There's so much to love about her fun, colorful bangles and necklaces, but she's also a cool chic to know. And don't even get me started on her amazing hair.
First, lets meet Jennifer
When did you start selling on Etsy and Why Etsy?
I opened my Etsy shop in 2009. The first thing I listed {a handbag} sold within 24 hours! But it was a very transitional time for me and I didn't put a lot of effort into my shop. I wasn't very consistent and didn't really take it seriously. Ultimately I chose Etsy for that reason. I could go at my own pace, there was no pressure.
Is this a full time gig for you?
Yes! I am very fortunate to be able to say this is my full time gig! It's been a long and sometimes rocky road but I couldn't imagine doing anything else. The thing I cherish most about designing full time is that I am the owner of my own time. My soul needs to be free, in every sense of the word. Being able to do things when and how I want is a great feeling. It's also important for me to express myself creatively, on a daily basis, which is something I wasn't doing when I was in the corporate world.
If I could only buy one thing from your shop right now, which would you recommend?
I would recommend the
Neon Green Bib Necklace. It's so bold and so fun. The perfect piece for summer. It's definitely not designed for the faint at heart. Think show-stopping, look at me, stand tall and proud. It's for that lady!
What was first piece you ever made/sold?
I actually used to design clothing! I had a contemporary womenswear line called Vim Trousseau. So the first piece I ever made was a piece of clothing, probably a dress or skirt. It's funny because when I first started my clothing line I didn't know how to sew. I went through a few tragedies before I actually found a seamstress who could translate my sketches into properly sewn, wearable pieces.
Though I don't remember exactly what the first piece I made was, I do remember what the first piece I sold was. It was a pink, silk drummer jacket with matching skirt. I sold them during Sweet Charity's
{a boutique which carried my line} grand opening. I walked into the party wearing the yellow version of the jacket. The first thing I saw was a woman at the cash register with the jacket and skirt in her hand! She was purchasing it for her granddaughter! It was such a SWEET moment!!
What are your plans for the future?
Currently I'm focusing on designing jewelry. When I started my clothing line I really bit off more than I could chew. So this time around I'm moving at an intentional pace. As much as I love designing jewelry I think my passion is in designing clothes, so I would like to eventually add clothing to The Glossy Queen line. Also, someday I'd like to do a menswear line. I think there's so many places I could go with that.
But in the more immediate future I'm planning to launch my website and blog. The goal for my blog is to provide it's readers with liberating inspiration. I know so many people who aren't really doing what they want to do with their lives. Ha, I used to be one of them! As someone who got out of the corporate world I hope to offer strategies and ideas so others can get out as well. But my approach is holistic. It's not just about practical applications but it starts with changing your thinking, because "when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." {That's one of my favorite quotes}!
Do you have a workspace? If so, can you share what it looks like?
Since I moved in with The Beau, last year, my workspace has been in the living room, not the most ideal place. But I'm in the process of taking over the kitchen nook, which I recently repainted. I'm so anxious to have a proper workspace once again!
Where else can we find your goodies? (website, FB, stores etc)
My website is super close to being launched {head over for a sneak peek}:
www.theglossyqueen.com
Twitter is my favorite social network:
www.twitter.com/theglossyqueen
I'm a Pinner:
www.pinterest.com/theglossyqueen/
For fun: some fill in the blanks
I can't get through the day without dark chocolate!
I'm currently reading The Unfoldment: The Organic Path to Clarity, Power and Transformation by Neil Kramer
My favorite song is {no one can have just one}! How about a favorite song is Human Nature by MJ!!
I'm lusting after a pair of mint skinny jeans. I am obsessed with mint!
My dream vacation would be to Egypt to tour the pyramids, temples and ancient wonders then off to Morocco where I'd stay in a Riad, peruse the markets and eat delicious Tangines!! YUM!
Editors Note: that would be my dream vacation too.
And as always I'm a brunch fanatic- Any Long Beach, CA brunch recommendations...
For unassuming: The Crooked Duck. It's low key with delish cheese blintzes and corned-beef hash
For ambiance: Claire's at the Museum. Go here on a sunny Saturday or Sunday, sit on the patio under yellow umbrellas overlooking the Pacific ocean.
EXTRA EXTRA: this would not be complete without mentioning your amazing hair and I know my readers would like to know
Whats your hair regimen? Favorite products, and a singular tip for naturals.
Oh, the hair! I've had a love/hate relationship with it all my life! As a little girl my mom called me wild and wooly. My hair was all over the place and I never cared {I was a tomboy}. I'm not really a go and sit in the salon for hours kinda girl, so I like to keep my regimen simple.
I wash 2-3 times per week. I use Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose shampoo and conditioner, but I switch up shampoos every other wash and use the Rosemary Mint Shampoo bar from Chagrin Valley {they make amazing organic soaps}. After washing/conditioning I comb through hair with a paddle brush {from ends to root} then begin to put product in my hair. I use a small amount of Vatkia Oil throughout hair and scalp.
Next I use a bit of LustraSilk cholesterol and then the oh so important curl defining products! I either use Bouncy Creme by Iso or a product a good friend of mine developed called Organic Seven. It's really a conditioner but I like to use it for curl definition. After that I'll let my hair air dry for about half an hour and then I diffuse it. I can't stand wet hair dripping down my back so my diffuser is my best friend! It's really the key to giving my hair that bouncy, big look!! Once diffused I put a bit of serum on it. I'm currently using Smoothing Shea Butter by Organix, so far so good!
My singular natural-gal hair tip is to use products with the most natural ingredients as possible! No parabens, no petrochemicals. Eventually I'd like to stop using the Bouncy Creme because it's full of nasty ingredients, but I have a huge bottle, so I'm just going to use it til it's gone.
So there's Jennifer a/k/a The Glossy Queen.
Hope you enjoyed this little insight into her world and if you like what she's making,
you should enter to win one of her beautiful bangles.
I've tried to simplify the giveaway process. Enter Below
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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