Introducing Jane Winchester Paradis, founder of Jane Win Jewelry
What excites you most about your Showfields activation?
JW: We know we have a customer in the Georgetown area and we are excited to give them a place to see and touch our pieces – and we want to show off the brand to new people in the area. Showfield’s creates such a unique experience – it’s exciting to see Jane Win in such a fun store environment.
What inspires you?
JW: Our coins all have meaning behind them, and then people take that meaning and connect with it, and start layering their pieces – it is so exciting and inspiring to us. We want to create that connection, and when we do, it inspires us to design more pieces that can mark moments with the wearer. From a design perspective we are inspired by how coins and symbolism have been used in jewelry for centuries. And we are obsessed with hearts so every time we see one in nature we find a way to turn it into a new piece!
How would others describe your brand?
JW: Our brand is optimistic, we really believe in the positive in life. So I guess we would be described as luxury with a smile, no attitude but a lot of personality. We want to make others feel heard and special…
What do you do in your free time?
JW: For Jane Win I travel constantly. I was just in Italy working with a new factory in Naples to carve the most gorgeous onyx heart earrings. And I am writing the answers to this blog while in Montecito California as I visit clients. So travel is a big one.
What do you believe is Jane Win’s superpower?
JW: I think we make people smile, we can break through some of the noise and connect. Isn’t that incredible in today’s world? I see it all the time as people choose the right coin to start their collection or gift someone they adore. They read the meaning behind the piece and know instantly which piece they have to have. It’s the power of connection. And then they just adore it so much and get a million compliments!
What has been the most powerful piece of criticism you've received and how has it affected your career?
JW: I used to have a sticker on my computer that said “I’m too pretty to do math” and a consultant who was very successful – worked with the biggest brands - pulled me aside and said, “you are a smart woman, no need to play dumb”. And he was right…you can do anything you put your mind to, don’t pretend you can’t. Take a seat at the table. Use your voice.
Do you ever experience burnout and how do you handle it?
JW: Such a great question and I will answer it for me and the jane win team…we REALLY have moments as a start-up brand when we all go – all out. We take time to regroup, and for each member of the team that is different. For me, it is long walks. For our designer Rachel- she likes to visit the art museum or create something not related to jewelry. I believe in having TIME to do that. So as a company we handle it by trying to give people the time they need to regroup.
What motivated you to start your company?
JW: Starting a company at age 45 is not the path that many take. Here’s how it happened…I am an east coast girl. Born in New Hampshire, childhood in Georgia, boarding school in Massachusetts, college in Florida, many years in NYC, and am now settled outside Philadelphia. I had a robust career in design and fashion marketing, working for brands such as Barneys New York and Lilly Pulitzer. In 2017 I went to the Women’s March in Washington DC and I realized that, while I LOVED my job at Lilly Pulitzer, I had been there for 11 years and I wanted to build something. I wanted to create something from scratch, something original that connected with women…and I wanted my kids to see me do it (we have 5 kids!). Fast forward 5 years and our brand has grown – just on fast forward. We are sold all over the US, our product assortment has grown from 8 coins to over a hundred styles, and we have been featured in Vogue and seen on celebrities from the first lady to Ashley Graham. It is a lesson in having a dream, building a strategy, and then working hard to turn it into reality. We LOVE what we do so much; it’s impossible to put into words how much.
