Q & A with Jenny Dayco December 2016
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I was very excited to learn that she was open to sharing more about her process and how she came to be one of JJ's go-to custom jewelry designers. Not only that, but she's begun re-creating some of those custom pieces for her online store! Her tagline is "Want a piece?" Um, yes please.
How did you get into jewelry making?
I started making jewelry just for fun around 2003! I'm a plus size woman, so at the time, plus size clothes weren't as fashion forward and edgy as they are now! So the only thing I could do to jazz up my outfits was through accessories and jewelry. I used to buy a ton of jewelry--but at one point, the idea of "Why don't I make my own?" dawned on me! When I was in college, my graphic design program had a heavy art emphasis, so it felt natural to try to create unique pieces to wear. So I made all kinds of fun and "out there" pieces, and wore them when I would go out with friends or to events. At one point, a college friend suggested I make jewelry for his store. And then it kind of went from there!
I started making jewelry just for fun around 2003! I'm a plus size woman, so at the time, plus size clothes weren't as fashion forward and edgy as they are now! So the only thing I could do to jazz up my outfits was through accessories and jewelry. I used to buy a ton of jewelry--but at one point, the idea of "Why don't I make my own?" dawned on me! When I was in college, my graphic design program had a heavy art emphasis, so it felt natural to try to create unique pieces to wear. So I made all kinds of fun and "out there" pieces, and wore them when I would go out with friends or to events. At one point, a college friend suggested I make jewelry for his store. And then it kind of went from there!
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How did you meet Kaleo?
I started working with them through their wardrobe stylist, Audrey Brianne! She had pulled (borrowed) some of my jewelry for their appearance on Conan in March. Danny ended up wearing one of my leather wrap bracelets for that particular performance!
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Last June, Audrey contacted me again about getting some pieces for the guys, and that's how I got to meet JJ! She said he was interested in seeing more of my jewelry (since he LOVES jewelry), and whatever bits and pieces I had available for him to look at. I basically brought him a mini "jewelry store"! It was a large assortment of stones, beads, pendants, feathers, metal pieces, and ready made pieces for him to go through. I think what made this experience impressionable for me is that I got to see what he initially felt drawn to. Jewelry is such a personal thing, as you wear it so close to your body, so I think it's important to always have a tactile impression of it, and see how it makes you feel!
When they performed at the Fonda Theatre in October, I officially got to meet Danny and David in person, thanks to Audrey! |
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How would you describe your style?
I would probably describe my style as eclectic, I guess? I myself dress in many different ways, and in many different styles, so I guess that naturally comes out in my work. I'm mostly known for making big, chunky, statement jewelry for women--lately it's been a wonderful challenge to learn how to make things for guys! But I've also been enjoying how to make simpler, everyday pieces for women as well! I've been making jewelry for 13 years now, and it's a continuous learning process. I taught myself how to macrame just for JJ! And now that is part of my skill set, permanently in my creative "toolbox"! How would you describe Kaleo's style? Each of them are all a little different! I would say JJ's style is like a younger, modern Keith Richards (from the Rolling Stones) with a bluesy, edgy twist. In looking at their Instagram recently, I like that he actually is a bit experimental with his style, and it appears refined and carefully thought out. I don't know the other guys as well, but in looking at their photos on social media, I would say that Danny has an "effortless hipster" style, David has a quirky and goofy, almost borderline hilarious street style, and Rubin has a 70's classic vintage vibe with his dress shirts and tailored pants. If you had to categorize each band member by a jewel or stone, what would each one be and why? Geez, I wish I had more time to answer this one--it would take a bit of research to make sure I got it right! |
You mostly design custom pieces for JJ. How do you come up with them?
Which pieces do you find him particularly drawn to?
After our mini "jewelry store" meeting, I definitely was able to get a greater insight into what he likes and what he's drawn to. Observing him pick up bits and pieces, holding the pieces in his hand, helped me understand what resonates with him personally! I believe that people touch and feel jewelry instinctively, as it usually rouses one's curiosity enough to explore it with their hands. We started to assemble some bits and pieces together, and once we did that, I just took it from there! Since wearing jewelry is such a personal experience, making it is also a very personal experience. So in meeting him, seeing what he is like and what he likes, listening to their album, and under Audrey's stylistic direction, I began to get a clearer vision of what to make for him. I did a few rounds of listening to their album to get inspired by their music, creatively absorbing the melodies and the lyrics! I almost think that their album gave me a "road map" of his personal style and aesthetic--their music influencing my work, my work being worn by him, from one artist to another, like a continuous circle of awesomeness!
