I first met Jennifer, jewelry designer and owner of Odette New York, at the very first Brooklyn Flea 3 years ago. We were both vendors. We had just started our business and that day was our first time selling our products to any customers. Jennifer had started her jewelry line 2 years before, but we all bonded as first time vendors at the opening day in early April, in the cold outdoors, shivering, but excited to be part of this new thing called the Flea. While her stint at the Flea didn’t go beyond the first year, we’ve kept in touch and it’s been a pleasure to see her business flourish over the years.
When asked what I wanted for my big birthday last year, I responded with earrings from Odette. I think Jennifer’s jewelry has a very distinct and special style. She hand draws all her designs first and translates them into wax before casting them in metals. For my birthday this year, I picked up 3 more pieces to add to my collection, including this stunning necklace that is yet to be available for sale (but soon!) so I feel super lucky that Jennifer made one for me. She also added 2 little surprise necklaces for the girls – a bunny and a bird – and the girls were thrilled when Mark also handed them gifts on my birthday.
I finally made it over to her studio last night, which is in and of itself an inspiring place, a collaborative set of studio spaces separated by a little courtyard that make you feel like you’re in Venice, California and not Williamsburg/Greenpoint, Brooklyn. We have a small business owners support group where we gather and eat and talk about the various issues that we face as small business owners. Jennifer hosted last night in her studio (the flower shots are from an adjoining floral studio). Love all these collaborative work spaces here in Brooklyn (including our kitchen!). It just kind of proves that despite the crazy cost of living here in the city, people are making it work. Every time we meet, we leave a little less alone and a lot more inspired.
beautiful jewelry!
Those necklaces are super gorgeoous!! I’m very picky with jewellery, but these stuff I can wear – funky, modern, handcrafted with love.
I support small businesses as well! Everytime I see a new small or family business crop up in our city, I go in and get something! More power to small businesses. I take this stand because my parents were “victims” of a greedy franchise corporation. Franchise is an awful system. It’s like a feudal lord ruling over his slaves, all the while receiving “royalties” from them. Please, Jenna and Mark, I hope your confectionary never gets to become a franchise (I’m sure it wouldn’t)!
i’ve always loved odette’s leaf ring! i find myself revisiting it every so often heh heh…
such lovely shots. reminds me i need to hunt for some peonies now that they’re coming into season!
so beautiful.
Oh my goodness… Those are simply beautiful. I adore them!
Gorgeous! What a sweet idea for her to give the girls something too.
Wow, I love her work! Such a great community there…
They are absolutely beautiful. Thank you for introducing other incredible artisans. I will check out her website.
The individuals who follow their passion in arts show natural beauty, I think.
So beautiful, love the style
Beautiful photos! It is so fun to see a fresh perspective on Jeni’s studio! And as usual, it makes me want to fix up mine!
Lovely photos as always! I so wish I was a part of a small business support group like the one you speak of.
Love your new necklace that is yet to be released (I want one too). It is so nice to becoming aware of artisans via blogs – such a win win situation. I am always looking for present ideas. Thanks Jenna.
I want that necklace! C’est adorable!
I like how you started this post with pictures of the studio, it got me wondering what is this lovely looking place.
That shot of your girls is wearing their necklaces is lovely as well.
Beautiful jewelry and images! I’m going to check her stuff out now …
I double-triple love Sarkilahti! Isn’t she wonderful? I am really happy for all her successes as a jewelry designer. She makes lovely work and is such a sweetie! I still want one of her paintings. The first time I met her, she had a crate (for her large-scale paintings) the size of one of my old apartments!
That necklace is amaaaazing! Jennifer is so sweet, it makes me love her jewelry even more. Why do I not own a piece? Gotta remedy that.
These photos are gorgeous, Jenna! This is what my studio looks like…in my dreams. I too have a growing collection of Odette Birthday jewelry, I love it so. I also love Jennifer, she is such a sweet, generous soul. 🙂
I’m also a big fan of Odette’s work! And it’s always a pleasure to have a look at the studio of artists we admire… especially through such beautiful photos!
Thanks Jenna, your photos are so beautiful. The necklace looks stunning on you by the way! And the girls, well they will have a little (a lot!) of room to grow into those 18′ chains!