Jenny Present
Jenny Present is a custom jewelry business based in St. Louis, Missouri. The force behind the company - in both name and spirit, is jewelry designer Jenny Present. Despite her life taking a difficult turn years ago, she relied on her perseverance and creativity to rise above it and start her company in 2008. In just a few short years, Jenny Present has become well known for elegant jewelry with a unique style and a brand built on empowering women to overcome all odds.
Each piece of jewelry designed and produced by Jenny Present is carefully crafted with quality materials. It’s clear that not only is a perfectionist behind the work, but a perfectionist with impeccable style as well. Jenny Present has created products that not only exude effortless class, but also serve as daily inspiration to the women wearing them. Designs range from the simple to the sophisticated, with a distinctive vintage-meets-modern look imbued in every piece.
Jenny relates: “I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. But I always took great pride in accomplishing something, whether large or small. My parents demonstrated a strong work ethic, combined with creativity, individualism and incredible morals and values. This set me up for success - no matter what I chose to do.
“I graduated from the University of Kansas with a BS in Journalism - not because I necessarily had a thirst for journalism, but because it was a practical degree to have. I worked in an uninspiring corporate environment writing technical proposals for a while after college. While I knew this was the next step I was supposed to take, I was unhappy - so I quit. I worked in retail for a short while, but was still unhappy in my unfulfilling "career." After my son was born, my life took an unexpected turn. Everything as I knew it was flipped upside down and I was going to have to figure out a way to balance everything. I desperately wanted to be able to stay at home to raise my son, but I also needed a way to support us long term.
“I have always been creative and loved working with my hands. As a little girl, I grew up surrounded by paint brushes, colored pencils and craft supplies - my mom is an incredible artist and I like to think that some of her creativity has rubbed off on me. I was also obsessed with jewelry as a young girl, especially my grandmother's extensive and highly coveted jewelry collection. And I know - deep down I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I dabbled in making jewelry, among other things like photography and painting, both for fun and as a creative outlet while still working full time. After I had produced a few pieces, I decided I would try selling my artwork.”
As for the future, Jenny says: ”I don't have doubts about my creative direction, but I do sometimes wonder where this path will lead. Companies and brands evolve over time, and while I wish I had a crystal ball to gaze into, I deeply trust in my creative instincts. I have so many things I yearn to achieve - both personally and professionally. And my number one complaint is that there aren't enough hours in the day! I feel like my mind is always racing with ideas and thoughts and to-do's and more.”
The Jenny Present customer ranges from “A-list” celebs to hardworking moms. The collection is designed for women who appreciate grace, style, strength, and most of all, have an emotional connection to the jewelry Jenny Present creates. The brand’s customers turn to them again and again - to find the perfect gift and/or to commemorate their most important life events. Jenny Present jewelry is more than just an accessory - it's jewelry that tells a story!
Look for Jenny Present in leading publications such as Real Simple and People and on television shows including ABC World News.