Jessica Hendricks Yee // Zahava & The Brave Collection
Jessica Hendricks Yee creates jewelry with meaning while supporting local artisans. She is the creative spirit behind two brands: Zahava, which explores identity and a spiritual connection with the modern world, and The Brave Collection, which celebrates brave women and empowers girls against human trafficking. Jessica talked to us about the vision behind both brands, how she draws strength and inspiration, and what it has been like to find herself living abroad in Madrid during this chaotic time.
Earrings: Renata de Dalmas Jewelry, Jacquie Aiche, Bracelets: Jacquie Aiche, Finn, Rings: (Right hand) Vintage, Mark Patterson, Anne Sportun, (Left Hand) wedding band: Cathy Waterman, Engagement Rings: Mark Patterson. Blouse: Vivetta, Dress: The GREAT.
Jessica Hendricks Yee is the designer behind both The Brave Collection and Zahava. While the two brands are separate, they both share the spirit of using storytelling and collaboration with global artisans to create pieces with deep meaning. Not only does she operate two separate jewelry companies, she is also a new mother (her adorable son is just 7-months old), and she recently located to Madrid with her family. I photographed her in Brooklyn before she left, and asked her about her life in jewelry.
Tell me a bit about yourself. Where did you grow up, where did you study, when did you come to New York, where have you settled?
I was born in Paris, and grew up outside Manhattan. I went to NYU Tisch School of the Arts and got my BFA in Drama, and haven't left New York since. My home is in Williamsburg, but I’m currently living in Madrid with my husband and son.
What was your path to becoming a jewelry designer?
When I graduated from acting school, the only person who would hire me with the understanding that I would leave any time I would get an audition was my mom! My mom opened up a jewelry store when I was 14, so I started working on the sales floor, and then learned the buying, marketing and even elements of the design side of the business. I kind of learned the entire industry accidentally just by growing up around it. I also loved design and had thought about going to FIT, but it wasn't until I got a bit older that I started to fall in love with jewelry specifically.
Tell me about Zahava and The Brave Collection – where the two brand started, and how you now see them. When did you launch the two brands, and why?
The Brave Collection was born out of a trip to Cambodia I went on while teaching English in Thailand the summer after my sophomore year at NYU. I fell in love with the beautiful Buddhist culture of Cambodia and incredible history of art and architecture at Angkor Wat. I was heartbroken to learn that in the genocide of the 1970s, one third of the Cambodian population was killed along with 90% of the artisan community. I couldn't get the story of Cambodia out of my mind, and by 2013 I decided to launch The Brave Collection, jewelry handmade in Phnom Penh to support local artisans and empower women against human trafficking.
The inspiration for Zahava came about as I was planning my wedding. I am Jewish and my husband is Chinese-American so when it came time to think about the rituals, traditions and symbols we would use to unite our two worlds, it was an absolute FEAST of cultural overload! I started to think a lot about the beauty and sanctity of where I come from, and the ideas that have been passed down for generations, while at the same time embracing the modern, multicultural, global citizen I am today. This collision of old and new inspired the idea of Zahava, reimagined heirlooms handmade in Tel Aviv.
Israel has an incredible history of metalsmithing that I wanted to showcase and explore. Additionally, the collection is inspired in part by wisdom of the past, such as Jewish wisdom, and I love the idea of creating pieces on such ancient soil.
How do you select the specific symbols that you use in Zavaha jewelry?
The symbols all represent animals or botanicals that have been meaningful to global cultures for thousands of years. I love the idea of drawing strength and inspiration on a personal level from an element of nature that has been revered and celebrated by so many others throughout time and space.
Necklaces: Zahava Mini Golden Atlas, Medium Golden Atlas, Peacock, Palm Leaf, and Protea with Star. Rings: Wearer’s Wisdom Rings, Earrings: Large Dotted Hoop.
Who is the kind of woman who wears Zahava jewelry?
She is spirited, connected and soulful. She is curious and deeply thoughtful. She's on a journey.
Who would you like to have as a client?
Frida Kahlo.
Rings: Zahava Wearer’s Wisdom Rings: 1, 2 and 3.
What is your vision for the brand? Where do you see Zahava in 5 years?
For me it's really about growing the brand in an organic way, collaborating with brand partners and individuals who really resonate with the soul of Zahava and are moved by the products. That's the most important part.
Any tips on how to store jewelry?
