We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jesse Lynn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jesse below.
Jesse, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
We are all unique in our own way. I had a very unusual upbringing that helped form my current thought processes and the way I approach a challenge or even how I relate to other people on a daily basis. Even some surface characteristics about me are different than what others may consider the “norm”.
I spent my early years living in extremely rural Alaska and was raised by a single mother suffering from undiagnosed mental illness and trauma from an abusing mother and former spouse. The many obstacles faced by surviving in that intense environment created a resilience and work ethic that cannot be taught in any institution. The age in in which I grew up and the diversity of residents of Alaska helped form my appreciation for each person’s individual characteristics. This directly translates into the jewelry art I create on a daily basis and to the overall feel of the brick-and-mortar store that I also own.
Watching, listening, and being aware of your surroundings helps create empathy and understanding for our fellow humans. Basically, it boils down to not judging others because you would not want the same to be done to you. Trying to see the world through others’ eyes creates a viewpoint that isn’t narrowed by prejudice or pre-conceived notions. This outlook lends itself greatly to the artistic process I use to maintain a welcoming and diverse store as well as my one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My passion is jewelry. Creating is remarkably therapeutic and something I do on an almost daily basis. I predominantly construct jewelry using mixed metals and finished products are always one-of-a-kind. Old, new, rusty, repurposed, and random are my favorite components. By using common, everyday items in new and unusual ways, I expand my minds’ capacity to come up with new ideas. I also have a line of beaded jewelry using semi-precious stones and seed beads. These creations are beautiful and more traditional in comparison to the edgy, almost industrial feel of the mixed metal line. Once a year or so, I branch out to design an art piece, usually on a larger scale. This allows my mind to take a break from the day-to-day jewelry assembling and re-focus on something outside of my comfort zone. Any and all medias are used in the art pieces, and I rarely have a plan as to the final outcome. I’ve created everything from a human sized wire tree to a usable mini seed bead lipstick purse and many interesting things in between.
I’ve been creating in some form or another since I was a child growing up in Alaska where I learned traditional beadwork designs that I sometimes use in my beaded line. My mixed metal line is completely self-taught and has developed over the last 10 plus years. The business grew by putting my jewelry in boutiques and shops and by selling at craft shows for 15 plus years. Craft shows became hard on my body and are very time consuming. This is what pushed me to open my brick and mortar in a small tourist town. The store is not only for my creations, but also for about 40 other artists and makers. I sell everything from pottery, to jewelry, soaps, candles, apparel, wall art, and many other interesting and unique gift items.
I plan to continue to make jewelry and art full time and to maintain my store front until a time where progress makes selling the brick and mortar the next logical step.
Current/future plans also include a charitable project that advocates for victims of domestic violence. This is a topic very close to my heart and I myself have much first-hand experience. This project will predominantly be an advocacy campaign using T-shirts and calling cards promoting hope and courage to those affected and also information to contact local, and nationwide organizations that are well known for helping people in abusive situations.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Authenticity, Creativity, Resilience
Be true to who you are as a person. Never bend on that but always be willing to learn. We are all unique in many different ways and there are endless inspirations if we keep an open mind. Don’t give up – ever! If it’s important to you (whatever it is), it will be worth the hard work and periodic frustration and stress. Just know that you have a purpose, it is part of you to the core so make a life of it.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
To be direct, I want to give a shoutout to myself. I have had to rely on myself since I was a small child. Even from a very young age, I knew if something needed to be done, it would be up to me. I’ve had to pull myself up each and every day even when circumstances were enough to make me want to stay in bed just so I wouldn’t have to face whatever obstacles were going to rise up. If I’ve needed to master a new skill or didn’t quite know how I was going to proceed with a project, I either researched different methods or I created my own proprietary solutions. I’ve not peaked and have many more things to accomplish. I look forward to each new day and strive to see the beauty in everyday moments and in others’ talented creations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blueheronbyjesselynn.com/ & https://www.b3artisanstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueheronbyjesselynn/ & https://www.instagram.com/b3artisanwares_studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueheronbyjesselynn/ & https://www.facebook.com/b3artisanwares/
