What began as a creative outlet born out of financial hardship has now grown into a widely recognized local business with multiple storefronts, a loyal customer base, and a strong connection to the Doylestown community.
Payton Jewelry, founded in 2010 by Kristi Payton, is a female-owned jewelry brand rooted in perseverance, creativity, and craftsmanship. Inspired by her dedication to building a better life for her daughters, Kristi Payton transformed her passion for art into a thriving business that now employs a team of women and attracts shoppers from across Bucks and Montgomery counties.
Her journey began years before the brand officially launched. In 1988, her first daughter, Blue, was born, and Kristi Payton worked multiple part-time jobs to support her growing family. She later enrolled in school to earn a degree in fashion marketing, balancing education with motherhood and work. After the birth of her second daughter, Sheah, in 2007, Kristi left her retail management job to spend more time at home. This decision brought the family significant financial struggles. She sometimes would have to heat her home with a wood stove, an experience that unexpectedly sparked the inspiration for her very designs today.
She noticed the beauty in reclaimed wood and began saving unique pieces. Kristi began sourcing materials from thrift stores and local shops and taught herself how to make jewelry at home. Before long, she began selling handmade pieces at craft shows and local markets where Payton Jewlery quickly gained popularity. As demand grew, she expanded her business to multiple locations and developed wholesale partnerships with boutiques. In 2019, Payton Jewelry opened its flagship store in Doylestown. Now, today, the company is run by a team of women and focuses on providing opportunities for employees to develop new skills.
“My official title is stylist at Payton Jewelry,” said Megan Kessler, who works at the Doylestown location. “When I clock in, I layer up, which means I put on any jewelry in the store that goes with my outfit. Throughout my shift, I put on permanent jewelry and helped people find pieces that suit them best.” Kessler said working at a small, local business creates a supportive environment. “It feels safer and like a comfort space because it’s a team of women,” she said. “You get to know everybody on a very personal level and learn hands-on skills.”
Payton Jewelry specializes in handmade necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and anklets, with a strong focus on personalized designs. Popular offerings include permanent “Unbreakable Bond” jewelry, which is welded without clasps, and custom charm pieces from the brand Charm Bar. The pieces are made with gold-filled and sterling silver chains designed to be durable and meaningful. The brand’s coastal influence is also central to its identity. Kristi Payton’s love for the ocean, sand, and travel inspired the opening of a storefront on the Ocean City Boardwalk in 2021, followed by a location in Cape May in 2023.
Customers say the atmosphere and personal service set Payton Jewlery apart. “It’s so aesthetic and smells like the beach when you walk in,” said Kaeli Vandersluis, a Central Bucks South student and frequent shopper. “The customer service is always great and so helpful,” Vandersluis said. She prefers shopping at Payton Jewlry over larger retailers. “The workers actually talk to you while you’re there and help you find pieces you or your friends will love,” she said. For Kessler, the store’s impact stretches beyond jewelry. “People come from Central Bucks, Pennridge, Souderton, and even Quakertown,” she said. “Everything is homemade by a team of women in our very own community.”
More than a decade after its founding, Payton Jewlery continues to grow while staying true to the story that started it all – a story of resilience, creativity, and community.
