shop spotlight || woodland owl

As a Mama, I love finding jewelry that represents my family and the joy of motherhood, so when I was given the opportunity to feature Woodland Owl and her gorgeous nest necklaces, to say I was thrilled was an understatement. Not only do I hold my nest necklace close to my heart because of my blog, A Blessed Nest, but with three eggs in it, it represents our little family of 3. Every time I put it on, I am reminded of the gift that God has given me through my beautiful family. 

Jessica, a full time Stay at Home Mom and the incredible talent behind Woodland Owl started her business back in July of 2012 after making nest necklaces for her own Mom and Mother in Law and seeing how much they loved them. She wanted to make something that would encapsulate the meaning of motherhood in a keepsake piece. She has always loved making things that are sentimental and that have a unique meaning to each person, and that is one of the things I love most about her shop. Women love to receive gifts that are personalized to them; all my favorite jewelry is just that -- customized with names, dates, and symbols that represent my loved ones. The nest collection from Woodland Owl is no exception; I absolutely love the nest and matching earring set that Jessica made just for me, and I receive compliments on them everywhere I go.

Jessica shares more of her story below.

Where does your shop name come from?

I'm a sucker for those happy forest scenes that are found in Disney movies, you know, the ones with butterflies, hooting owls, singing birds, little bunnies, cute orange foxes and flowers sprinkled in a backdrop of beautiful trees. That's where my name comes from, and I thought it was very fitting since I wanted to focus on custom nest necklaces! Hand making things takes me to a place of relaxation and it allows me to let my imagination run wild, so I thought it was fitting for me to name my business after a scene that I love so much! 

What inspires you?

People inspire me! Stories inspire me! I think handmade is such a beautiful process because it allows me to turn ideas, stories, sentiment into something tangible- jewelry! I had someone order a necklace for her friend who had miscarried several babies and wanted to get something for her to memorialize her losses. (I shed a tear or two when I made that nest!) I've had people order and ask to have eggs represent losses of grandparents and parents. One time, I had a man buy a ring from me to propose to his girlfriend with as a stand in ring for her actual engagement ring which was not yet done! I'm so inspired by the stories people tell, the love that people have for others. I feel so honoured that people would ask me to make such sentimental pieces! 

I'm also inspired by simple, bright things I notice in day to day life. For example, I may see a scarf at the mall that may have caught my eye. I'll keep it in mind and design a piece that may look good with it! Or I may be inspired by a word, like recently, the word "shine." I'm also inspired by things I see in nature- acorns and nests in particular! (I also make acorn necklaces and branch necklaces!) My aim for my jewelry is for it to be a “pick-me-up” in the middle of a bad week, or as a “just because” gift to yourself. Mamas need to spoil themselves and I like to design my jewelry and my branding around that idea. I want to create something that is affordable, sentimental, and holds meaning to a mother and reminds her of who she is -- a beautiful mama! I also love pretty packaging, and I like to make my mail “happy” with my favorite color: mint, and also with baker’s twine and pretty branding. Of course, my jewelry is also great for those who aren’t moms, and I like to think that some of my jewelry can be like adult best friend necklaces. These are kind of the ideas that inspire me to make the jewelry that I make.

What products do you have the most fun creating?

I think my most favourite thing to make are customized nests! I love knowing that the nest will hold a special meaning to the person wearing it! 

What have you found to be the most rewarding throughout your business journey?

The most rewarding thing is hearing feedback and connecting with people -- customers and other vendors alike! When people tell me that they have cried when they received an order, whether they ordered for themselves or had received a gift. That it made their week! Or when someone simply tells me they enjoyed chatting with me when we have been designing a custom nest together! Its so rewarding to chat with other people at markets! I've made friends because someone stopped by my booth to buy a necklace and we end up hitting it off! I LOVE doing markets and chatting with people! I love it when people tell me that they enjoyed opening their package; I love chatting with other businesses and bloggers about the joys and perils of working at home while taking care of a family, sharing tips with each other, etc.  Running my own business has been rewarding because it allows me to connect with others! 

