Statement making pieces shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Ashley Nesbitt, a Baltimore native is the creator of a unique new concept, Jenafer Jewelry Collection. Her line of one of a kind bracelets, earrings, and assorted baubles, mainly her Sweet Junk Collection, are eye catchy enough to jazz up any outfit without breaking the bank. After a rather usual trip to the hair store a new hobby was conceived and like kismet, Ms. Ashley knew exactly what to do next! Create! Her detailed and colorful designs are all crafted and made with the customer in mind. No one piece is ever the same which has many followers clamoring for a slice of “sweet junk” a play on remnants of the past to make vintage treasures for today. These pieces are not only affordable and but fun a created with a hint of whimsical.
Take a peek into Sweet Junk.
1. Style & Substance: How long have you been creating these unique gems?
I’ve been making jewelry pieces since March of this year. It started when I was visiting a natural hair salon and I bought a pair of handmade earrings from the owner. From there, I began to come up with ideas for me to make for myself. I was up the rest of the night just going over new ideas. But for the Sweet Kitchen Junk button charm collection, I came across my mother’s old button basket and I knew instantly I had to do something wild with them.
2. Style & Substance: Where do you find inspiration to make everything one-of-a kind?
I’m very creative and if left alone, my mind can come up with some outrageous ideas. Usually, I’m inspired by my customer’s personality and other times a specific button can inspire a whole collection. When I’m making a button charm piece, it starts out normal then I keep adding odd items and charms to make it one-of-a kind. If my husband gives me the” What in the world is this?” look, then I know I have winner.
3. Style & Substance: You have created an online e- site using Esty, was it difficult to bring your creations to the web
More Tedious than difficult. That hardest part is capturing that perfect angel that will highlight my jewelry pieces especially the buttons that I handpick. But Etsy has such a great online community that gives excellent tips and I’ve gotten positive feedback from my customers that use it. Also I’m able to link my Etsy shop to my blog and Facebook page which is another added benefit to promote my work.
4. Style & Substance: What are some the upcoming projects you are currently working on?
Right now, I’m working on turning some of my most popular SKJ button charm bracelets into necklaces, like the “Jungle Machine” army bracelet. I have these children’s toy party favors that I’m itching to place on a necklace too. And in early August, I will launch my SKJ natural button charm pieces featuring wood and earth tone buttons with tribal designs and textures.
5. Style & Substance: Where do you see this line evolving to in the future?
I hope to add on more accessory pieces to my line which I’m currently mapping out. This originally started out as I hobby so any new venture is huge for me and I am appreciative of how it is growing. I’ll take this as far as my mind lets me.
6. Style & Substance: Describe your style & Substance?
It’s funny, because though I can create a lot of funky and crazy pieces my everyday style is very functional and simple. My daily uniform consists of my Threads 4 Thought organic V-neck tee-shirts, which I have in every color, jeans and maybe an oversized sweater. But I always have my Steve Urkle style tortoise colored frames, SKJ button charm bracelet and hot pink or plum nail polish to junk-up my uniform.
To learn more about her designs and purchase click here.
