for women to the White Ribbon Campaign, which encourages men to stand against domestic violence.
“My business brand is purple, and it just worked out great,” she said, noting that the Moose Jaw Transition House also uses purple in its brand identity.
Each pin costs $2 and is available by contacting Lewis on social media.
To date, the campaign has sold over 200 solid-metal purple ribbon pins, with 100 per cent of proceeds going directly to the Moose Jaw Transition House.
Lewis’ passion for giving back extends beyond her human customers. After losing her beloved Chihuahua, Chanel, she created Chanel’s Legacy Project: Rare Disease Relief — a foundation to help pet owners struggling with the high costs of treating rare diseases in animals.
“When I brought (Chanel) in (to the vet)… the starting cost was $7,000,” she said. “I was like, ‘You know what? I need to do something.’ So yeah, just a week or two after she passed, I started her foundation under my business.”
Through the foundation, residents can purchase Chanel-themed jewelry, such as pink sparkle ball keychains, with half of the proceeds going toward the fund. Once each year, Lewis will select a pet owner in need to receive financial support.
Seven Stones continues to gain recognition, and Lewis is currently a finalist for two Moose Jaw Business Excellence (MJBEX) Awards — the Marketing Award and the Hell Yeah Award — with the winners to be announced on April 16.
“I was happy just to be nominated,” she said. “Hopefully this is my year.”
With an ever-expanding business, a heart for community service, and a passion for helping those in need, Lewis continues to build a legacy defined by perseverance, kindness, and creativity.
To support Lewis by purchasing jewelry, purple ribbon campaign pins, or supporting the Chanel Legacy Project, message her on Facebook at “Seven Stones by Kimberly” or on Instagram at “sevenstonesbykimberly.”
Be sure to inquire about her line of permanent and no-weld option jewelry starting April 7 at Against the Grain Artisan Gallery & Tattoos, located at 33 High Street West.
