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It all started with a Diamond...
Jeanne Kirkland of Urban Posh, grew up at her grandfather’s knee, watching the light refract off the beautiful gemstones that he brought back from all corners of the earth. Both her grandparents were gemologists who traveled the world to find just that perfect stone. This attention to detail and love of beautiful things transferred to Jeanne. After getting laid off from a high tech softwear company (sometimes these things turn out to be blessings!), Jeanne went to work in the jewelry department of a high end department store. Surrounded by the cases of all this jewelry awakened in her a love of creating that had lain dormant for so long. Jeanne decided to set out on her own!
Jeanne's design process starts by holding each stone and drawing inspiration from it's color and sparkle. There are no intense sketching sessions; just an emotional connection that results in a one-of-a-kind piece. This hands-on approach (and Coldplay playing in the background!) serves as a springboard for her designs. How does she know when she has a hit? By wearing a piece out and about and judging by the response she gets. Jeanne laughingly admits that she also knows it in her gut, but just uses the "public eye" approach for added insurance. When she feels the piece is perfect...off it goes to her manufacturer in India. She has a wonderful relationship with her manufacturer and they are always spot-on with holding up her high standard of quality and replicating her exact vision and design. 
Currently, the Urban Posh studio is in Cedar Park, but they are looking for new digs in downtown Austin. Jeanne's collection reflects the heartbeat of Austin and the downtown vibe will match the urban flair of her jewelry. You can view her collection here or at trunk shows at Eliza Page, B. Chic, Soigne, Slate, and Solid Gold. Jeanne is about to launch another line called Rock & Violet. The jewelry will be more cutting edge and will primarily be of gunmetal. She is about to be featured in Family Circle, Brides and Vogue magazine. Hayden Panettiere is a fan along with other celebrities.
Jeanne is surrounded by inspiration and support. Her father is her business partner and she calls him, “the most amazing blessing I've ever had.” All this love comes out in Jeanne's unique designs. We're dying to know what's next on her design radar.
Answer: Big yummy cocktail rings with stones from her grandparent's private collection. We can't wait!!
Five-minute Suzy Interview:
~What I like most about my career…getting to create every day.
~People may be surprised to know…my dream vacation is to go to Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
~My favorite time of day is…sunset.
~My favorite indulgence is…traveling.
~My inspiration is…all of the beauty around me.
~Values my family instilled in me…integrity.
~My favorite sound is…the ocean.
~My favorite smell…the ocean.
~The perfect evening is...walking on a beach at sunset.
~The most embarrassing download on my IPod is…Dan Fogelberg, "Same Old Lang Syne."
~I'm reading…Something Borrowed.
~I'm listening to…OceanLab and Coldplay.
~Favorite family outing…boating on Lake Austin.
~Favorite 'girl-time' outing…boating on Lake Austin.
~Everyday I must…do yoga at Yoga Yoga.
~I can't live without…my iPod.
~My favorite movie is…The Notebook.
~My favorite Austin restaurant...Tomo Sushi (their 007 roll is to die for!) on Parmer Lane and Wahoo's Fish Taco's.
~My favorite childhood memory…Eating peppermint ice cream and drinking coffee with my Baw Baw (grandpa).
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LINK: www.urbanposh.com
last updated Monday, September 29 2008 @ 12:56:56 AM
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