Our final designer interview is with Jennifer Zeuner who has quickly gained a strong customer following for her gorgeous, delicate jewelry pendants and charms, and the inspiring and comforting meanings of each.
Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jennifer has had stars in her eyes for the world of fashion from a young age, but she hesitated because she wasn’t sure whether or not she could make it. She attended Tufts University in Massachusetts at seventeen to study Psychology and Communications. After graduating she pursued Public Relations and worked in a PR firm in Miami, where she honed the marketing skills that she would need when she did start her own company. Jennifer said, “I learned a lot of the tools necessary for marketing my jewelry line. Public Relations was challenging and fun but didn’t satisfy my urge to be artistic. A few years later, I started designing and making jewelry.”
Her careful intentions are expressed in her designs, and those intentions resonate as strongly with us as the beauty of the designs. “I always embraced the island’s spiritual energy,” Jennifer said of her hometown, and though that was one of her strongest sources of inspiration, she also found it in unexpected places, like from the compliments her friends paid her. We were thrilled to catch up with Jennifer Zeuner because we’re confident that yes, she has made it.
Max and Chloe Have you always wanted to design things?
Jennifer Zeuner When I was a young girl in Puerto Rico, I longed to be a clothing designer. My father manufactured clothing and I grew up reading WWD and Vogue. My favorite place to hang out was my father’s factory. I don’t know why, but as I got older, I didn’t feel it was realistic to make it as a designer and I lost sight of my true passion. Eventually, I returned to what I absolutely love.
M&C How did you decide to become a jewelry designer? How did you get started?
Jennifer Initially designing and making jewelry was a creative outlet (a quiet escape from raising two young boys). It satisfied my need to literally “create” with my hands. I didn’t envision it becoming a profitable business. However, it quickly became a “business” as the orders started coming in. I never really planned it. It sort of just happened. One day someone asked if I worked and it clicked. I was a jewelry designer. It’s true that when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.
M&C What is your favorite creation?
Jennifer I had made a hand (hamsa) pendant necklace for a friend and attached an eye at the clasp. She looked at it and told me she felt double the protection because the hand was in the front and the eye lay on her neck. The realization that a necklace could have a symbolic component that was hidden on the back of the necklace inspired me to make my best seller, the double protection necklace. It’s a 25″ reversible necklace that instead of a clasp has only 2 pendants (eye/hand), one on each end. After designing the double protection, my favorite necklace, I went on to make double luck (horseshoe/clover), peace/om and star /moon.
M&C How would you describe your jewelry?
Jennfier My jewelry is a reflection of my personal style, simple with a Bohemian twist. Also because it’s simple, it lends itself to be layered. I love wearing my favorite vest with a dress or jeans, different every time. The same goes for my jewelry. The same simple piece can reflect a different mood when layered and worn differently.
M&C Have you ever expressed yourself through another path apart from jewelry design?
Jennifer Personally, I’ve always expressed myself through my style. I consider my look to be laid back, practical and somewhat bohemian. I never straighten my naturally wavy hair. If I tuck my shirt in, I’ll make sure its not perfectly done. I make an effort to look like getting ready and dressed was effortless.
M&C When did you realize that this dream was something you could pursue wholeheartedly?
Jennifer I realized it when I walked into Intermix in South Beach about 4 years ago and the district manager, Claudia, asked me where I bought my necklace, one of my first creations. She literally called the buyer and told her to buy the entire line!! I had been shopping at the Intermix in NYC for at least ten years and to know the buyer was going to check out my line was a “Wow” moment. Soon after I was honored by Gen Art as one of their fresh faces in fashion.
M&C How did you prepare yourself for the business and marketing aspect of your company?
Jennifer I didn’t! I learned along the way. Instinctively, I knew what the next step was. For instance, getting your pieces in the right retailers is important. They have to be a reflection of your jewelry. It’s important to be selective. The right retailer such as MaxandChloe.com has to complement the jewelry’s image.
M&C What inspires you in everyday life?
Jennifer People that have their own, unique style inspire me. I love to see people put things together in a creative, unexpected yet cohesive way. Cameron Diaz was the first celebrity to buy my pieces. I was extremely honored because I consider her style an inspiration.
M&C How would you describe your ideal jewelry?
Jennifer My ideal jewelry is simple, practical and reflective of who I am. I’m not into representing brands. I like to represent who I am with my jewelry. I gravitate towards symbolic and personal pieces. My ideal jewelry offers a glimpse of oneself.
M&C What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
Jennifer My favorite piece of jewelry right now is the large hand (hamsa) and white wood bead bracelet. I love that it’s dramatic yet simple and a little bohemian.
M&C What is your favorite trend?
Jennifer My favorite trend is layering. I can buy the same piece as my best friend and wear it totally differently. I can layer my bangles with beads or wear that short initial necklace with a long rosary chain. With layering the opportunities are endless.
M&C What do you hope to accomplish as a jewelry designer?
Jennifer I hope to set an example for my 3 sons. I want them to know that “success” is when you do what you love. I truly believe that everyone has a gift and a talent. If they follow their passion success will come. I wanted to design jewelry because I love it. That’s it. I look forward to loving it for a long time!!