Meet Jen!

Hey Jen, we’re so excited to introduce you to the Parker Clay community! Can you share a little bit about who you are and what you do? 

I grew up in Southern California, which is where I live now with my husband and two boys. I’m an enneagram 7, and have always loved creating. I have been passionate about fashion and beauty since I was a young girl, so becoming a jewelry designer has been a dream.  When I’m not working, I’m running my kids around to school, practices and games - I spend a ton of time in my car, which means I have a long list of podcasts on rotation! I love indoor cycling, reading, going wine tasting with friends and family, taking weekend trips to fun places, and watching The Bachelor every week with my girlfriends! 

Now that we’re all acquainted, we would love to know more about UNCVRD Jewelry — what inspired you to start? Did you have a mentor during this process?

I started UNCVRD Jewelry in 2014 after I had learned about the issue of human trafficking, and the fact that it was going on here in the U.S. I was inspired by brands who were pioneers in the give-back/do-good business space, like Toms and Warby Parker, and thought I would try and do something similar with jewelry. Not having any formal business background, I relied heavily on people in my circle who had experience in business, strategy, fashion, and social justice work. It was (and continues to be) a ton of trial and error, but I feel extremely fortunate to have such a great community of customers and supporters that love our jewelry and believe in our mission.

 

 

UNCVRD donates a portion of the proceeds from each sale directly to local partners to help fund street outreach programs for women who have experienced sexual exploitation, as well as programs for at-risk girls in foster care — can you share a little bit about the process of finding these organizations, and how you become involved in this initiative?

Right from the beginning, I knew I wanted to partner with a local Long Beach organization called Gems Uncovered (which is why I called my business UNCVRD). I knew their director, and saw how powerful the work they were doing in our community was. After a few years, it became clear that an overwhelming number of the women that Gems was serving had previously spent time in foster care. It was then that Brave Global was founded, and I jumped at the opportunity to support their preventative work as well. In 2014, human trafficking was not commonly talked about or known about the way that it is today. I tried to use jewelry as a way to raise awareness about the issue itself, as well as shine a spotlight on the organizations that were working towards change. It also became a vehicle for people to talk about it with their friends and family. A simple compliment on a necklace could potentially open a door to an important conversation.

How do you define community? What is the power of community to you? What specifically makes you proud to be a part of the Parker Clay community? 

I was first introduced to Parker Clay years ago after attending Yellow Conference in Los Angeles. I was so impressed with their mission as a company and continue to be inspired by the ways in which they are creating positive change in the world. 

 

 

Any favorite Parker Clay product/s?

The very first Parker Clay item that I owned, I actually got at Yellow Conference, and it was a monogrammed keychain. I used it for years and always got compliments on it. However, my absolute favorite item is one that has been a few years in the making… ;)

Anything exciting you would like to share? (you can include info about our collaboration!)

Yes! A few years ago, I had reached out to Brittany to see if they had ever thought about making a jewelry wrap. I love to travel, and as a jewelry designer, it’s not uncommon for me to travel with lots of options. I hadn’t found a travel jewelry case that I loved, and knew that Parker Clay could create something amazing. Fast forward a few years, and the travel jewelry wrap of my dreams is finally here! I absolutely love what the team has created. It’s not only gorgeous, it’s beautifully crafted and super functional. I can’t wait to fill it with UNCVRD Jewelry and take it on a trip!