Kathy’s Incredible Journey
our Story
A lifestyle inspired brand.
Decor says something, gifts say something. Your candle, your mug, the art on your wall - they don't just fill space. We believe there's a little bit of self-expression in everything you bring into your home. As a lifestyle inspired brand, Primitives by Kathy is here to be your one-stop shop for in home décor as well as everyday gifts for all our friends and family.
We know there are endless options in our wide variety of affordable, quality products for every moment in our lives. We’re always exploring new trends and partnering with amazing artists to add to our growing assortment of memorable gifts that are sure to delight and inspire everyone.
Kathy's Journey
Learn how Kathy got started and where PBK is today.
Kathy handmade the first “primitive candle box” in 1997. Crafting the box by hand and taking care into each detail from the sanded edges to the type of ribbon tied on the wire handles; each box was a work of passion, made by her own two hands.
Driven by her innate creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, the product that started it all was created.
Demand grew quickly for the expanding line of handmade products, and Kathy enjoyed remarkable success. This success led to her connecting with the wonderful people at Goodwill Services to aid in fulfilling the increasing demand. It was at this moment that one of the most valuable philanthropic partnerships was formed which still exists to this day.
25 years later, Primitives by Kathy grew from that first product to over 8,000 active items in the current product line. PBK is honored to be in a secured position as a leader and innovator for gifts and home décor, and often favored for trends and new products by publications and media in the industry.
Kathy remains at the helm of PBK, driving the company with her innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and artistic vision.
Our Inspiration
What drives our creativity and growth?
Primitives by Kathy creates product that is ahead-of-the trend, uniquely designed, and constantly evolving. We embrace the unexpected, set the trends, and challenge ourselves to create décor and gifts that are memorable and one-of-a-kind. We believe that a combination of the perfect sentiment and a fresh design will never go out of style. Our promise is to create the designs that customers love to get and give, in addition to the expertise and product mix we all desire.
Kathy’s passion for creativity, her focus on strategic product mix, her ambition to build a talented team, and her determination to foster amazing customer service has led PBK to experience record-breaking growth year after year.
As an artist herself, Kathy recognizes the importance of supporting individual creativity. Kathy has built great partnerships with artists she has encountered over the years. The range of artists is evident throughout our unique product lines and these relationships lead to a variety of voices in our designs creating opportunity for everyone to connect to our products.
Most importantly we’re inspired by you, our loyal customers. You motivate us to bring the best products to market for all to enjoy.
OUR CARE
Combining our passion for creativity with a culture of caring.
Even with all of PBK’s accomplishments, Kathy believes true success is measured by how much you give back and remembering the organizations or individuals who supported her in the beginning. Giving back has always been in Kathy’s heart. Her partnership with Goodwill Industries is what made Primitives by Kathy possible and the desire to provide opportunity occupationally to those with varied abilities has been a part of who we are ever since.
Kathy has made giving an integral part of the corporate strategy, creating products that not only look good, but do good in our Benefit Collection. This collection of items has raised over a quarter million dollars for various organizations. Proceeds are donated directly to each organization, allowing them to serve those in need and enhance the lives of others.
In addition to company donations, Kathy has worked tirelessly to give back to the community where she lives and works. Primitives by Kathy is proud to support local and national charities and programs through volunteerism, benefit products, and sponsorships. We are also proud that 10% of our employees are team members with varied abilities. We are so fortunate to have them and celebrate their involvement in the company daily!
In 2017, Primitives by Kathy founded Kathy’s Circle of Friends as an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. KCOF is a non-profit founded by Kathy and supported by Primitives by Kathy employees, hosting a variety of themed social events for adults with various mental and physical disabilities as well as their family, caregivers, PBK employees, and guests.
Our events are staffed mostly by PBK employees who share Kathy’s passion of giving back to the community. We are committed to treating each member with dignity and respect, making a positive impact while growing our circle of friends.
OUR FUTURE
The path ahead is full of opportunity and growth.
Everything we do is driven by our goal to combine our passion for creativity with a culture of caring. We will always feel blessed to have a product line that resonates with so many beloved customers and for the good that we have been able to do in our community because of PBK’s success.
We are focused on constantly evolving to the needs of our customers and creating the best shopping experience possible. The storytelling of our collections continues to expand alongside our partnerships with amazing artists.
Thank you for your continued support. We hope you know how much you are appreciated.
It took a lot to get us to where we are today - appropriately described in this best-selling box sign. Here are some additional thoughts from Kathy:
Think Deeply: I think deeply every day. I think about how grateful I am for the life experiences that keep my heart full.
Speak Gently: Speak gently and genuinely. I hope my encouraging words make a difference to someone every day.
Love Much: Show love and empathy in everyday interactions. Everyone is fighting their own battle of some kind.
Laugh A Lot: Close friends are life’s greatest treasures. Cherish your fun times together.
Work Hard: The harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it.
Give Freely: Give all the time, you will grow richer in every way.
Be Kind: Random kindness is the best. Be the reason someone smiles every day.
Thank You
To our loyal and dedicated customers, for being our amazing partners in our ongoing journey.
To our talented and passionate employees, for your tireless efforts and invaluable contributions.
ALL YOUR SUPPORT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!
In 2022 We Celebrated 25 Years Of Giving Back
Combining our passion for creativity with our culture of caring.
Inspired by her desire for unique and creative items to fill her own shelves, Kathy took matters into her own hands, literally. She designed the first “primitive candle box” in 1997. Crafting the box by hand, taking care into each detail from the sanded edges to the type of ribbon tied on the wire handles, each was a work of passion. Driven by her innate creativity and entrepreneurial spirit – the product that started it all was born.
Demand grew quickly for the growing line of handmade products, and Kathy enjoyed great success, it was then that she enlisted the help of the wonderful people at Goodwill Services to aid in fulfilling the increasing demand. It was at this moment that one of the most valuable philanthropic partnerships was formed and still exists to this day.