CLOCHEL Napkin Rings by Kelly Dantas: Elevating Your Dining Experience

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Kelly Dantas

Kelly Dantas, the founder and CEO of Chocoylatte Gourmet and the visionary behind Konfy Homes LLC, which owns the Clochel and Foldtote brands, has earned 23 business awards thanks to her relentless drive and marketing expertise. Her passion for innovation continues to inspire, shaping the future of the home and lifestyle industry.

1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.

I am the founder and CEO of Chocoylatte Gourmet, as well as the driving force behind Konfy Homes LLC, which owns the Clochel and Foldtote brands. As a Latin immigrant, I embody the American Dream, having arrived in the USA more than a decade ago.

My relentless drive and marketing expertise have earned me numerous accolades, including 23 business awards! Today, I continue to innovate and inspire through my brands, transforming the home and lifestyle industry.

2What made you become/why did you choose to become a product designer?
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.
3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
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.
4What does “design” mean to you?
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.
5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
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.
6To you, what makes a “good” design?
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.
7Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
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.
8Tell us about your design process.
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.
9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
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.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 NY Product Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
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.
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 NY Product Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
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.
12What was the biggest challenge with this project?
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.
13How has winning an award developed your practice/career?
Winning an award has increased my credibility and opened new opportunities, benefiting my product development and career growth.
14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?

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.

15What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?

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.

16Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
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.
17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring NY Product Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
Never stop innovating and keep pushing your boundaries.
18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
Never overlook market trends and customer reviews.
19Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
Every day, I try to be a better version of myself. Sometimes, I am too hard on myself.
20Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My mom was always a hard worker, and she did it all with a smile on her face!
21What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Failure is part of the learning process. Don't look back. Always believe in yourself, stay persistent, and keep challenging yourself to innovate.
22Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
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!

A Jewelry Masterpiece creation for Your Dinner Table | 2024


Kelly Dantas

Kelly Dantas, the founder and CEO of Chocoylatte Gourmet and the visionary behind Konfy Homes LLC, which owns the Clochel and Foldtote brands, has earned 23 business awards thanks to her relentless drive and marketing expertise. Her passion for innovation continues to inspire, shaping the future of the home and lifestyle industry.


Explore the journey of  Nick Flutter & Nikita Notowidigdo, the Silver Winners of the 2024 NY Product Design Awards. They co-founded re-ply.org with a vision to transform reclaimed plywood into sustainable creations, turning materials once used to secure businesses into modular furniture that not only revitalized NYC streets in 2020 but now plays a key role in the city's outdoor dining revival.

Muse.World