CLOCHEL Napkin Rings by Kelly Dantas: Elevating Your Dining Experience

I became a product designer because I’m passionate about creativity and problem-solving. I enjoy transforming ideas into functional, beautiful products that enhance everyday life and make a positive impact on users.

I am the founder and CEO of Chocoylatte Gourme and Konfy Homes LLC, which owns the Clochel and Foldtote brands, as well as Chocoylatte Gourmet. In addition to home and lifestyle products, we also focus on the food and dessert industries. My role involves overseeing product development, marketing strategies, and business operations, with the goal of combining functionality and stylish design to enhance everyday living for our customers.

To me, design is the fusion of problem-solving and creativity to improve both functionality and aesthetics. It’s about understanding needs and desires, then translating them into innovative solutions that enhance everyday experiences. Good design makes products not only visually appealing but also user-friendly and impactful in people’s lives.

My favorite kind of design is minimalist design because it emphasizes simplicity and functionality, creating elegant solutions that are easy to use and visually refreshing. It allows the essence of a product to shine through without unnecessary clutter.

A good design is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and user-friendly. It should solve a problem effectively while enhancing the user experience, striking the right balance between form and function.

My design style is minimalist, characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and functionality. I focus on creating elegant solutions that prioritize user experience and visual clarity.

My design process begins with gathering insights and defining the problem. I brainstorm ideas, sketch concepts, and create prototypes. I continuously seek feedback to refine my designs, ensuring they meet user needs and are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Yes, my country's cultural heritage greatly influences my design process. It inspires ideas, colors, and patterns that reflect its unique identity, enabling me to create designs that resonate with people and bridge tradition with modern functionality.

Winning the 2024 NY Product Design Award is an incredible honor for me, my company, and my team. It validates our hard work, creativity, and dedication to excellence in design. This recognition motivates us to continue innovating and striving for quality, while also inspiring us to push boundaries and create impactful products that enhance everyday life.

I entered Clochel for the 2024 NY Product Design Awards because it highlights our innovative approach and functionality, addressing everyday needs while reflecting my team's creativity and dedication.

The biggest challenge was balancing aesthetics with functionality. Ensuring that the design remained visually appealing while effectively addressing user needs required multiple iterations and feedback, but it ultimately led to a better final product.

Winning an award has increased my credibility and opened new opportunities, benefiting my product development and career growth.

Creativity: I appreciate the constant opportunity to express creativity and transform ideas into tangible products that inspire.

Diversity: The industry brings together diverse perspectives, leading to richer designs and innovative solutions.

User Focus: Focusing on user needs and feedback drives meaningful improvements, ensuring that our products genuinely enhance everyday experiences.

The USA is unique in the design industry due to its diverse cultural influences, which lead to a wide range of styles and innovations. The country's emphasis on creativity and entrepreneurship fosters a collaborative environment where designers can explore new ideas.

Additionally, access to advanced technology and resources enables rapid prototyping and experimentation, driving the industry forward. The blend of tradition and modernity in American design often results in groundbreaking work that influences global trends.

In the next 5 to 10 years, I see the design industry evolving towards greater sustainability and eco-consciousness, with an emphasis on using materials and processes that minimize environmental impact. Overall, the industry will likely prioritize innovation, user-centered approaches, and responsible design practices.

Never stop innovating and keep pushing your boundaries.

Never overlook market trends and customer reviews.

Every day, I try to be a better version of myself. Sometimes, I am too hard on myself.

My mom was always a hard worker, and she did it all with a smile on her face!

Failure is part of the learning process. Don't look back. Always believe in yourself, stay persistent, and keep challenging yourself to innovate.

I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts and thank you for highlighting global design talent. I'm excited to continue innovating in this field!