Which pieces do you find him particularly drawn to?
After our mini "jewelry store" meeting, I definitely was able to get a greater insight into what he likes and what he's drawn to. Observing him pick up bits and pieces, holding the pieces in his hand, helped me understand what resonates with him personally! I believe that people touch and feel jewelry instinctively, as it usually rouses one's curiosity enough to explore it with their hands. We started to assemble some bits and pieces together, and once we did that, I just took it from there! Since wearing jewelry is such a personal experience, making it is also a very personal experience. So in meeting him, seeing what he is like and what he likes, listening to their album, and under Audrey's stylistic direction, I began to get a clearer vision of what to make for him. I did a few rounds of listening to their album to get inspired by their music, creatively absorbing the melodies and the lyrics! I almost think that their album gave me a "road map" of his personal style and aesthetic--their music influencing my work, my work being worn by him, from one artist to another, like a continuous circle of awesomeness!
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(Whenever Jenny can find photos of JJ wearing one of the pieces she's made for him, she posts a side-by-side on her Instagram account with a close-up of the custom piece. Based on these photos alone, he seems to be able to wear her stuff out anywhere!)
So in taking all that inspiration, I try to channel all of that into tangible, real pieces! I also work instinctively as well, so I just start picking up beads, stones, and all kinds of things that I think he might like. He is definitely drawn to turquoise and silver pieces, but he enjoys mixed metals and stone beads in general. I incorporated feathers into some of his pieces, just as an added textural element, which he really loves! And plus, its something soft against metal or stone components, which I think is a nice touch. Recently, I made a couple necklaces for him using a soft thread instead of a chain--I just wanted to experiment with different textures, so that he can layer his necklaces together in a unique way.
Say someone recognized one of your pieces on JJ during a concert or in a magazine or in a fan photo and wanted that exact one -- could they just ask you to make it again?
Yes, they can definitely reach out and ask! Due to the nature of some of the pieces I've made for JJ, the majority of them are one of a kind. There are a handful of pieces I can re-create again, but in very limited amounts.
Say someone recognized one of your pieces on JJ during a concert or in a magazine or in a fan photo and wanted that exact one -- could they just ask you to make it again?
Yes, they can definitely reach out and ask! Due to the nature of some of the pieces I've made for JJ, the majority of them are one of a kind. There are a handful of pieces I can re-create again, but in very limited amounts.
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I try to post pictures on social media of the stuff that is available online--he definitely has numerous amounts of my pieces, so I'm always checking to see if there are good photos of him wearing anything I've made! What's also been really cool is that his fans have been super sweet and respectful when they do reach out to me, and I was able to tell JJ that in person!
Want a piece? These JJ approved pieces are currently for sale at Jenny's online store! Scroll over each image for details, or click to open the site link and see if they are still available for purchase: |
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Tell us how you find the materials for making your jewelry (stones, feathers, charms, etc)
I pretty much gather materials from everywhere I can! I'm quite a shopper, so I'll get anything from traveling gem and mineral shows, vintage shops, downtown LA, local bead stores, online, etc. And when I go on road trips, I try to pick up supplies and things from each destination I visit!
I pretty much gather materials from everywhere I can! I'm quite a shopper, so I'll get anything from traveling gem and mineral shows, vintage shops, downtown LA, local bead stores, online, etc. And when I go on road trips, I try to pick up supplies and things from each destination I visit!
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Can you sort of walk us through the creative process of designing a piece from start to finish?
