Photography: Alexandra Frumberg
Jennifer Fisher, the designer behind Jennifer Fisher Jewelry, has created a business that combines her fashion prowess with her creative, design oriented mind. After working a stylist for movies and TV shows in Los Angeles, Jennifer found her true calling in designing jewelry. Jennifer’s designs fit into several different aesthetics — edgy, soft, funky and pretty — and we would love to throw her pieces on with all of our favorite outfits. Jennifer invited us into her NYC showroom and shared with us her favorite pieces, stories about her family and her experiences running her own business.
When did your passion for making jewelry begin and when did you launch your own jewelry line?
When I was younger I would watch my grandfather, who was a silversmith, make pieces in his studio. I guess it was ingrained in me at a very young age. It was not until the birth of my son Shane that I began my business. He was my inspiration.
What was your background prior to starting your own jewelry line?
I studied Business Marketing at USC and thought I was going to go into publishing. After interning at multiple magazines in Los Angeles I realized I wanted to be on the fashion side and began wardrobe styling for films and television shows. I worked for over 10 years in the business but was ready for a change after my son was born. I was still styling after I made my first dog tag, but decided to take it on full time once the requests started to grow.
“A photo of my children, books for inspiration, and a skull all sit on my desk.”
“I got this 70s vintage light at High Style Deco in Chelsea to hang over my desk. I liked the idea of something old in a new space.”
“I love skulls. I got this one from Barneys and he sits perfectly on the table in our showroom.”
What are the biggest rewards of being an entrepreneur? Biggest challenges?
The biggest reward, hands down, is seeing the line grow and noticing strangers walking down the street wearing my designs. The biggest challenge is managing others and the rapid growth of the company. You quickly realize that no one thinks like you do, which is why communication is key!
What inspires your collections and how do you start the design process for each collection?
Since I don’t get much downtime with work in the showroom and 2 children, my inspiration often comes late at night when I have some time to sit down and draw out new pieces.
“A peek at some of the newer pieces in the brass line…”
We love all the gold in your work! What’s currently your favorite piece?
Currently my favorite pieces are the burnished word diamond pieces. Rose gold too. I have a wedding band with my husband’s name on it and an equation for my family J+K=S&D
We love your new showroom? How did you come up with the design?
I started with the natural python wallpaper my best friend Michelle Gerson who is an interior designer found for me. She called me on my cell freaking out that it was perfect, and she was right. I took that swatch, chose the paint and searched for the perfect vintage chandelier. I wanted it all to feel warm, with an edge at the same time.
“My life on a chain…. I still wear my original dog tag with my son’s name on it everyday.”
What advice do you have for women looking to start their own jewelry line?
Just get out there and do it. Don’t be afraid of anything. Its the only way. No Fear.
“A display in the showroom of some of the more delicate necklaces in the fine collection.”
How do you sparkle? (this is literally or figuratively)
Do you really need to ask?… (see below)
