Erica Kartak

 

I’m so excited to introduce you to the next creative in my Spotlight On series! Jenny Rodriguez is a local Phoenician that created PureLife Jewelry where she makes and sells her own unique jewelry. I met her last fall and fell in love with her triangle necklaces (worn here, here and here). I’ve honestly received more compliments on it than any other piece of jewelry I own! I’m not embarrassed to admit I own the necklace in both black and turquoise and would gladly add any of the other colors to my collection. To top it off, Jenny is a complete sweetheart!

 

 

Read on to learn more about Jenny and an exciting giveaway!

Me: What is your background?

Jenny: My background is in Marketing, events and promotions. Currently, I work as a Marketing Manager for a media company in Scottsdale.

Me: Is Pure Life Jewelry your full-time career? If not, how do you balance your “day job” and Pure Life Jewelry?

Jenny: Pure Life isn’t my full-time career at the moment, although I would love for it to be that way! Balancing Pure Life between my day job consists of a lot of coffee and late nights. I wouldn’t trade it for the world though. I really love making jewelry and owning a small business.

Me: How did you get your start in making jewelry?

Jenny: My Etsy business started from a small project my friend Dustin asked me to help him with. He was working at a Phoenix-based advertising agency at the time and needed some unique jewelry for a photo shoot. Dustin asked if I could help create some nice jewelry pieces and I was totally on board to help! I always had a knack for creating jewelry. Even as a kid I sold bracelets and different pieces to my mom’s friends and co-workers, just so I could make some money before Christmas time.
After the photo shoot I had actually sold a couple pieces to the owner of the clothing company. I felt pretty confident at that point and thought about taking this “hobby” a step forward in the right direction. I went to Etsy and created my site and soon enough orders kept coming in and it bloomed from that moment on.

Me: You have mentioned you’re inspired by your Costa Rican and Mexican heritage. In what ways does your heritage inspire you?

Jenny: First of all, my Costa Rican heritage influenced the name of my company. In Costa Rica, “Pura Vida” is a term used by Costa Ricans. Although it has a simple English translation, “Pure Life” has a far larger meaning for the Costa Rican culture than many people understand. “Pura vida!” means that no matter what your current situation is, you must look at what you have verses what you don’t have. No matter how little or how much you have in life, we are all here together. Life is extremely short, so start living & loving to the fullest. I wanted my company to represent this ideology because this was how I was raised. These are ideals my parents have instilled in me. Both my Costa Rican & Mexican heritage have inspired the aesthetics of my jewelry – I like to keep everything natural with a bit of a southwestern touch.

Me: What is the most challenging part of running your own small business?

Jenny: Finding the time to balance everything is extremely challenging. Sometimes I find myself up till the wee hours of the night busting out orders but when I look back at those nights I can’t help but feel proud.

Hard work always pays off and I know if I keep working towards my end goal I can attain it!

Me: I saw a couple of sneak peeks on Instagram and at Phoenix Flea. Can you talk about any new designs or jewelry you have coming out soon?

Jenny: My spring designs are going to be bright & incorporate lots of fun gemstones! You will see plenty lightweight everyday wear earrings. I am currently taking a couple metal-smithing classes so more complex pieces are in the works, as well as some rings!

Me: Where can we find your jewelry?

Jenny: Currently my jewelry is sold at local shops in the Phoenix area: Bunky Boutique, Here on the Corner & Boutique A Go Go. You can also find me on Etsy at PureLifeForever.

Me: This is going to be a tough one. If you had to pick one piece of your jewelry, what would be your favorite?

Jenny: I would say my bullet necklaces they’re simple & perfect for layering! Although that is my one favorite, all my designs are near and dear to my heart! As far as making necklaces, I do have specific pieces I enjoy making more than others. For example I love making long beaded necklaces and anything involving wirework and/or beautifully colored stones/gemstones/minerals/crystals. My absolute favorites stones are Turquoise and Chrysoprase.

 

You can find PureLife Forever on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Etsy. Jenny so graciously offered to give away three necklaces to Luv in the Bubble readers. Enter below for your chance to win! Giveaway ends on Friday, June 12th at midnight.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All photos courtesy of PureLife’s Facebook page.