Silversmith// @jennnabobenna
Photographer// @bonfireheart.photo
Creative Assistant// @mahlee_sem23
What inspired this collection?
I have always been drawn to anything that brings energy, joy, and passion. I crave things and places that make me feel alive and young.. and I think that everyone should be able to feel that no matter what their circumstances are or what age they may be! I wanted to create a collection centered around connecting back to our inner child and that youthful energy that we all have inside of us. Along with that, I think that it's so easy to get wrapped up in the seriousness, negativity, and countless lows that innately come with this journey of life. I created these pieces to be fun, unique, and to hopefully remind us all that life is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. Being in touch with our inner child brings unstoppable energy.. it is a gift, it is a blessing, and it is something to be cherished and unearthed!
Tell us about yourself! What do you do outside of Gem Studio?
When I'm not working at Gem I'm usually with friends, cooking up some fun new recipes, travelling and visiting new places, discovering new music, or doing something outdoors like hiking, hammocking, or boating with family. I love learning new things, experiencing new and exhilarating adventures, and above all spending time with people that uplift me and energize me!
What are you most passionate about?
There are so many things that I am passionate about haha! One of them would for sure be making connections with people and building relationships. I just love getting to know new people and finding things in common with them. I am also super passionate about living a healthy lifestyle! I love being active, eating healthy, and maintaining my spiritual health as well. There is something so satisfying about filling your life with wholesome and healthy habits that challenge and strengthen you!
What is currently playing on your Spotify/Apple Music?
Lots of underground artists lol! But more commonly known artists that I love would be The 1975, Quinn XCii, Coin, Bleachers, and Caamp. Oh and there’s always room for some Jimi Hendrix somewhere in there too (:
What do you want to manifest in your life over the next year?
I am a huge fan of manifesting. Over the next year or so I will be focusing a lot on school to finish my degree as a Dietician, taking even more time when possible to travel with friends and create memories, finding new hobbies to fall in love with, getting my yoga teacher certification, and maybe starting a side business?? That one is a secret right now though. (;
What is your favorite gem, and why?
I am a total sucker for a good turquoise or a nice clean obsidian!! I feel like turquoise and obsidian look good on everyone and they are so versatile. They go with everything!
What is your favorite part of the silversmithing process?
Hmm.. good question! I could tell you my least favorite part haha?! Polishing lol.. But only because your fingers turn this really pretty charcoal black color which is very flattering, and you almost always walk away from the polisher covered in fluff (;
But in all honesty, every step of making a vision for a piece come to life is so awesome and rewarding.
What is your favorite gem studio memory?
Too many haha!! Probably most shifts that I get to work with my besties Ally and Kylee. Every workshop with those two is just a party! And we always make sure to blast some good old Kesha or T-Swift after an exhausting workshop. It's kind of a tradition at this point (: