Hot Interview: Jennifer Sarkilahti for Odette New York, Jewelry that Waxes Poetic - Stylehive

About Jennifer:

Jennifer Sarkilahti handcrafts elegant and pretty jewelry with an artisan feel from wax carving and casting. These delicate pieces range from fine charms to striking pendants and are crafted from sterling silver, or 14K yellow and rose gold. Based in New York City, Jennifer is originally from Virginia. She was a professional painter, receiving a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from George Mason University. Drawing inspiration from nature, art, and modern design, Jennifer launched her collection in 2005. Providing a nice change from overdone jewelry at department stores, Odette is available at distinctive boutiques across the country, including Bettina Duncan at Fred Segal in Los Angeles, Pink in Richmond, and Brooklyn€™s Cog and Pearl.

Stylehive: How did you initially get involved in jewelry design? Have you always known that's what you wanted to do?

JS: I studied painting and fine arts for my graduate degree. I continue to draw on these skills and experiences, but my specific jewelry training comes from a combination of meddling around in my studio and apprenticing for the talented designer Page Sargisson when I moved to New York. With jewelry, the marriage of form and function is the challenge that continues to drive my creative interest. I always knew I would be doing something creative in my everyday life; I am restless without it.

SH: What does the name 'Odette' mean?

JS: I chose the name Odette for my company because I like the sound of the French name, which is probably most familiar from Swan Lake and Proust€™s Swann€™s Way. There are a few variations of the meaning but my favorite is €œa happy home.€� What could be more ideal than that?

SH: What is your design philosophy?

JS: My philosophy thus far: trust your instincts. Be willing to fail and try not to let fear keep you from moving forward. I am constantly designing new things and exploring ideas. That is the most interesting part for me. The rest, however necessary it may be, is secondary.

SH: Do you look to apparel and accessory trends each season, or do you design independently of what is happening in the industry?

JS: Most often, I design independently of what is happening in the industry. That may be in part the defiant artist in me; a desire to have a different look and feel then what is standard. That being said, it is difficult to be a business person in this industry without knowing what is happening, so I certainly do my research and try to keep up with things.

SH: Your designs have a very whimsical yet modern feel. How would you describe your customer?

JS: My customer is someone who appreciates artistic and inspiring design, quality materials and craftsmanship. She tends to have a keen wit about her and she may be feminine, but also a little rough and edgy at the same time. She likes to wear jewelry that is interesting and timeless; that she will be happy to have taking up space in her jewelry box twenty years from now.

SH: Your jewelry is beautifully handcrafted. How long does it take to make each necklace?

JS: The process begins with pencil sketches that I translate by hand-carving the design into wax; which can be very tedious. A mold is created from the wax and the precious metal is cast and polished. I couldn€™t say exactly how long the process takes because there are many steps, but each piece is thoroughly scrutinized before it leaves my hands.

SH: What challenges do you face with what you do?

JS: The challenges I face are probably the same for any small business owner. It can be lonely running a business and there is always the need for a ton of moral support.

SH: What piece of advice would you give to aspiring jewelry designers?

JS: Find a distinctive voice or point-of-view with your design. It will help keep things interesting. Present your jewelry and your company well; even the fine details are incredibly important. Keep yourself too busy to be able to get discouraged. Celebrate your successes, no matter how tiny; they start to add up.

Odette's Site in the Hive: site/odetteny.com

Odette's Website: odetteny.com