Carmel Mom Creates Handmade Jewelry For Everyday Women
Photography Provided
Jennifer Adhlakha grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and has always been interested in fashion. She grew up attending Catholic school and wearing uniforms. Because of this, she had to express her personal style through accessories. One of her first jobs was at a fabric and crafts store, where she was able to identify different materials to assemble accessories and jewelry.
Adhlakha moved to Carmel 15 years ago and started creating jewelry for herself and friends. She opened j.nicole jewelry in 2003 as she was seeking an opportunity to create edgy and effortless pieces that women felt beautiful wearing.
As she began designing out of her studio, j.nicole quickly grew into a brand that can be recognized for its unique and elegant design.
Adhlakha’s studio has always been in her home. She’s balanced her work and home life, being a busy mom of three children.
“I started my business when my oldest daughter was six months old. She is now 18 years old, Adhlakha says. “I love being able to work from home because I was always able to create my own hours around the needs of my children.”
The artist started by selling her jewelry to boutiques and doing home parties. She is a self-taught artist but often takes courses to learn about new methods. Most of the time, she learns by trial and error.
“If I think of a design or see something that inspires me, I will try different techniques to recreate my vision,” Adhlakha says.
The response from the Carmel community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“As a local woman-owned small business, I have had a lot of success working with other local small business owners. Says Adhlakha. “I have been invited to countless local events!”
Adhlakha doesn’t get her inspiration from any one place. Instead, she says it really depends on what she’s feeling that day and her surroundings. She loves texture and mixing metals.
“I recently visited Cabo and while I was there I was mesmerized by the vibrant stain glass, which helped inspired my summer collection,” Adhlakha says.
The combination of leather, semi-precious stones, pearls, brass and silver gives her work an unexpected and uniquely original style.
Adhlaka says she regularly finds herself engrossed in making something and forgets that what she is doing is her job.
“I am blessed that I get to do what I truly love every day,” Adhlakha says. “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. Creating and designing jewelry is just part of who I am.”
To see more of her work and shop her designs, visit shopjnicolejewelry.com.
j.nicole jewelry will host several Pop Up shops coming up Nov. 29-Dec.1 and Dec. 20-22 at Clay Terrace located next door to the Java House Coffee Bar.