I FINALLY upgraded to a grown up jewelry box and I love it so much. It's so great to have my treasured pieces on display where they look as special as they are and where I can easily access them. I also love getting little ring dishes or small plates from flea markets or from my favorite ceramicist, The Object Enthusiast.
How about keeping it clean and looking brand new?
I swear by Wright's Silver Polish cream, it's like $4. But in general I'm not precious with my jewelry, I'd rather live in and wear it to death than be so precious with it that it's locked up like a piece in a museum.
And what about you, in your personal life? How would you describe your jewelry style?
I love to mix and match and layer, but at the same time I like a very delicate and elegant aesthetic. I'm small boned, so anything too over the top looks kind of ridiculous on me. I gravitate towards light yellow golds with hints of diamonds, neutrals or turquoise!
Earrings: Irene Neuwirth, Necklaces: Zahava, Bracelets: Jacquie Aiche, Finn, Charm Bracelet: Vintage, Rings: (Right hand) Mark Patterson, Anne Sportun, (Left Hand) wedding band: Cathy Waterman, Engagement Rings: Mark Patterson. Sweater: Kallmeyer.
What jewelry do you wear on a regular day?
I wear my wedding rings, my layered Zahava necklaces and huggie hoops, and my Jacquie Aiche body chain to yoga, in the shower etc. Then I mix and match with unexpected pieces like my mom's childhood charm bracelet or my dad's class ring on a long chain.
You also wear a red Kabbalah string on your wrist. Could you please explain its significance?
There's a long history in many cultures (Jewish, Buddhist...) of wearing a red string on your wrist for spiritual purposes. For me, it feels like a band of protection, as well as a reminder that we are spiritual beings in the physical world.
Has being a mother changed the way you see or wear jewelry? In what way?
The idea of heirloom definitely has a deeper meaning as my pieces now possess not just a history, but also a future.
Earrings: Temple St Clair, Bracelets: Jacquie Aiche, Finn, Rings: (Right hand), Mark Patterson, Anne Sportun, (Left Hand) wedding band: Cathy Waterman, Engagement Rings: Mark Patterson.
On a special occasion?
I have an incredible Emerald Cut Amethyst cocktail ring that was my grandmother's. It's so over the top and fabulous, I feel like Grace Kelly when I wear it.
What are your go-to jewelry brands? Do you find yourself only wearing your own work?
I live in Zahava of course, but I layer. I mostly pepper in vintage pieces.
Earrings: Temple St Clair, Necklaces: Zahava, Bracelets: Jacquie Aiche, Finn, Rings: (Right hand) Mark Patterson, Anne Sportun, (Left Hand) wedding band: Cathy Waterman, Engagement Rings: Mark Patterson.
What is the most special piece of jewelry you own and why?
My great grandfather's pocket watch chain that I wear as a necklace. I never got to meet him but the feeling of wearing this piece connects me back to where I come from in this really powerful way. I also like the masculine energy it holds.
Can you tell me a story about a time when you discovered an amazing piece (either at a store, flea market, your mom’s closet)? Tell me about the hunt.
My favorite game! I have been pillaging my mom and grandma's closets since I was a little girl and especially love to look for unique finds when traveling. I'm very high/low and will fall in love with a piece that's $.50 or $5,000. I found a pretty amazing leather necklace in Mexico, that was a good one.
You recently left New York to spend a year living in Madrid with your family. You arrived just as the chaos of Coronavirus hit Spain. Can you tell us a bit about how you are managing your small business and young family in the midst of this crisis?
Yes, que timing! I miss the energy of sharing my collection with people in person so much, because it's really the customers that bring the jewelry to life. With a 7 month old at home however, most of my time right now is being spent as mama. It's a change of pace and comes with challenges of its own, but I am so grateful to be with my family, and for our health. Beautiful art is so often born out of struggle, and I look forward to a post virus creative renaissance. For today, I understand that many are not in the head space to make significant purchases right now, but I also cherish being here for those who are turning to my pieces something beautiful and grounded in wisdom for this difficult time.
How do you plan on collecting inspiration for your jewelry lines while you're there?
Part of our desire to come to Madrid was rooted in the hope of constant travel throughout Europe, but of course that is now very much on hold. Even still, it's inspiring to witness a change in scenery even from our small apartment (we have been in full quarantine and haven't left the apartment since March 14th). The moldings on the ceilings, wrought iron gates along the balconies across the street, even the labels on the jars of jam -- I find it all so beautiful, and creatively expansive.
Thank you, Jessica! Sending good wishes to you and your family. Please stay safe and healthy!
