The story behind the collection

This summer, I rebranded my once gameday attire account into what is now Abby Kate Collective— a jewelry brand inspired by creativity, community and the places and people that make life special.

But this idea didn’t come out of nowhere.

When I originally applied for my internship with Midsommar Girls, one of the biggest reasons I was drawn to the opportunity was its entrepreneurial focus. Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved the idea of creating something from nothing and eventually seeing someone choose to buy it. There is something so rewarding about putting your time, creativity, and energy into a product and then watching that hard work become something real.

My love for entrepreneurship actually started years ago.

During COVID, when I was a freshman in high school, I started my first jewelry business. I created an Instagram and TikTok page, opened an Etsy shop, and spent countless hours figuring out how to market my products. I curated my Instagram strategically and sent pieces to influencers, which led to an increase in sales.

At the time, I didn’t realize how much I was learning. I was simply having fun creating.

By my junior year of high school, I stopped my jewelry business because I didn’t have the free time that I had during COVID, so it eventually took a backseat. My freshman year of college, I started visiting friends at different schools and wanted affordable and cute things to wear to games when I visited. That idea led me to start ABGAMEDAYATTIRE.

Although I loved crafting and creating with my Cricut, I realized that I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as I enjoyed creating jewelry. There was something about making jewelry that felt more personal and exciting to me. That realization eventually led me to rebrand ABGAMEDAYATTIRE into what is now Abby Kate Collective.

When I came to Door County for my internship this summer, I knew I wanted to use the opportunity to explore that side of myself again. I still had a strong love for entrepreneurship and creating, but I needed the right direction and environment to turn that interest into something new.

Throughout my internship, I was surrounded by people who encouraged me to be creative, take risks, and believe in my ideas. With the help and motivation of Marit, Zoe, Paige, and Kate, I decided to take a chance on myself and bring jewelry back.

And that is how Abby Kate Collective was born.

This rebrand has become so much more than changing an Instagram name. It has given me the opportunity to return to something I loved years ago and create something that feels more like me.

And that brings me to the Wish You Were Here Collection.

This collection is inspired by the place I have called home for the past few months: Door County. It is inspired by the summer days, little moments, new friendships, local businesses, and people who made this summer so special.

Each piece in the collection has been named after someone who has made my time here especially meaningful. In a way, this collection is a little scrapbook of my summer. Something I can take with me long after I leave Door County.

I wanted these pieces to feel like something you would bring home from a place you never wanted to leave. A little reminder of where you were, who you met, and how a place can become home, even if only for a season.

Wish You Were Here is my love letter to Door County and to the people who made this summer so special.

I hope you love these pieces as much as I loved creating them.

And maybe, when you wear one, you’ll feel a little bit like you’re here too.

Welcome to the Wish You Were Here Collection.

Shop the wish you were here collection