I’m not sure about you, but my kids bring home piles of artwork everyday from school, and then continue to create more masterpieces at home in their free time. It seemed like their art was all over my apartment, the kitchen, bedrooms, my bedside tables, and on the dining table. Wherever I looked, I saw paper! While they happen to make some really beautiful paintings and drawings, sometimes I get the package of white paper stapled together with a small line sketched on a random corner. You must be able to relate! Some may call it abstract, but I call it clutter. I’ve finally found someone to take all of these beautiful and unusual artworks, and turn them into incredible hardcover scrapbooks to store and document every single piece. It’s called Jack’s Gems, and it’s genius! Jackie customizes as many books as you need to keep all of that art organized and intact. They are the best gifts, and best way to go back through your child’s art archives without a mess.
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
I founded Jack’s Gems 5 years ago but have been really active of late.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
My eldest was in nursery and coming home from school with bags of artwork. It was taking over my apartment, and on top of which, they were getting ruined. Moms are hoarders by nature and I am no exception; I didn’t want to throw all these accomplishments away but couldn’t take the clutter. Looking for a way to hold on and let go, by way of preserving, for posterity, her masterpieces in a coffee table album that was anything but juvenile, Jack’s Gems was born. Creating a luxury product that was different, an interactive art project of art and photographs of the artist that was a beautiful display piece, was always the focal point. I sought to connect the creator to the viewer in an aesthetically upscale way.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
Jack’s Gems has no cut-and-paste formula. It’s a luxury product that is an interior decorator and amateur interior decorator’s best friend. By a mother for mothers, I strive to create a product that has a distinct Manhattan aesthetic (sophisticated, original, unforgettable) while simultaneously being useful. Living in Manhattan has its advantages – tons of storage space isn’t necessarily one of them.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
Each Jack’s Gems album is customized and all are special. Each album, a building block, chapter, really, in a child’s life. Starting with nursery and working on up through grade school, our babies, whether 4 or 14, create works that provide insight into their state of mind and development. Just like creativity knows no bounds, neither does Jack’s Gems because it adapts to the client.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
When the child client sees his or her image on the front and back cover with personalized information on the spine of the album, pride is palpable. It is usually the only instance, an entire album is devoted to him or her residing on the coffee table or in the library.
What is your favorite part of your job?
That it is creative – every Jack’s Gems album is different because every client is different. I love different.
How do you benefit mamas?
I take from them nostalgic keepsakes that more often than not, get ruined, forgotten, or lost, and shine a spotlight. Getting rid of the clutter and getting something back that is uber chic is a good trade.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
When the child client sees his or her photo on the cover of their personalized Jack’s Gems album – it’s the best. The pride is palpable.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
From Alice in Wonderland: “You’re mad. Bonkers. Off your head…but I’ll tell you a secret…all of the best people are.”
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
My children help me select their clothes for the next day the night before – by the way, this only works 20% of the time.
How can our readers learn more about how to get started?
They can visit my website at http://jacksgems.com.