5 Questions With Shop for Jayu

Posted by Canadian Gift Guide on April 24, 2014 · 55 Comments

Like I mentioned the other month, I’m a proud ambassador for Canadian jewelry brand Shop for Jayu. A few of you have already been lucky enough to win some stunning pieces from this awesome line, and your comments made it clear you’re keen to learn more about these sparkling gems. I had the opportunity to interview line creator Sally Han, and I’m pleased to share a little bit more about Shop for Jayu with you so you can shop with a brain full of facts and excitement.

Celestine Earrings – $68

Canadian Gift Guide (CGG): How was Shop for Jayu born?

Sally Han, Founder of Shop for Jayu (SH): I started designing jewellery when I was 19 years old. Although I’ve never taken jewellery classes, my parents are both designers for tailored clothing and bridal wear so I’m sure I’ve been influenced by them. It came so naturally to me when I first picked up my pliers.

I named my first brand Psalms 91:1 Accessories after my favourite Bible verse. I started selling my designs at charity events and helped raise funds for Sick Kid’s Hospital, the crisis in Haiti, North Korea, etc. The vision of Psalms 91:1 Accessories was to give job opportunities to widows and orphans around the world and teach the skill of jewellery making.

In order to accomplish this vision, we created a sister brand called Jayu, to carry fashionable, trendy and high quality jewellery that was more affordable and available – opening up more job opportunities for women around the globe. We named it Jayu, which means freedom in Korean. “Shop for Jayu, Shop for freedom.”

Willow Necklace – $52

CGG: Who is Shop for Jayu meant for, style-wise?

SH: The goal of Shop for Jayu is to offer fashionable and popular designs at prices comparable to major retailers but to remain incomparable in the degree and excellence in quality than that of competitors. Shop for Jayu is meant to attract a broad range of styles from urban, glamour, to bohemian and ultra-feminine. The Shop for Jayu girl is someone who has fun dressing up, even at work.

Kendall Bracelet – $19

CGG: What inspires the Shop for Jayu collections?

SH: I do a lot of travelling. For example, this month my husband and I went on a road trip across 13 U.S. states and spent some time in LA. That’s just one inspiration though. For Spring 2014, the collection was largely inspired by friendship. My best friend is a great source for talking about style and fashion, and she even helped me with this season’s concept and styling.

Jazzlyn Earrings – $12 & Greta Necklace – $42

CGG: What current jewellery trends are you loving?

SH: At the moment I quite love graphic and edgy pieces. I also think holograms have come back in a big way – you’ll see them sprinkled throughout our latest collection. They’re great because they go with just about everything and really catch the light beautifully.

Noemi Earrings – $28

CGG: Do you have any recommendations for people who aren’t quite sure how to style their jewellery?

SH: Always think outside of the box. Don’t be afraid to layer gold with silver or feminine with edgy pieces.

Let your jewellery be the centre point of your outfit and make a statement! If you’re looking for a good starter piece to enhance your jewellery wardrobe, I recommend the Noemi side way studs. They’re one of the most popular earrings on our site, and are perfectly priced for gift-giving. They can be dressed up for an elegant evening or dressed down for your work wear or a live show.

Okay my stylish readers…want to get a little more chic? I’m giving away a pair of the Noemi Earrings pictured above to one lucky reader. Want it to be you? Here’s how to enter:

1) Visit the Shop for Jayu website and tell me what pair of earrings (after the gorgeous Noemi studs of course) you’d most like to adorn your ears with. You can spy the product names by looking at the upper left corner of the page, just under the brand’s logo. You have until May 12, 2014

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around May 13, 2014 to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.

4) Bonus Entries: Like Shop for Jayu on Facebook, leave a comment on their wall with the name of your favourite earrings, and link back to your Facebook comment below. Please be sure to post your link to your FB comment in a separate post, or you won’t be credited for the bonus entry.

FUN ASIDE! Shop for Jayu is having a crazy ‘Spring Cleaning Sale’ this weekend. If you’re in Toronto, be sure to pop in for some amazing deals.