New Leather Jewelry Store to Open in Dallas’ West Village, Bringing a Lighter Touch to Statement Earrings

Six years ago, Kansas City-native Kilee Nickels came up with the idea for a new company after an unsuccessful search for the perfect pair of gold earrings. Large, metal teardrop earrings were her trademark, but she wanted something softer and lighter on the ears.

Previously a stay-at-home mom, Nickels had several Etsy businesses, one of which created leather belts for babies and toddlers called One Little Belt. Her husband Soren had experience making leather goods so the two would spend evenings coming up with ideas.

Once Kilee realized that they could make a great pair of gold leather earrings with what they had on hand, Nickel & Suede was born. Soren quit his job in accounting and came completely on board to the online company. After about two years of direct-to-consumer success, the couple opened their first store in Liberty, Missouri.

“People are still looking for a quality in-store experience,” Kilee Nickels tells PaperCity.

There are now two retail stores in Liberty, with one on the way to Dallas’ West Village. “Texas is our biggest market outside of Missouri and Kansas,” Nickels says.

“We’ve been to Dallas multiple times and Kansas City and Dallas have a common feel,” Nickels says. “And the same kind of people.” Dallas is known for going big so these statement earrings fit right in.

Since its opening, wearing Nickel & Suede’s unique kind of earrings has been a way for women to gain more confidence. Nickels says that they found that women who couldn’t wear big earrings because of sensitive ears or uncomfortableness gravitated to the leather product because they were so much lighter.

“We took away the barrier,” Nickels says. “Women were more likely to dip their toes in. They’d put the earrings on and gain a confidence boost.”

Sterling silver and 14 karat gold are available, as well as surgical steel for those with even more sensitivity. There really is something for everyone.

Besides the classic teardrop shape, the company is selling all sorts of cuts and colors in different sizes. There are small, medium and large options for those looking to slowly transition up in size. Textures range from suedes and leather to camos and leopard prints.

The Dallas location, designed by Hufft architects, will be a place where people will want to go just to see inside. Similar to the newest Liberty location, the Dallas Nickel & Suede will be a comfortable shop to hang out and try on jewelry. Besides earrings, Nickel & Suede sells leather cuffs, rings, T-shirts, totes, art prints and more.

Sold at an affordable price point, all earrings range from $25 to $35.

Nickel & Suede tentatively plans to open in West Village, across from J Crew, around November 29.