Adejare Adewuyi better known as Jay Jewels is a jeweler who has been in the industry for a while and recently got his big break after he decided to take his instagram game strong. He recently did a jewelry for Kenny Blaq, a standup comedian and it made his fans on instagram like him more. He has since then been making jewelries for showbiz stars and other individuals and he is planning to grow even bigger than he has done. In this interview with City People Entertainment Reporter PRECIOUS POMAA, he talked about how the journey has been so far, his inspiration and other things he hopes to achieve.
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Adejare Adewuyi CEO Jay Jewels ,I am a Jeweler based in Lagos, I was born on the 8th of January 1994 . I hail from Osun State
Take us through your family and educational background.
I was born into a family of 6 (parents inclusive), My educational background varies from Adelkay Nursery and Primary School, Badore Model College, Labgus Sec School and I attended National open University Of Nigeria where I studied Accounting.
How does it feel making jewelries for stars?
Its a wonderful feeling making jewelries for celebrities because it has always been my dream, I’ve had a few celebrity encounters and interaction when I was in my early teens.
Who have been your biggest mentors in this industry and what is the best advice they have ever given you?
MaliveliHood has always been one of my biggest mentors. He instilled in me the value of hard work. I have always been a fan of his since my secondary school days to this day, and also Icebox, Johnny Dang, Franky Diamonds are also my mentors outside Africa, especially Franky Diamonds who has taught me about the importance of collaboration and lifelong learning. He told me never to give up no matter how hard it could be.
What was the first job you landed when you decided to start the jewelry business?
That was when I made a customized piece for Teddy A (Big Brother Naija 2018 House Mate), it created a little buzz with my clients.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be?
Take risks, Don’t consider yourself as stupid, you are obviously unique, be different from others. Don’t take life too seriously, you won’t be able to enjoy it. Face situations and people, do not run from them, Mix with different people.
Love what you do, Invest in gaining knowledge,. Not even your shadow will follow you in to the dark so don’t expect anyone to help you in your bad days, Be generous to everyone, the world is full of great people, if you don’t find one, be the one. Lastly, people may not remember what good you have done for them but will surely point one wrong thing you did, so never worry, just do your work.
What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
I would say social media has played a major role in fashion today. Something can be trendy in a second. If someone influential is wearing something from a brand that is considered “trendy” or posts something and says he or she LOVES it, the followers would be more likely to look into the item which can create imitations from other sources which leads to income generating.
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
When designing custom piece from my work station. It really gives me joy and happiness.
What gives you inspiration?
Okay, this could sound awkward, but I get inspiration from watching cartoon and listening to Hausa music
What are the challenges you’ve faced so far ?
One of the toughest challenges I face and continue to face is living up to the expectations I set for myself. I put high goals infront of me and sometimes when things don’t work out the way I want them to, it is tough to go forward. But I have never given up, I always found a way to get the desired result. After I achieve one then I set another so it is a never-ending battle.
You said you get your inspiration from Hausa music , how? Please explain how you get this inspiration?
Well, hausa music are is unique,rhythmic and it calms my brain even if I dont have any idea of what they are singing about. I just love their vibe and it has been working for me ever since.
What were your parents reaction when you decided to be a jewelry designer?
My parents have always been supportive to everything I do in as much it puts food on the table so long as it’s legal , because most of my generation are into entertainment one way or the other so they believe I’m always on the right path.
Apart from making jewelries, what else do you do?
Right now, I’m fully into jewelry making, nothing else because I dont want distractions. I need to achieve my primary aim which is making jewelry for top celebrities.
Who would you say is the biggest star you’ve worked with and how was the feedback?
That would be KennyBlaq (Nigerian stand up comedian) , because after presenting the jewelry to him he was so impressed, immediately he posted the jewelry on his social platforms I started getting messages from different sources and also gained a lot of trust from my new clients.
Are your jewelries affordable, tell us how you do it?
My jeweleries are so affordable. I make use of the cheapest materials as well as the precious materials because not everybody can afford expensive materials. Materials used for my jewelries are : Stainless steel ,925 sterling silver ,10 karat gold ,Cz stones, Vs, si diamonds
How do you want women to feel when wearing your jewelry?
I want them to feel comfortable and happy with the piece made for them, because only Jay Jewels can give them the best quality which will make them happy.
What advice would you give to young people who look up to you and want to enter a career in design?
My Advice to young jewelers both male and female is to know and work on their craft. Always be ready for that opportunity. Be very humble and disciplined, know what you want and go for it, Train on the job with other designers and learn about your direction.
In five years from now where do you see your brand?
I see my brand getting International deals, working with top celebs all around the globe .
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