Yorktown Woman Buys Jewelry Store to Prevent it From Closing

Patricia Kohl and her family have been active members of the community. But when a friend was going to close KBK Designs – a jewelry store in Yorktown – and move out of town, Kohl became even more involved in the community. 

"After first being so sad that the store may close," Kohl said of the day she learned of former store owner Phyllis Karlin's plans. "Then I had the idea that maybe my husband and I could purchase the store."

They did.

The Kohls have been the official owners of the small jewelry store in Shrub Oak since February, 2013. 

"I never had any interest in owning my own business, let alone a custom jewelry store," said Kohl, who has a Bachelor's Degree in finance and worked in telecommunications for many years. "But the idea of KBK Designs, a shop that has always been involved in the community, closing was very sad."

Patrcial Kohl is a member of the PTA and has served as secretary and president. Her husband Bob grew up in Yorktown and he is currently the Yorktown Athletic Club president and has coached the travel basketball team. 

The "KBK" in KBK Designs stands for "Keep Being Kind" and that's a motto the store has always lived by. Kohl and her two jewelry designers, Sue Kelleher and Lisa Zarkower, are supporters of Support Connection and they donate gifts for the organization's honorees each year. They also donate a portion of the proceeds from any of the Support Connection awareness jewelry. 

This year KBK Designs has teamed up with the 'Stars of Hope' Relay for Life team to help them raise money. The 'Stars of Hope' team is selling "shamballa" bracelets (four different designs) and the store will donate 25 percent of the sales to their team.

"We are also happy to work with any non-profit or kids group looking for ways to fundraise," Kohl said. 

KBK Designs is located at 3668 Barger Street in Shrub Oak. For more information call 914-245-0722.