We were lucky to catch up with Jurate Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jurate, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Oh, absolutely. Being a creative isn’t just what I do—it’s how I think, how I approach challenges, how I see the world. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking an idea from a sketch and turning it into a piece of jewelry that ends up in stores, part of someone’s collection, something they choose to wear. That feeling makes all the hard parts worth it.

That said, I’d be lying if I said I never thought about what it would be like to have a regular job. I think anyone who builds something from the ground up has those moments. There’s a certain appeal to stability—having a clear job description, a set schedule, the ability to shut work off at the end of the day instead of constantly carrying it in the back of your mind.

The last time I really questioned everything was during our biggest product release yet. We had planned it for what we thought would be a slow period—perfect timing to introduce something new without too much pressure. Instead, the exact opposite happened. Orders flooded in, and suddenly, I was in full survival mode.

I was working until 4 AM night after night, barely eating, barely sleeping, just trying to keep up. My studio was a disaster—materials everywhere, half-finished pieces covering every surface. Even my house felt like an extension of the chaos. One night, I looked up from my kitchen counter—where I kept working after getting home from the studio—and saw my husband and dogs just staring at me. My husband had this look that said, What have you done?, and my dogs, who are used to a certain rhythm, seemed genuinely concerned, like they weren’t sure if I was ever going to sit down and cuddle them again.

And in that moment, I thought, Why am I doing this to myself? Wouldn’t it be nice to just have a regular job, with regular hours, where I could shut my brain off at the end of the day?

But then, once the dust settled, and I saw the final collection out in the world—on shelves, in stores, being part of something bigger—that exhaustion turned into something else. A deep, undeniable satisfaction.

So, sure, I have those moments where I wonder if a more conventional job would be easier. But then I remember—I wouldn’t trade this for anything.

Jurate, 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?

My name is Jūratė Brown I’m a founder and designer of Jūratė, JLA for those who have a hard time pronouncing the name 😁, a jewelry brand where sustainability meets style. Growing up in a small European country, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and abundant nature, I developed a deep love for the environment and a strong desire to preserve it. My passion for fashion and style, combined with my metalsmith genes from a family of blacksmiths, led me to create jewelry that’s both beautiful and kind to our Mother Earth.
My journey began with a deep admiration for a stunning necklace that captivated me, yet its price tag felt out of reach. Determined to capture that same beauty without compromise, I set out to teach myself the art of jewelry-making, turning a moment of inspiration into a lifelong passion.
Working with metal felt like a natural extension of my heritage, and before long, what began as a personal passion blossomed into a brand dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design.
At Jūratė, we create trend-driven, high-quality, and eco-conscious jewelry using sustainable materials las much as we can. Like recycled brass and tarnish-resistant stainless steel. We also offer replating services to extend the life of each piece, ensuring fashion doesn’t come at the cost of the environment.
What sets us apart? We blend modern trends with lasting craftsmanship, giving customers stylish pieces they can wear for years. One of my proudest moments was having Jūratė asked to be featured in a Women’s History Month surprise box, but nothing beats seeing beautiful, confident people wearing my jewelry on the streets. It’s an incredible feeling to watch my designs become part of someone’s personal style, helping them feel even more radiant.
For me, jewelry is about confidence, self-expression, and mindful choices. I want every piece to make someone feel beautiful, empowered, and connected to something bigger.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Supporting artists and creatives starts with truly valuing the work they do. As someone who’s poured my heart into building a brand, I’ve come to realize just how essential it is to create spaces where we can connect with others who appreciate what we do. It’s not just about buying products—it’s about recognizing the time, energy, and passion that go into every piece.
For me, mentorship and collaboration have been key. Throughout my journey, connecting with other creatives has opened up new perspectives and opportunities. We learn so much from one another, and it’s these relationships that allow us to push our boundaries.
But financial support is crucial too. For small businesses and independent artists, even a little funding or a simple grant can give us the freedom to explore new ideas, grow, and ultimately continue doing what we love.
Supporting small businesses, especially those run by creatives, feels personal to me because I see how much it impacts not only the artist but the community. Every time someone chooses to support a local or small brand, it’s a vote for culture, authenticity, and innovation.
By backing small businesses and artists, we’re investing in something bigger—an ecosystem where creativity thrives, and everyone benefits.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments in my journey was when we faced an unexpected and devastating setback. Early in the life of my jewelry business, we had our entire inventory stolen. It felt like the rug had been ripped out from under us. The pieces we had poured our hearts into, the collection that had been the foundation of our brand, were suddenly gone. It was a crushing blow that left me questioning everything.
But, as daunting as it was, I knew I had to push through. I gathered my team, and we made the decision to rebuild. We spent countless sleepless nights in the studio, working tirelessly to restock and reimagine our designs. Every hour spent rebuilding was a reminder of why we started in the first place—to create something meaningful, to make beautiful things that would resonate with others.
The road was long, and the obstacles were many, but through it all, we learned an invaluable lesson in resilience. It wasn’t just about getting back on our feet—it was about embracing the challenge, staying focused on the mission, and pushing forward even when it felt impossible. That experience solidified our belief in the power of persistence, and ultimately, we came out stronger, more unified, and even more committed to our vision.
Looking back, I see that setback not as a failure, but as a pivotal moment that shaped who we are as a brand. It taught me that no matter how dark the moment, there’s always the potential for growth and transformation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shop-jla.com/
• Instagram: Shopjla_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083526069858
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