Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jesse Lynn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jesse, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
Thank you for asking. Blue Heron by Jesse Lynn…
In the mid 90’s I moved from Alaska to North Carolina. The first house I lived in was near the North Carolina Zoo on a lovely piece of land that was bordered by a creek. Having grown up in Alaska, I was accustomed to the wildlife and nature there. One morning I looked out and saw one of the most majestic and graceful creatures I had ever seen. This huge blue-grey bird with a massive wingspan was souring over the creek looking for a place to land and find some breakfast (I imagine). I was awestruck and immediately asked around to find out what this amazing bird was called. The answer was, of course, a Great Blue Heron. I had not yet put a name to my jewelry business and wanted to pay tribute in some small way to the Heron I saw that day. Blue Heron Bead & Craft Works was the original registered business for my unique creations. A few years ago I rebranded and changed the name to Blue Heron by Jesse Lynn. I will never forget my first encounter with a Great Blue Heron.
Jesse, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I grew up in the central area of Alaska and this, I believe, taught me to cherish nature and to appreciate the simple things in life. Creativity may also just be in my blood, passed down by my mother and her sisters. She sewed, sketched and beaded a little. Her younger sisters are very talented as well. I started making jewelry as a young child living in Alaska. My more traditional beadwork styles can be traced back to my early days learning from older peers and longtime Alaskan residents. My designs have evolved over the years to incorporate many different types of media. The most popular line of jewelry and accessories is made from mixed metals which include reclaimed hardware, buttons, broken jewelry and watch parts along with new and unique objects. Right now, creating uncommon and statement pieces from ordinary objects is my obsession. When I look at a rusty washer on the side of the road, or someone gives me their broken and tangled old jewelry, I’m immediately thinking of the possibilities. I never create the same thing twice. This need to have new ideas constantly pushes my mind to expand and try different things.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
Anything other than my traditionally styled hand beaded works are completely self-taught. The mixed metal creations are “built” one layer at a time. Sometimes as many as 7 or 8 layers are incorporated into a necklace or bracelet centerpiece. I am extremely particular about the quality of my work, and because of this, gluing things together was never an option. Many years ago, I worked in a furniture store and part of my job was repairing wrought iron furniture. This is where I learned to work with J.B. Weld. It’s a liquid steel and a hardener that are mixed together and once in place, left to dry. To this day, I use J.B. Weld on an almost daily basis. The finish is similar to a weld, and I don’t have worry about burning the studio down. I also use jump rings, wire, and rivets to fasten bits and pieces together. Another practice I incorporate is modification. Heavy duty cutters, leather and metal punches, stamps, sandpaper and paint are just a few of the ways I add intricate details into my creations. I’ve also invented a proprietary backing that I use on many items. My advice to any creative individual is to not be afraid to try new things. Unknown techniques and tools can be a little intimidating and/or frustrating but the end result is always worth it.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
There are a few things that have helped build my business reputation. Detail, quality, uniqueness, and affordability, not necessarily in that order, but all have played an important role over the years. Some customers travel to multiple cities to purchase my wares since my products are sold in several boutiques and shops as well as in person at Arts & Craft venues. I created custom pieces by request as well. The consistency I’ve maintained throughout the years has helped me gain repeat customers and will continue to build my clientele base. I am genuinely grateful to each person who purchased something from me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blueheronbyjesselynn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueheronbyjesselynn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueheronbyjesselynn/