Kaden & Kai
♻️ Meet the Maker: Kaden & Kai
We’re honored to introduce Lisa Romano Cassidy, the founder of Kaden & Kai — a jewelry brand that proves sustainability and style can absolutely go hand in hand. What began as a creative experiment during the quiet of the pandemic has grown into a thoughtful, mission-driven brand built around upcycled materials, slow fashion principles, and the belief that fashion should do good as well as look good.
Let’s get to know Lisa and the story behind Kaden & Kai.
💡 How did Kaden & Kai begin?
During the early months of COVID in 2020, I found myself — like so many — with time I normally wouldn’t have. For the first time in my life, I had the space and quiet to explore something just for me. I started experimenting with discarded bicycle tubes and discovered both the challenge and the beauty in working with such an unconventional material. What started as a personal project turned into a full-blown collection… and eventually, a business.
🛠️ What makes your jewelry unique?
Every piece is handcrafted using upcycled bicycle tubes — materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. The rubber is cut, shaped, and transformed through techniques I developed over hundreds of hours in the studio. It’s bold, unexpected, and completely wearable. Each design is made in small batches, intentionally created to avoid waste and support sustainable fashion.
👶 What’s the meaning behind the name “Kaden & Kai”?
The name is incredibly close to my heart — it’s made up of my two sons’ middle names. This brand was born out of a personal journey, and I wanted the name to reflect something meaningful, connected to family and legacy.
🌍 What drives your commitment to sustainability?
Before founding Kaden & Kai, I spent over 20 years working in green brand strategy and digital marketing — helping companies promote energy-efficient, sustainably made products. So when I launched my own brand, I knew it had to align with those same values.
Our mission to “do well and do good” shows up in three ways:
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Upcycling/recycling materials like rubber and bicycle tubes
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Sustainable practices inspired by the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals
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Embracing slow fashion — timeless designs, small batches, no waste
💬 Any advice for creatives looking to build a sustainable brand?
Be patient with the process — especially if you’re working with unconventional materials. It took me hundreds of hours (and a lot of trial and error) to develop a technique that worked. Stay curious, stay committed, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. The story behind your product matters — and your values will shine through if you stay true to them.
Lisa’s jewelry is wearable art — bold, smart, sustainable, and made with purpose. We’re so proud to feature Kaden & Kai here on USA Handmade, and can’t wait for more people to fall in love with this incredible upcycled collection.
♻️ Shop Kaden & Kai → https://www.usahandmade.co/collections/vendors?q=Kaden+%26+Kai