Notes from Madalynne, Co-Founder & Creative Director

  1. Notes from Madalynne CO-FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
  1. Chapter One

    THOUGHTS & FEELINGS ON TURNING 10

  1. It is pretty surreal to think it has been a decade of Kate & Kole... mostly because we truly feel like we are just getting started!

    We didn’t have a clear plan when we began — just the intention to create something expressive, thoughtful and intentional. Where we have arrived is beyond anything we could have imagined.

    Sar and I are both quite considered in how we approach things, so in the beginnig we grew very slowly and cautiously.

    Then, almost all at once, we found ourselves in our biggest period of growth — personally and professionally. Once we both committed ourselves full time to the business, everything shifted. We moved from a 30sqm studio to 300sqm, a team of 2 to a team of 20… and we both fell pregnant at the same time. The business was growing — and so were we.

    It was thrilling and terrifying all at once, we were deeply torn between being there for our team & embracing this exciting growth for our business whilst both having very real deadlines of a big life transition. We navigated it as we always do, by leaning on each other and our incredible team.

    We emerged from the baby haze with fires in our bellies and we haven’t slowed down since. We throw a lot of caution to the wind now and have an unrelenting trust in our instincts and each other, grabbing every opportunity that comes our way with both hands.

    This business is our heart and soul. It's deeply tied to who we are and how we find purpose in the world — through the value of the pieces we create and the sentiment they hold, both for you and for us.

  1. Chapter Two

    WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

  1. The name came from our middle names combined – Madalynne Kate & Sara Nicole

    While I was finishing my university degree, Sara was working with an agency exploring 3D design and printing where she had a ring printed to test. Over a few glasses of rosé, we decided to design a small collection, have it photographed and see where it might take us. That was the beginning of Kate & Kole. Sara now leads the design side, while I focus on creative direction.

    Over time, our pieces became recognisable — that didn’t happen by accident.

    Consistency in design, values, and customer experience has helped shape our signature style — and shows how important creative identity is to brand trust.

  1. Daily Mantra – I am living out my dream
  2. Balance is BS

    As a mother and business owner, you quickly realise that balance is a myth. Some weeks home life runs smoothly while work feels messy, and vice versa. It’s important to remember — no one is doing it all.

    You have to choose your priorities, decide where you want to show up, lean on help where you can, and stand by your decisions. You’ll often feel conflicted or like you’re not doing enough, but surround yourself with people who remind you you’re doing amazing.

    Once you’re a little out of the newborn haze, try to find small ways to do things for yourself. The more you fill your own cup, the better you’ll be able to show up in every part of life.

  1. Chapter Three

    Power in partnership

  1. There’s an unspoken understanding between us, a shared intuition that allows us to make decisions with confidence and clarity.

    We both love working collaboratively and I think a big part of our success is that we genuinely love what we do and working side by side. Over the years, Sara and I have developed a deep trust and respect for one another — not just as co-founders, but as creative partners.

    We each bring different strengths to the table, and we’ve always honoured that difference, it’s what gives our partnership balance and our brand its unique perspective.

  2. Make space for dreaming

    Only recently have I truly allowed myself to dream bigger than I once thought possible. For a long time, I was focused on building carefully, steadily — and while that gave us a strong foundation, I’m learning that ambition often grows quietly in the background.

    As my confidence has deepened, so has my vision for what Kate & Kole can become. Giving myself permission to dream beyond what I once imagined has been one of the most important lessons of the past few years — and it’s changed everything

  1. Creativity requires self care

    I love mood boarding any initial ideas I might have and building out from there.

  2. I will usually talk through with Sar, we will brainstorm a concept and before we know it the wheels are in motion!

    Something we have actively began building into our routine is time out from the studio to travel, recharge, seek inspiration and just re-fill our cups.

    Our best creative ideas usually come when we are travelling for work, after a wine or two on the plane - something fun happens with the wine and altitude combination!

    I find that I become mostly inspired when I am having a bit of distance from the studio, usually on a trip or when visiting somewhere new.

  1. I will usually talk through with Sar, we will brainstorm a concept and before we know it the wheels are in motion!

    Something we have actively began building into our routine is time out from the studio to travel, recharge, seek inspiration and just re-fill our cups.

    Our best creative ideas usually come when we are travelling for work, after a wine or two on the plane - something fun happens with the wine and altitude combination!

    I find that I become mostly inspired when I am having a bit of distance from the studio, usually on a trip or when visiting somewhere new.

  1. Kate & Kole In Residency

    Bringing our residency concept to life has been a dream realised, and one that continues to evolve. From the beginning, we knew we wanted to create a way to bring the Kate & Kole experience to people beyond our local reach, without the need for permanent bricks-and-mortar spaces.

    The residency model has allowed us to connect with our community in a meaningful and authentic way, travelling to new places and bringing the brand to life uniquely in each location.

  2. My wedding ring/engagement ring is the most special piece of jewellery I own.

    It is soldered together and designed alongside Sara, drawing inspiration from the ring that my husband proposed with (also designed in secret with Sara).

  1. Chapter Four

    Sensory & Space

  1. Daily Mantra – Find the glimmers // romanticise your life

    Matcha, fresh fleurs in space, 3pm loco love, diamonds, sunbeams streaming through the studio, downloads with Sar over lunch wines.

  2. One of my biggest passions is curating our studio to feel like a true reflection of the brand.

    I’m such a sensory person — always thinking about the music, lighting, flowers, and scent (I am often caught wandering around spritzing the space).

    I think it is so important that anyone who walks in instantly feels welcome and relaxed, especially our couples as they choose a forever ring. I love the thought of their memories being tied to all those little details combined.

  2. The Heart of it All

    As a founder, I’ve come to see that the heart of our business is the team around us.

    Having such a talented, all-female team is something I feel deeply proud of — their energy, creativity, and care shape everything we do.

    We’re not only invested in the work we create together but also in their growth and futures. It’s a privilege to be surrounded by women who inspire me every day.

  1. To The Next Chapter

    Ten years in, it still feels like we’re only at the beginning...

    With the foundation we’ve built and the incredible people around us, I feel more excited than ever for what’s to come as we continue to create with the same heart and purpose that started it all.

    Maddy

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