In The Trade: An Interview With Kabil Riaz - Founder of Kabils Grillz
Our monthly industry expert focus returns today, welcoming Kabil Riaz, founder of Kabils Grillz, based in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.
A regular at our Birmingham branch, Kabil's customised dental jewellery has gone from strength to strength since launching 7 years ago and is based in the JQ's Vyse Street.
Read on to gain an insight into the niche that is custom grillz.
You can also visit our new grillz section to browse our endorsed product list of must-have professional-grade tools and materials for this precision art.
Who, What & Where
I'm Kabil, the founder and lead technician at Kabils Grillz. We are a custom dental jewellery specialist based in the UK. I've been on this journey for about seven years now, having officially launched the business in 2019.
How you started, your route into the trade
My passion actually started when I was a kid. I've always had a deep love for jewellery and hip-hop culture - the two go hand-in-hand.
Believe it or not, Kabils Grillz started in my mum's kitchen! I bought my first set of essential tools, a wax pen machine and some wax sheets (Product Code: TC0156) from HS Walsh and just started experimenting.
I practised every single day. Eventually, I reached out to a dental lab for technical advice. At the time, I didn't realise how massive the dental industry was, but connecting with them was a huge turning point.
Tell us a little about the job, daily tasks and the market
At it's core, my job is about creating art with my hands. Every day involves new customisations, meaning no two days are the same. It is a very tactile profession; you are physically shaping metal to fit a client perfectly.
The market for grillz in the UK is currently a small niche, but it is exploding. It is moving away from being seen as just as a "costume" accessory and is being respected as genuine custom jewellery.
I believe the market will keep growing as the culture becomes more mainstream here.
Any qualifications?
I am proudly self-taught. I didn't go down the traditional school route; instead I learned through the "university of networking". I spent time going around to different companies, connecting with professionals in the trade and learning their processes. I gained my experience by watching, listening and then applying those techniques to perfect the art of grillz.
Favourite task
My favourite part is definitely the design phase - specifically customising grillz using CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. It allows for a level of precision and creativity that is just incredible. Seeing the render on the screen before it becomes physical gold is also satisfying.
Least favourite task
Polishing, without a doubt! It is a messy, dusty task. However, it is also the most crucial part of the process. You need intense focus to get that mirror finish and if you lose concentration, even for a second, you can ruin the piece. I hate the mess, but I love the end result.
Best Client vs Dream Client
We've worked with some amazing people, but my favourite guest appearance/client has to be the British rapper and singer, M Huncho. His co-operation and vision made the process smooth and it was great to see our work worn by someone so influential in the scene.
As for a dream client, this may sound wild but I'd love to work with someone from the Royal Family. I want to bridge the gap and show that grillz are an open culture, not just for one specific demographic. Seeing a royal with a subtle gold cap would be the ultimate sign that grillz have truly arrived!
Favourite Walsh Product
My go-to tool is the Pocket Wax Pen. Since I started back in my mum's kitchen, this wax pen has been essential. It allows me to drip and shape the wax with total control before casting. It's the tool that bridges the gap between my design and the casting process.
An honorable mention also goes to the Variable Speed Polishing Machine - its the workhorse of the shop! I also recommend the Strong 207S High Torque Micromotor - TM64
Many thanks to Kabil for being our In The Trade focus for February and starting this year's expert interviews off so superbly.
Find out more about Kabil and his team at Kabils Grillz through his Social Media links below and don't forget to take a look at our Grillz tools and materials range on our HS Walsh website!
Website: https://kabilsgrillz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kabilsgrillzz/
Meet the HS Team
Next up in the hot seat this month, from our Birmingham Team, is Charlie:
Name, role, time with company
Charlie Neale
Sales Assistant
3.5 years.
Favourite food
A simple but classic Neapolitan Pizza.
Interests & hobbies
I'm newly into running having done both a half marathon and a 10k race last year. I love the challenge, although a full marathon isn't quite on the cards, yet!
Best way to spend a day off
Go for a run, then the pub in the evening! Life is all about balance.
Favourite Walsh product
HP33 - Watch Bracelet Pin Removing Pusher
I use this at home for my own personal use, always recommend it to customers and it's a great bit of kit for the price!
Words to live by
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop & look around once in a while, you could miss it.."