It's also incredibly rewarding to connect with other vendors and businesses, the support that I've received from other businesses is so inspiring, and I've been so touched by other bloggers who have written about me, (like you, Megan!), and by other businesses who have encouraged me SO much. To be able to chat with another WAHM and talk about the difficulties of working from home, and be able to find humor in small things that other people don't understand is something I never take for granted! As a SAHM, I am so thankful for these connections that I have made, because it reminds me that we are all in this together and that we aren't alone! 

What has been the best part about owning your own business?

I think aside from allowing me to connect with others, it would be that my business has become an outlet for me. It's allowed my creative juices to flow, and it's given me something to escape to when I have changed diapers and wiped snot all day! It helps me unwind and keeps me on my toes- because day to day tasks involved with taking care of young children can be tedious! (How many times did I pick up their toys today? 923, 295?) And I love that I can help supplement out income while doing something I absolutely love! 

What is your family like and what is life like outside your business?

I am an amazing wife to a man that I have the privilege of calling husband, provider and protector. I have a one year old and a 3.5 year old. We plan to have lots of kids, though we're going to take one pregnancy at a time. We'd love to have at least 6 kids! Twins run in our family too! My hubby and I got married when we were 19/20 and started having kids at 22. It's been tough to start a family young, especially financially, but we are living our happily ever after! My one year old is a cheerful, cheeky, little bunny and super cuddly. He's one of those "easy" babies. And my 3.5 year old is a highly spirited, opinionated, passionate and he's our wild little man who doesn't let anyone get in his way of his dreams. 

My life outside my business? What life? Haha, just kidding. I'm a full time SAHM, so if I'm not working, I'm out with the kids, cooking dinner, cleaning, doing laundry or doing something for the kids or the husband. I love it though, and I don't ever regret putting my schooling and career on hold to be a SAHM even though it means that we are financially tight. We love taking our kids out to the zoo, the beach, and outdoors to explore. After the kids go to bed, my husband and I like to make ourselves yummy lattes and curl up watching a movie! Our lives really revolves around the kids, and we wouldn’t change it for the world! My husband has really inconsistent shifts at work, so it’s always a struggle to plan daytrips and such, but we love taking our kids out to the park and outdoors in general to explore. We’ve got two boys, and they love playing with dirt, sand and water! 

The talent and love that Jessica puts into each piece just amazes me...every bend and weave of the wire takes so much time, energy and patience. She offers a wide variety of jewelry beyond her nest pieces, including heart bunting necklaces, lockets, stamped bar necklaces, acorn necklaces, earrings and countless custom pieces. The quality and craftsmanship of the jewelry is phenomenal; I feel like I am wearing a work of art because there is nothing else like it. Just like my family, it is one of a kind.

what Woodland Owl is known for || Custom nest necklaces and matching earrings; other one of a kind handmade jewelry inspired by nature and crafted with the highest quality materials

what sets Woodland Owl apart || The entire concept of her jewelry -- it is unlike anything I've ever seen before; nests are iconic to represent family, motherhood and children, but to turn it into a beautiful piece of jewelry that can be customized for each woman by color and how many eggs are in the nest takes a creative mind and talent. Each necklace is feminine, dainty and delicate; they are not bulky, but a classy every day piece that works with any outfit or style and through every season. I just love that.

my favorite products || I am quite smitten with the set Jessica made for me with the natural colored eggs in it because turquoise is my absolute favorite, but aside from that I adore the nest necklace in feminine tones {here} and the one with faceted pearls {here} / I also love the bronze acorn necklace {here} because as a little girl I loved collecting acorns with my Dad & they have always been a special symbol // Start Shopping Here

giveaway || Jessica is so generously offering to give away any regular nest necklace to one lucky Blessed Nest reader! Of course the winner will be able to choose the egg color and number to customize it to their own family // To enter, simply complete the steps below in the Rafflecopter. Giveaway will run from Friday, November 14 thorough Thursday, November 20 and is open to residents in the US and Canada. All entries will be verified and the winner is responsible for contacting A Blessed Nest within 24 hours of being announced. Happiest weekend!

a Rafflecopter giveaway