“Through design, anything is possible,” is a mantra shared by Jeniece Blanchet, founder and creative director of JeBlanc, the up-and-coming jewellery brand sitting pretty on the line that seperates the erotic from the au naturel. In the world of JeBlanc, opposing energies merge, coming together to manifest new forms that glow with a unique and intentional glamour.
A fan favourite, the Angel Aura Quartz chain is made with silver balls, dog tags — (all of which are engraved with the prophetic message: THE FUTURE OF FASHION IS HUMILITY) — and healing crystals said to inspire cosmic consciousness and connection. The silver-wired Beaded Mini Hoops feature the use of glass beads in icy mint and fresh green tones the same shade as early springtime. Earthy, utilitarian, and sensual, the pieces have a habit of selling out within the hours, and who here is really surprised? The items seduce with their multi-functional, mystic designs that can shape-shift to be worn however you’d like them. A body chain, a necklace, a choker. Function inspires form.
What possibly differentiates JeBlanc from the overcrowded, overproduced fast-fashion scene is its unique message and thoughtful pace. Each piece is created 1-of-1 on a made to order basis. The intention that shapes its form gives JeBlanc a distinct upper hand in a world where consumers and fashion connoisseurs are looking to invest in pieces they can take with them for the long-haul. Sentiment is sought after and Jeniece most definitely understands how to deliver. And even while being a small, intimate brand, pieces from the line have been spotted on stylish tastemakers such as R&B singer Diana Gordon, Ciara, and supermodel Jasmine Daniels. NBGA connected with the feeling-focused designer to talk about the early days of JeBlanc, her design philosophy, and the magic of personal regeneration.
DESCRIBE THE INCEPTION OF YOUR LOVE FOR DESIGN. THE BEGINNING OF JEBLANC LOOKED LIKE…
To be able to control the narrative and make something beautiful out of nothing. That’s the foundation of my love for design. Everything in this world was made no different from human beings like you and I. Through design, I feel like I am truly able to bring that aspect to life, and make it tangible. Through design, anything is possible. The beginning of JeBlanc was daydreaming.
WHY JEWELRY?
To be very honest, I didn’t start with jewelry. I started with a quote “THE FUTURE OF FASHON IS HUMILITY.” I was trying to figure out a way that others could carry this message with them. Not just on a t-shirt that ends up in your laundry basket, but something more long-lasting. I saw the world becoming gaudy and fashion was included in that. Real style was diminishing. What I was doing just so happened to turn into jewels through creativity — but it was the process of accessorizing my world and being surrounded by items that feel full of life that really inspired me. Items that the sun can reflect off, items that glisten — that is what inspired the jewelry. Jewelry is timeless. It never depreciates.
WHY ONE OF A KIND?
Personal, intimate experiences give me a dynamic connection in many realms for everyone involved. If you’re wearing a piece that you know was personal for you and handmade, it holds such a sentimental value. Slowly, the way you carry yourself becomes the same. Exclusivity is so profound. We are all so complex and everyone deserves to feel special.
WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?
Allowing others a space of pure individual artistic expression BECAUSE it is vital for conquering confidence and for loving YOURself.
A SONG THAT FEELS LIKE MY CREATIVE PROCESS IS…
Canto de Xangô by Baden Powell & Vinicius de Moraes (THE WHOLE ALBUM IS TRULY MAGICAL).
YOUR PIECES ARE SULTRY, SENSUAL, AND DOWN TO EARTH. WHAT DO YOU WISH FOR PEOPLE TO FEEL WHEN THEY WEAR JEBLANC?
HEALED AND CONFIDENT. [I want] to spark creativity through versatility. Living is an art. We are all artists in some way.
WHAT INSPIRED THE USE OF HEALING CRYSTALS IN YOUR WORK? DOES SPIRITUALITY INFORM YOUR ART?
The concept of healing itself. ESPECIALLY in times like these. We need to feel calm, pure, and intentional in our kindness. We also need to feel fly and elegant. When you look good, you feel better.
DESCRIBE YOUR AURA IN THE THREE BEST WORDS YOU CAN THINK OF.
Bright yellow and orange with the piercing center of the glowing green heart chakra. Non-judgemental, universally aware, loving, sexy, and free. I’m here to allow growth, I’m here as God’s child. I always want to set an example.
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL SUPERPOWER?
I possess the power of regeneration. I make something that feels old or vintage and outdated and I make it feel bright, new, and modern. I would also call this being a modern traditionalist, but I live with this perception on many levels. We all can shine ourselves off and be new again. We can take on new perspectives, new opinions, new physical attributes, new hearts. This goes for even household items and vintage pieces. I don’t take it lightly.
WHAT ARE YOU COOKING UP NEXT FOR JEBLANC IN THE MANIFESTATION REALM?
Respect. Also, the platform to be able to tell my story. I want us, as a human race, to feel connected to one another and be ourselves in the purest form. I want to not only make beautiful things but to be surrounded by them and share the beautiful details of life on this planet. Connection in all realms. I want to make clothing, work under someone that sparks me, and keep having new experiences.
THANK YOU, JENIECE!
Keep up with the designer on Instagram and make sure to stop by JeBlanc’s official online storefront.
