I had the pleasure of being introduced to Hunter Blake Designs last summer when Mary, Caroline, and I were heading to Palm Beach for work. We were all chatting about what we were packing and Mary shared she would be bringing Hunter Blake earrings for each of us. Of course I immediately popped open my laptop and typed away to learn more about this company she was raving about during our conference call. It was the words "darling earrings" and "amazing pieces" that most definitely had me typing quickly on the keyboard. As soon as the site popped up I was smitten. The earrings were each so darling and we all decided to chose different styles so we would be showcasing a different style in our photos. I chose the lucite hoops in the photo above and have loved them since she handed them to me our first evening.
The earrings have garnished many compliments over the months since I first wore them and I was absolutely thrilled to meet the girls of Hunter Blake this year at The Southern C. As we chatted over lunch and heard about their journey and their beautiful pieces I knew they would be perfect for sharing with each of you. I love their earrings and how unique they each are and how gorgeous they truly are. Sadly my earrings are no longer available, but lucky for each of us they just launched their brand new pieces. These earrings are highly coveted and go quickly, one style already selling out. I love the new pieces and had a tough time choosing a favorite ... but do you really only have to choose just one pair? Luckily you can never have too many statement earrings. 😉
You will really enjoy meeting the girls behind the darling brand as they agreed to give me the inside scoop on their business, how they met, what inspires their pieces, and how they juggle work, family and their love for travel. I adore both Stephanie and Jacklene and their amazing style and incredible statement earrings. You will adore them as well ... they are just as fabulous as their beautiful earrings which most definitely make a statement.
When did you decide you would start this new business adventure together? How did you decide on earrings?
S&J: "We started dreaming up the idea of Hunter Blake Designs over a mimosa brunch last fall. We had both been searching for a creative outlet that was different from our backgrounds in the corporate world (Stefanie is a lawyer and Jacklene worked in advertising). Statement earrings were a pretty easy decision for us because we were already incorporating them into our personal styles. We knew with earrings we could relate to the consumer and we were both pretty particular on what we wanted to see in our first collection. Once we put pen to paper, the designs started flowing!"
How long have the two of you known each other?
S&J: "We met in 2016 while both pregnant (Jacklene with her first child and Stefanie with her second child). There is something about being pregnant at the same time that really creates a strong friendship. We became fast friends with our shared love for travel, entertaining, fashion, green juice, interior design, bagels, and of course, statement earrings. We are on the same page about the fact we are friends first and business partners second. We've watched our kids grow up 6 days a part, taken fun trips together, shared many bottles of wine, laughed, cried, but Hunter Blake is up there as one of our most exciting ventures yet."
What are the ages of your kids? How and when do you fit in work?
S&J: "Jacklene has two boys, Field (3) and Ryder (8mos). Stefanie has two girls, Eleanor (4.5) and Sutton (3) and a baby boy on the way in May. It is a constant juggling act for both of us with the kids, husbands, laundry, school pickups, exercise, etc. and sometimes balls get dropped. Luckily, we tag team pretty well and if one of us is having a stressful week, the other will pick up a majority of the workload. We try to be present and off our phones while with the kids, so a lot of our work is done during nap time, after bedtime, or on the weekends."
What are your favorite things to do, outside of being with family and designing statement earrings?
S&J:"We really enjoy traveling. We both absolutely love South Africa and Italy. We also have a common interest in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. We play tennis together once a week and you can often find us at various work out classes around town."
Do you work together on design or do you divide up the responsibilities? What inspires your designs?
S&J: We absolutely both contribute to the designs! It is a very collaborative process where we both gather inspiration and brainstorm how an idea would look best as an earring. Our designs are inspired
by our travels, interior design, fashion, and our everyday lives. Together we have visited over twenty countries and lived in six different cities. There is something about getting out of your comfort zone that is truly inspiring and we have gotten a lot of our design inspiration from the places we have visited.
Do you two have a personal motto or favorite saying?
S&J: Our motto throughout this process has been: "If at first, you don't succeed, fix your ponytail and try again." There have been so many firsts for us in getting this little business up and running. It certainly has not been easy, but we are so proud of what we have accomplished thus far and we are still learning everyday. We just launched our company just about a year ago and seeing people excited about ordering our earrings has been the best reward!
Spring is just around the corner and you have a new release .... what will we be seeing from Hunter Blake Designs?
S&J: We are so excited to release our second spring line! Spring is one of those seasons where people really step out of their comfort zone with earrings and everyone gets a bit more creative with their outfits coming out of winter. Our line will include some soft colors, flowers, different textures, as well as a few classic options.
Five must haves for each of you ...
S: my morning coffee, fresh flowers, a clean house, flowy dresses
J: Just like Stefanie, statement earrings, coffee (we love our caffeine around here ha!) and a clean house are three of my must haves. I also must have a great pair of denim (currently my favorite style is the straight legged cropped jean) and a comfy, yet stylish, pair of sneakers for running after my boys.
Do you have a favorite item in your collection, past or current and why is it your favorite?
S: One of my favorite earrings is our POPPY style. It was actually one of the first earrings we designed and I still find myself reaching for it on a weekly basis. I've worn these earrings with jeans and to a black tie function. I love how vintage and classic they look and they add the perfect feminine touch to any outfit.
J: One of my favorite pair of earrings we have designed are the GOLD BURSTS. They were another design we launched in our first collection last March. I find myself always reaching for them because they go with everything and instantly elevate any outfit. They always catch my eye when I see other people wearing them!
Lastly, Favorite designer? Favorite place to shop? Favorite travel destination? Favorite restaurant?
S&J:
Favorite Designer ~ Zimmerman and Ulla Johnson
Favorite Shop ~ Shopbop, Moda Operandi and Net-a-Porter!
Favorite Travel Destinations ~ While we both love traveling internationally, we love taking the kids to the 30A area of Florida. Jacklene's family also enjoys spending time in the mountains of North Carolina and the enjoy Charleston together. Stefanie and her family love to ski out west in Colorado as well as visit friends and family in New York.
Favorite Restaurant ~ We are always up for a double date at a new place! We just tried a new restaurant in downtown Nashville, Liberty Common. If you are coming to town, we highly recommend it! The food was delicious and it is the cutest place with blue banquettes and fun tile.
Aren't they precious? You can shop their collections online, but remember they sell out quickly. You can also follow them on Instagram, and I would definitely do so to stay in the loop for each new release. If you become a stalker of their pieces like I am you are welcome to sit next to me in the Hunter Blake Designs fan club meetings. I will happily save you a seat.
Happy Tuesday!
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