Jewelry has always been about more than just sparkle. It’s about identity, storytelling, and craftsmanship. But as technology evolves, so does the way we wear it. We’re entering an exciting era where accessories are not just beautiful, they’re smart and functional.
Leading the charge is Kristy Kita, affectionately known as the “Jewelry Tech Princess.” She’s the founder of Hearcuff Jewelry, creators of the world’s first patented Bluetooth-enabled earcuff earrings. These designs don’t just make a fashion statement; they secure your earbuds with style, and no piercings are needed.
Kristy’s story is a powerful example of innovation in action. She launched Hearcuff while juggling a full-time corporate job, driven by passion, persistence, and a big vision. Kristy has also been recognized as one of the Top 20 Inspiring Women to Look Out for in 2025 by NY Weekly Magazine.
Today, Kristy shares more about her journey, the roadblocks she’s overcome, and what’s ahead for the future of tech-infused jewelry.
Now, you can be part of the movement. Discover Hearcuff today and redefine the way you wear technology
- Your journey into the jewelry world is really inspiring. What sparked the idea behind Hearcuff Jewelry?
The concept for Hearcuff Jewelry, now the first and only utility-patented Bluetooth-enabled jewelry (2018), came from a deep desire to innovate and add meaningful value to both fashion and tech. I’ve always loved the timeless elegance of earcuffs, and during a business class at The University of Texas at Austin, I noticed a consistent issue with how people wore earbuds, especially those of us who also love bold earring styles.
The idea began as a class project in the Red McCombs School of Business’ entrepreneurship course. After the concept passed the course’s feasibility analysis, I knew I had something real. From there, I kept pushing forward even while working full-time as a corporate sales account executive.
I started prototyping with local Austin jewelers, filed for a provisional patent in 2015, and eventually secured a full utility patent. Step by step, I built the brand from the ground up. It took grit, faith, and relentless determination. If this journey taught me anything, it’s that if it can happen for me, it can absolutely happen for others too.
- Blending fashion and tech isn’t easy. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced bringing Hearcuff to life?
Creating something that’s never existed before is always a rollercoaster. One of the toughest challenges was finding the perfect balance between form and function. You want the piece to look beautiful, but it also needs to work. Fashion lovers want style; tech lovers want performance. Meeting both needs meant countless rounds of prototyping and testing different materials and designs.
Designing Hearcuff to work with existing earbuds but not be dependent on any single model was also a key challenge. I wanted a piece that could stand alone as an ear cuff, even without the tech. That way, it remains timeless and relevant, regardless of how earbud trends evolve.
Another major hurdle was finding a fine jewelry manufacturer that could deliver both quality and affordability. It took serious patience and perseverance to find partners who shared my vision without charging sky-high prices that would make the product inaccessible.
- Starting a business while working full-time must’ve taken a lot. What were some of the sacrifices you had to make?
Oh, absolutely. It was a constant balancing act. I spent lunch breaks, evenings, and weekends building Hearcuff while meeting sales quotas in a high-pressure job. My free time essentially became startup time.
But what kept me going was the vision. I believed in the impact Hearcuff could have not just in fashion, but in how it could help people, including those who are hearing impaired and wear hearing aids. That purpose gave me fuel.
It also helped that my employer supported my entrepreneurial goals from day one. Knowing I had that backing made a huge difference.
- Jewelry has such a long tradition. How did the industry respond to something as modern as Hearcuff?
It’s been exciting to see the response. Hearcuff is inspired by the ancient “kaffa,” a type of ear cuff dating back to 2000 BC that was once a symbol of status and style. What we’ve done is modernize that concept by blending centuries-old elegance with today’s tech needs.
The industry has embraced the design because it stays true to the roots of jewelry—self-expression, creativity, and personalization—while adding a fresh layer of innovation. People love that it can be worn purely as a stylish ear cuff or paired with earbuds for added functionality.
I think that’s part of the reason I’ve been given the nickname “Jewelry Tech Princess,” which is so fun and humbling. It’s a beautiful thing to be at the intersection of tradition and tech.
- What’s on the horizon for Hearcuff? Any upcoming designs or features you’re excited about?
Absolutely. We’re working on new product variations, interchangeable designs, and fresh features that make Hearcuff even more customizable and versatile. Innovation is at the heart of what we do, and we’re always listening to customer feedback to evolve the collection.
We’re also open to partnerships and collaborations with like-minded brands and creatives who want to make a positive impact. There’s so much potential to explore, and we’re just getting started.
- Looking back, what’s one piece of advice you wish you could’ve given yourself at the beginning of your journey?
I wish I had access to more educational resources early on, especially around product development and expansion across different industries. That would’ve helped streamline the process when I started pitching to programs like the NSF SBIR after graduation.
Had I known what I know now while still at UT, I could’ve built a university-backed team and leveraged more institutional support early on. But every step taught me something, and I’m grateful for the journey. It’s made me and the brand stronger.
