Jaszy McAllister is a rising star in the world of sustainable, ethical jewelry. Her pieces are organically inspired, delicate yet artistic, and sophisticated enough to meet the discriminating tastes of any fashion-conscious woman. Jaszy was kind enough to answer a few interview questions for Fashion, Evolved this week:
1. Where do you get your creative inspiration?
I believe I am inspired by just about everything! But ultimately colors speak to me. They can be representative of so many things; red brings to mind fire and passion, blue – water, peace and serenity, or green – nature and freedom. So when I see or feel these colors I choose gemstones that speak to me the same way.
2. What is your favorite material to work with?
If you’re asking what gemstone is my favorite, I’m not sure I could choose just one! Although I do absolutely love Labradorite because it has an alluring iridescence that depending on how light reflects through it can show shades of blue, amber or even violet. As for metals, I have always had more of a connection to gold than silver. Gold has warmth that is very comforting and looks great against any skin tone.
3. Do you have a favorite finished piece?
That’s a tough one. I just finished a necklace called “Lost & Found”, it’s made with several different elements and is an asymmetrical design that is pretty cool. But I also love the simplicity of the “DeLovely” necklace in my Wedding Collection.
4. Why did you decide to focus your business on eco-friendly?
I suppose it was more of a natural progression rather than a decision. A few years ago, I began to make “greener” choices in my personal and family life so it only made sense to do the same in my business. I make it a point however to label Jaszy’s Jewelry as “eco-conscious”. I make eco-ethical decisions in where materials are sourced from and try to use at least one eco-friendly or Fair Trade element in every piece of jewelry I design. We all have to do our part, some can do more than others, but what’s most important is that we all try to do something.
5. What is the best compliment you’ve ever received about one of your pieces?
I had the wonderful pleasure of designing jewelry for a wedding recently and received this compliment from the bride.
“Jaszy, THANK YOU for the absolutely stunning jewelry you designed for the bridesmaids in our wedding. Each piece fit the girl perfectly, and I know they will proudly be wearing their earrings/necklaces for years to come. I loved being able to tell the girls that their jewelry was custom-created by the jewelry designer herself using their photos and a photo of each dress. The fact that you use fair trade materials is icing on the cake, but there is no mistake – your jewelry is luxurious, gorgeous, and one of a kind! And both my rehearsal dinner and honeymoon earrings were perfection as well – so light and easy to wear, and of course spectacular! Thank you, thank you.”
Reading that compliment still makes me teary eyed.
6. What are you most proud of about Jaszy’s Jewelry?
Jaszy’s Jewelry is like the “little engine that could”. It just keeps going and evolving, learning and growing and perhaps even making a difference. I’m very proud of that.
7. What kind of woman wears Jaszy’s Jewelry?
I would like Jaszy’s Jewelry to appeal to the modern, everyday woman who is comfortable in her skin whether she’s in a boardroom, walking the beach or dancing the night away! She’s also an eco-enthusiast at heart.
8. What would you like people to know about your company as a first impression?
I want people to recognize that Jaszy’s Jewelry is trying to do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do and not because the fad of the hour is being “green” so to speak. I treat my customers with respect and try to present myself and my business with integrity and honesty while also designing jewelry that is unique and versatile. I hope above all, that stands out.
9. Describe your line of jewelry using three words.
Bohemian
Chic
Comfortable
10. How would you like to grow your business in the coming years?
I am looking forward to launching a jewelry line made exclusively of eco-friendly and Fair Trade materials and perhaps collaborating with other eco-conscious designers to establish an online co-op community to sell, trade and educate others about the benefits of making “greener” fashion choices.
Visit Jaszy’s Jewelry online at: [www.JaszysJewelry.com]
In addition to jewelry design, Jasmine “Jaszy” McAllister is an actress, public speaker, and avid salsa dancer. Her fascination with the intricacies of jewelry began when she was just a child taking her great-Grandmother’s necklaces apart and putting them back together again. She has over 20 years retail fashion experience with a focus in jewelry retail merchandising. She gained an appreciation of minerals and gemstones from spending hours in her Grandfather’s cherished gem and rock garden as a young girl. She started her own independent study of gemology in 2002 before founding Jaszy’s Jewelry in 2003. Her work has been featured in several Florida galleries in Naples, Punta Gorda, Englewood, and Sarasota.
