We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jenna Temkin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jenna below.

Jenna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Highsummer started after an unexpected resignation from teaching in October of 2020. After finding myself in a situation where I was not being protected by my Teacher’s Union or Human Resources, I stepped away from a career that I intended to continue for much longer. It left me feeling sad and confused. In the past, I have always turned to art to help me process big feelings, and this time was no different. Having always been attracted to vintage jewelry, prisms, sun catchers and the like, I started making light catchers because they made me feel better than the grief I was experiencing after I resigned. I realized the pieces were not only elevating my mood, but they were also elevated by design. Working with vintage materials means highsummer light catchers are truly one of a kind. I knew I had something special that would offer an elevated state of being for others as well, and on April 20th, 2021 highsummer was born.

Jenna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Highsummer light catchers are uniquely designed rainbow makers made with vintage beading and faceted, crystal prisms. Art forward sculptures, inspired by summer, the light catchers are meant to be hung indoors near a window. When light refracts from the prism, rainbows will appear. Not only are highsummer light catchers elevated by design, they are intended to elevate one’s space by clearing negative energy and evoking feelings of tranquility and joy. Working with vintage beading means each piece is artfully designed, each telling their own story, a continuous moving sculpture that evolves with you and and your space over time.

I built the entire business from the ground up. I designed the branding, the logo, and the product. I did not have any background in small business or entrepreneurship, but I did trust my instincts, and for that I am very proud. Everything you see was designed, created and executed by me.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been the personal connections I’ve made. Highsummer commissioned light catchers are some of my favorite pieces to work on because I am directly working with the client. My wholesale market has grown because of connections I have initiated. In a day and age where technology is Queen, I believe there is a lot of value in inter-personal relationships. I try not to focus on the social media numbers, but the interactions I have with the audience who chooses to be there.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

Recently, highsummer expanded into a line of jewelry inspired by the light catchers. I was unsure if I could expand, but felt compelled to move towards it. In my head, I could clearly see the connection between jewelry inspired decor for your home and wearable jewelry intended to elevate one’s spirit, but was it worth the risk to try and articulate that within the brand story? Regardless if I knew how to incorporate new products into the brand, I moved forward. Building out a small collection, learning a new skill, and staying true to the instinctual feeling to move forward proved to be successful as I work towards expanding the wholesale market this year.

Contact Info:

• Website: myhighummer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.i.g.h.s.u.m.m.e.r/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@h.i.g.h.s.u.m.m.e.r

Image Credits
Mari Crespin