I’m so excited that Onze is now carrying Hen Jewelry! All of HEN’s pieces are handmade in her studio in Ontario! Her inspirations comes from both bohemian/gypsy as well as native indian cultures… with a little bit of Rock’n'Roll to spice it up! From buying, designing and creating to photography, selling and promoting, HEN prides herself in being local- making everything herself. I sat down with HEN last week to talk about her jewelry, her creative process and whats she loves most about Montreal!

1. What made you decide to go into jewelry making?
It was very organic- to be honest I took a course at Ryerson University and was brutal at making jewelry. I think I passed with a C at best. I guess I was bored one night and just picked it up again… From then on, I was hooked! Up until about a year ago, it was a hobby and HEN was in only two stores located in London and Toronto. The reason I decided to pursue making and selling jewelry full time is because I absolutely HATED the job I had at the time and couldn’t stand another minute of it. Ha, ha!

2. Describe your creative process?
I think I might do things a little different than the others- I find materials that I like, THEN I begin to design and create what I think works best (most people start with a specific idea in mind and try to find the materials.) It might sound a little weird, but I usually dream or daydream about my designs and then execute them as best as I can remember from my dream.

3. What inspired your latest collection?
Hmmmmm- I guess the newest inspiration comes from tapestries, braids, anything woven. I really experimented with colours and textures, trying to do something totally different from HEN’s usual, using rhinestones and thread- somethings that I had never used before!

4. What do you love most about your job?
I make my own hours! hahahahha- but that doesn’t mean I’m lazy. I also am able to travel, and I get to meet a lot of amazing and interesting people.

5. Describe your personal style in 3 words..
Bohemian. Hippie. Hoodies.

6. What do you love most about Montreal?
What don’t I love about Montreal? I think what I love most is that everytime I go there, I feel like I have stepped into a different country, it’s like we have a little piece of Europe right here in Canada! I also love the art and architecture- Old Montreal in particular. Coffee, croissants, foooooood and FRENCH!