Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Jiggetts.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Jennifer Jiggetts Jewelry. I started making jewelry when I was 8 years old and never stopped. From 2012-2014, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho in southern Africa teaching English and Life Skills to elementary school students. The problem I noticed was the girls’ education was not on par with that of the boys because they had more domestic chores.
My community and I started a jewelry business called the Tsoaing (Swy-ing) Primary School Craft Project and raised enough money to install a water pump. As a result, my girls’ test scores increased and they were able to stay in school. Also, we were recognized by the Obamas’ Let Girls Learn Initiative and the jewelry retailer Alex and Ani. I now source seshoeshoe (seh-shway-shway) beads from my beloved Basotho community.
My ultimate mission is to create joyful moments for my customers and to embolden marginalized communities through entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been paved with many growth opportunities. For example, I am balancing my business obligations with other priorities and that has been a challenging but rewarding experience. It has taught me to truly value my time and apply the appropriate boundaries where necessary to successfully manage and execute in all areas of my life. I have had to truly lean into time management to make every aspect of my life work.
There are also times when I have to prioritize rest over everything so that I can have the energy I need to be my best self no matter what hat I am wearing. I have found that taking time out for myself has allowed me to rest, restore, and show up in a way that allows me to pour from an overflow. Overall, time management is still a balancing act for me, but it has taught me how to be much more efficient with my resources.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I make dazzling, handcrafted jewelry for stylish women. I also make custom pieces as well. I am known for my seshoeshoe (seh-shway-shway) beaded jewelry. I source these beads from my beloved community in Lesotho, southern Africa, where I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer from 2012-2014.
I am most proud that I am making an impact in my community domestically and abroad by creating joyful moments for my customers and emboldening marginalized communities through entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I think Baltimore truly lives up to its name: Charm City.
I have always been impressed with the culture and cuisine and more importantly, the people — the heart and soul of Baltimore. I love people-watching at the Inner Harbor and noshing at Miss Shirley’s Café when I’m in town!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenniferjiggettsjewelry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferjiggettsjewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferjiggettsjewelry/
- Twitter: https://www.pinterest.com/jenniferjiggettsjewelry
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgAlMjfwknQeErYtqIbrG1Q
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@jenniferjiggettsjewelry
Image Credits
Jennifer Jiggetts Jewelry
