Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Branan.
Jean, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always had many interests. I recall switching majors at least 5 times, from French to Fashion to Art History and English, ultimately ending up with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from San Diego State University because I was intrigued with the study of humans and human behavior. Being creative has always been a big part of who I am and I’ve dabbled in photography, videography and painting. I knew my career path would somehow blossom but at the time, I wasn’t sure how I could make money being creative, and needed to explore more.
I left college before I completed my bachelor’s to travel to Europe and ended up living between France, England and Ireland off and on over the course of two years. I worked in Europe and travelled throughout, but knew I had to finish my degree and start my career. I ended up working in higher education, which I pursued after completing a master’s degree in Postsecondary Education Leadership. For over 20 years I worked in career and professional development at several colleges and institutions here in San Diego, but knew that using my creative skills and starting a business was still something I wanted to further pursue.
I’m inspired by my daughter and her own personal drive and focus–already laser-focused on her career path when she was only in 5th grade. In addition to this, I lost both of my parents recently to cancer within two years of each other. Losing your loved ones and realizing how short life is helped open my eyes to just how quickly life passes by. I needed to follow up with my creative interests and dreamed of starting my own business where I can be close to my family at home, enjoying time together while creating.
I’ve been making jewelry for years, and after taking jewelry fabrication classes at a local art school, I learned new techniques and integrated metalsmithing into my designs. I’ve always been on the hunt for vintage items and small things forgotten that can be repurposed into something new.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was difficult to decide to leave a solid career that you are comfortable in and thoroughly enjoy for a new venture with so many uncertainties. In my most recent career, I felt like I was making a difference, working with postdoctoral fellows and graduate students to help them with their career and professional development. I was commuting approximately an hour each way to work, so doing this for six years made it an easier decision to pursue my jewelry design full time.
I left my job in December of 2019, ready to get everything going after the new year…then, we found ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic. How do I start a business when so many businesses are suffering, materials supplies and mail service are impacted, people are losing their jobs and, in some cases, their lives? We were entering the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression and I was about to launch a business. I even found taking photos of my models and registering for business licenses and other business-related services feats that weren’t easily accomplished. Months later, I made it past these hurdles, created my jewelry collections, took all my photos and built my website. I came across different challenges as I prepared to launch my business and questioned if this was the right time in my life to be taking all these risks, but starting my own business has been a life-long dream of mine and I’m proud of myself for making the decision to move forward.
Please tell us about Pack for Paris.
Pack for Paris is a handcrafted jewelry brand based in La Mesa, California. I use traditional metalsmithing techniques and hand forge my pieces in small batches, working primarily with 14K gold-filled, sterling silver, and brass metals. I like to describe my brand’s aesthetic as, “minimalist lines and vintage vibes” and my collection includes wardrobe essentials like dainty stacking rings and stud earrings, as well as eclectic limited-edition pieces.
My collections are influenced by trips to museums, vintage flea markets, people watching, and the sites and colors of each city. I always look forward to the next opportunity to pack up and visit one of my favorite destinations: Paris. For me, the name, “Pack for Paris” conjures up beautiful visuals related to my love for travel, family trips, the arts, amazing food and so many other incredible memories.
When creating new designs, I often pull from my curated collection of almost 3,000 vintage Czech glass buttons, adding to the sustainability and uniqueness of each piece. Many of these designs are one-of-a-kind and I’m adding new items to the shop regularly. I use high-quality, ethically-sourced gemstones and do my best to work with vendors who care about the environment. I’m proud to say that all my jewelry packaging (plant-based packing tape, boxes, compostable plastic baggies, corrugated bubble, tissue paper, and more…!) is recyclable and environmentally friendly.
In Summary:
∙Female founded and designed
∙Modern, minimalist jewelry essentials in 14K gold filled, sterling silver and brass metals
∙Specializing in limited-edition, one-of-a-kind sustainable designs using new old stock Czech glass buttons
∙Ethically-sourced premium gemstones
∙Designs are custom-made to order
∙All pieces handcrafted – slight variances from piece to piece, making them unique!
∙Everything produced in La Mesa, California
∙Eco-friendly packaging
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Some of my favorite memories from childhood involve the concept of repurposing things, giving them a new life. I recall when I was in high school, painting my old rotary phone a deep purple and glue-gunning plastic flowers all over it. I’ve pulled bark off Eucalyptus trees in our backyard and used them to make mixed-media spirit animal masks painted on canvas. I would visit thrift stores (before “thrifting” was a thing!) and would also take shirts, sunglasses and blazers from my dad’s closet for my own personal use…he had the coolest mod clothes from the 60s!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.packforparisjewelry.com
- Email: hello@packforparisjewelry.com
- Instagram: @packforparisjewelry
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