I love the “story behind the story.” Because there always is one, isn’t there?
Earlier this week, I shared Serpentine Jewelry’s mission to create “everyday fine jewelry” that can be worn from carpool to cocktails. And, while I’m loving their organic collection of mix n’ match luxury pieces, I’m even more enamored with the two women behind this beautiful jewelry line. Their journey and personal story epitomize what it is to be a creative woman, a working mother, and a collaborative friend.
Jill and Sally are friends and neighbors. They began designing jewelry nearly 5 years ago at a time when they were both at a personal crossroads. At first, they sought out unique beads and jewels in local bead stores and on Etsy but, after adventuring to the Tucson gem show, they soon began buying rare, one-of-a-kind natural stones and having them bezel set in uncut diamonds. Additionally, they are now designing unique charms to hang as pendants or to string on their signature stackable bracelets.
Jill and Sally’s rapport with each other is genuine and their enthusiasm is infectious. Our time spent together was peppered with deep belly laughs, and we have a shared appreciation for accessorizing and wearing items you love on the daily. Most often, these two can be found transporting jewels (and brews) between their two homes and jewelry making has been know to be a family affair. With 4 teenage boys between them, they have many funny stories about raising kids while running a growing business (including a time that the boys mixed-up paired earrings while Jill was retrieving beer from Sally’s fridge across the street!).
A little known fact? Their name was initially inspired by combining the first letters of Jill and Sally’s sons’ names. And while “J.A.D.E” didn’t entirely resonate, Serpentine (a form of Jade) was a perfect match. Just like the partnership they’ve formed; balancing creative and business responsibilities between these two friends.
My story behind the story? Well, it includes these two beauties (and their older brother, who refused to play dress-up). And while I may ultimately look put together at events or in photos on this blog, preparation often times looks a lot like this. I have two spies watching my every move and mimicking my behavior. Their eagerness to try on high heels and wear red lipstick is both flattering and disconcerting (especially for my husband). Being a role model to these two humans is my most humbling, frustrating and rewarding work.
As a working parent, I admire Jill and Sally’s creativity and determination to create a brand and grow a business. All the meanwhile, designing a life while raising children. Women business owners and moms truly are super heroes!
{outfit details} skirt: Traffic People | camisole: Cleobella | faux fur: Anthropologie | heels: Boutique 9
You can find these Serpentine jewels on the dedicated “What Jenn Wore” page on their site.
Future entrepreneurs? Designers? Moms? I hope so. As witnessed by meeting the women behind Serpentine, any and all is possible. Thank you Jill and Sally for allowing me to share your story, in addition to Serpentine’s beautiful jewels.
And thank you for reading. If you are local to Seattle, I would absolutely love to see you at Serpentine’s Trunk Show on Saturday, February 9th at La Ree boutique in Bellevue. ~Jenn
This post was done in collaboration with Serpentine. As always, you can expect all opinions to be entirely my own.
photos thanks to Sarah
I’ve been working from home more and, as always, I spend a lot of time with my kids as their primary caretaker. Mostly this is a job that I relish and I prioritize being available for school volunteering opportunities, after-school carpooling, and dinner prep. One downside? My nicer things tend to remain in my closet during my daily routine. As such, I’m trying to be mindful of the pieces that I’m adding to my wardrobe and being more (gulp) realistic with regards to cost per wear. And while I am definitely a person that subscribes to the belief that you should wear your expensive perfume daily and eat off of your fine china; wearing “dry clean only” clothes while on the school playground seems a bit impractical (not to mention expensive!).
Most importantly, I treasure knowing the story behind the artists crafting this beautiful line. I can’t wait to share with you more about how Jill and Sally (two Seattle friends) started Serpentine and how they have built this business together. Teaser alert: they are just as beautiful and unique as the stones they use to craft their jewelry. Plus I love a good buddy story – they are best friends and neighbors as well!
{outfit details} tee: 
Taking pictures with kids is tough…but so rewarding! Basically like parenting. The girls thoroughly enjoyed playing dress-up and modeling. I did too. Mostly.
I’m lovin’ the return of bright, bold primary colors this winter. A pop of color does wonders for cheering up your outfits and, I would be the first to argue, your mood. Cherry red, bright, Kelly green, sunshine yellow, and electric, royal blue are all gracing store racks this season. And, perfectly paired with all of those dark neutrals (like black and grey), you are sure to stand out in a crowd.
{outfit details} sweater: Velvet by Graham & Spencer (c/o 
If you are unfamiliar with the Pacific Northwest, you may not know that Seattle has a hip and proudly quirky neighbor to the south. Just a mere three-hour road trip down Interstate 5, once you cross the Columbia river, you will find yourself in Portland, Oregon. Recently made famous for it’s hipster portrayal in the HBO series “Portlandia,” Portland is equally well-known for it’s numerous bridges, tax-free shopping, and deliciously eclectic food scene.
Thank you for reading! Do you enjoy travel content? Would you like to see more in the new year? Leave me a comment with suggestions. On tap for 2019, my family and I already have plans to visit Big White, Canada (family ski vacation!), Palm Springs, and, of course, Scottsdale.