It usually starts with me picking up a bead, a stone, or some kind of component. Then I look at it, and try to match it up with other things that might look good or appear interesting with it, like matching up pieces of a puzzle. Whether it's mixing colors, or textures, or stones and metals, for me, it's typically like "artistic problem solving" with an idea, that has a beginning and an end. I told JJ that how I make jewelry is probably similar to how he composes a song. For instance, it begins with an intentional idea, and I "compose" the piece using the elements I have. And then it has an ending, where the piece is fully complete and finished. |
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Do you remember the very first piece of jewelry you sold? Yes, I do! It was an antique silver key necklace that had depictions of Catholic saints! It was the very first thing I sold at my friend's boutique so many years ago! What is your most favorite piece of jewelry that you've designed for yourself? That's so hard to say, I love everything! I typically don't keep a lot of my own pieces for myself, because I would rather my work go out in to the universe for people to cherish and love. Lately I've been wearing a few of the macrame wrap bracelets that I made, because they're nice everyday pieces that are easy to wear often. Usually the pieces I end up keeping are ones that mark special moments in my career, like Rihanna wearing the very first pearl necklace I made in her music video, or a key necklace Taylor Swift wore in her "Fearless" album, or the last version of a necklace Beyonce requested personally to own. |
That's Jenny's peach pearl gradient necklace that Rihanna bites in this video!
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If money and materials were not an issue, what kind of piece would you want to design?
At heart I am an artist, but I'm the kind of artist that sometimes needs limits. If I have too much creative freedom with no boundaries, I'll get overwhelmed with too many ideas and want to tackle them all at the same time! I guess kind of like making a spiderweb that just bursts from the center? If that makes sense? So I feel most comfortable working with tangible elements that already exist, and creating pieces from any given origin point. But, I can imagine myself exploring the idea of jewelry as clothing, similar to Paco Rabanne's infamous coin and metal dresses from the 1960's.
At heart I am an artist, but I'm the kind of artist that sometimes needs limits. If I have too much creative freedom with no boundaries, I'll get overwhelmed with too many ideas and want to tackle them all at the same time! I guess kind of like making a spiderweb that just bursts from the center? If that makes sense? So I feel most comfortable working with tangible elements that already exist, and creating pieces from any given origin point. But, I can imagine myself exploring the idea of jewelry as clothing, similar to Paco Rabanne's infamous coin and metal dresses from the 1960's.
Read this great article about Paco Rabanne and his influence on fashion history
What words of advice could you give to someone who wanted to get into the jewelry-making business?
Usually I tell people to start small! Focus on making the pieces that you enjoy, and be sure to share it with the entire world! Word of mouth also is an invaluable asset, so definitely don't be afraid to showcase your work online and to the people around you. I also tell people to not focus too hard on what's "trending", as pieces are made from one's own creative spirit, it is within each piece that is made. As everyone is unique, the work will typically be unique to one's own vision and talent. Trust your own talent, and your own instinct when it comes down to business and dealing with other people. Know that your aesthetic and creativity are enough, be open to developing new skills, and grow creatively--because you'll always be learning about yourself and your career, every step of the way!
If you can't afford to hire others to do it, try to develop basic business skills, whether it be accounting, correspondence, creative writing, product photography, etc. And don't ever hesitate to ask your friends and loved ones for some counsel where you need it. My friends and family have always been a constantly loving, encouraging, and supportive part of my career--without them I don't know how I would have gotten this far.
Usually I tell people to start small! Focus on making the pieces that you enjoy, and be sure to share it with the entire world! Word of mouth also is an invaluable asset, so definitely don't be afraid to showcase your work online and to the people around you. I also tell people to not focus too hard on what's "trending", as pieces are made from one's own creative spirit, it is within each piece that is made. As everyone is unique, the work will typically be unique to one's own vision and talent. Trust your own talent, and your own instinct when it comes down to business and dealing with other people. Know that your aesthetic and creativity are enough, be open to developing new skills, and grow creatively--because you'll always be learning about yourself and your career, every step of the way!
If you can't afford to hire others to do it, try to develop basic business skills, whether it be accounting, correspondence, creative writing, product photography, etc. And don't ever hesitate to ask your friends and loved ones for some counsel where you need it. My friends and family have always been a constantly loving, encouraging, and supportive part of my career--without them I don't know how I would have gotten this far.
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What is your favorite Kaleo song?
All their songs are so amazing, it's hard to narrow down to just one! When I first heard the album, I was really drawn to "I Can't Go On Without You", in hearing it for the first time, it immediately brought me to tears! But right now I have "Save Yourself" on repeat! Both songs seem to resonate with me deeply, at this particular point in my life. What's so incredible about their music is that it does create an impactful, soul-stirring experience, that everyone gets to enjoy! |
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