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Artisan Spotlight: JaxKelly

Posted by FlyAway BlueJay on

JaxKelly is the newest addition to our family of jewelry artisans. Their beautifully simple designs use natural gemstones and crystals to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Each pair of earrings comes on a minimalist wooden board with the line, "They are sisters, not twins." Every stone is compliments rather than mirrors its counterpart. We talked with founder Kelly Decker to get the inside scoop! 

Tell us a little about where you grew up. What made it special?

Kelly: I grew up in Riverside, CA. I moved to San Diego when I was 20 to attend the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. JaxKelly Inc. is located in Little Italy, San Diego. I have lived in San Diego for 11 years now.

When did you first start creating handmade goods? 

Kelly: I first started making handmade goods when I was 26. I turned old picture frames into earring holders and sold them at local farmers' markets. At 29 I found my passion designing stud earrings. 

What drew you to creating jewelry? What do you enjoy most about it?

Kelly: I am OBSESSED with product development & product packaging. I first thought up the packaging for my studs and then got creative with designing the different styles of earrings. 

What is your creative process when you’re trying to create a new product?

 Kelly: I always think of the packaging first & I try to stick with timeless colors and styles. 

How did you come up with your company's name?

Kelly: Jax is my nephew's name. His middle name is Kelly, named after me. So he is the real JaxKelly :-) He is 4 and I LOVE him to pieces!

Any other interesting facts or stories you’d like to share?

Kelly: Hhhhmmmm. I started my business in my apartment in san diego. I was unemployed, 2 college degrees & lots of student loan debt. I decided to follow my passion making stud earrings, displayed on a wood card that said sisters, not twins. So many people thought I was crazy. I had absolutely no clue that a year later I would be selling in over 300 stores. I had to learn so much so quickly. My biggest challenge is sourcing stones! I am constantly researching stones, gems, and crystals to add to my line.  I still have so much to learn. I am launching a new line in 2016 and I can’t to show everyone :-) I am truly living my dream! 

 

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