We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline Levine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me; risk is always associated with furthering growth and enhancing happiness. Prior to COVID; The Crowns Bespoke Jewelry was a side business I had always wanted to take full-time; but with my agency, I never had the time to really grow it the way I wanted. When COVID hit; I was really forced to take a look at my quality of life, and it was then that I made a leap of faith to take my jewelry line to the next level. It is my passion; and I think with great risk comes great rewards.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have a background in Fine Art; and prior to starting my jewelry line was active in the art community in Washington, DC where I showed at a number of exhibitions both nationally and internationally. I was an adjunct professor during this time at George Washington University, George Mason University, and Northern Virginia Community College from 2010-2012. In 2012; I moved to Los Angeles and became involved with product development, digital media, and large scale placemaking (public art for commercial developments). It was during this time that I founded my creative agency JALE | CREATIVE. In 2017; I relocated my business to Houston to be closer to family and existing clientele. It was then; during one of my projects that I came up with the idea for art in the form of accessory. From then; came the genesis of my jewelry line The Crowns Bespoke Jewelry. Now we curate and fabricate a variety of pieces in limited drop every month to provide a rich source of options for our audience to choose from. We continue to build our range and inventory each month as we grow!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok so I love the bar next door to where I live; Grand Prize. I would let them settle in and then take them next door to my favorite bar and start off with a negroni before exploring. Once we were settled and caught up; I would take them to see some shows at the Museum of Fine Arts, CAM (Contemporary Art Museum), and the Menil Collection. After getting a little culture; we would stop for a late lunch at my favorite sushi place; Nippon and grab a bite before heading to Sawyer Yards; where we would visit the studios and mural alley. Since I love to shop; we would head over to Highland Village and walk around before heading to Montrose for a stroll. We would finish up the day for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants; Cafe Brussels-located on the corner of Houston and Crockett.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this Shoutout to the following people who inspire me everyday: My family who I love dearly and have always supported me. (Mimi, Larry, Sasha, Justin; I love you!) My boyfriend Zack who is super supportive! The creative community in Houston (local makers and artists I meet who help me feed my creativity). My dog Frankie who I adopted after getting sick with COVID; he is amazing and lights my life!

Website: https://thecrowns.shop/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopthecrowns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopthecrowns

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