We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jeanie Whatley. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jeanie, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Honestly, I feel as if I have reached a place where I’m being called to believe in myself in a big way. A lifelong and ongoing challenge. I know I have something special with this work. It’s more specific and really fun.I’m in the process of rebuilding my previous art gallery website into a fully functioning unique vintage jewelry shop. Selling one of a kind, authentic vintage builds, mixing and matching different styles and eras together to create authentic, interesting, high quality, creative, wearable time machines. My vision and goal for this shop will take a lot of patience and a lot of work. And it will be worth it. I have to keep going. I see it already, now to build it. I would regret it my entire life if I didn’t at least try. This work is WAY too much fun not to go for it. I’ve purposely placed myself in a position where I’m forced to create working systems for the many, many things I’m terrible at managing on my own, if I want to succeed. And I do. So I will. Doing this all by one’s self, not knowing jack, nor shit, about running a business can be overwhelming. A definite learning on the job situation. Its scary but exciting. So, onward with my education. I want to learn, grow, improve, sing in a new creative voice, and see where it takes me. So, here we go!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jeanie, native Texan, behind the Pine Curtain, been in Georgetown for several years now, mama of one, I’m awkward as hell, no filter, loves movies, series, music, nostalgia, 90s rap/hiphop, my pit bull Hazel, Alan Watts, and single malt scotch. I carefully curate, restore, repair, repurpose, and rebuild vintage jewelry into new, fun, quality, and authentic wearable historic creations. I love finding unique, unusual, and fun pieces from as many different countries, points in time, with social historical relevance as possible. I love learning about and celebrating the beauty of other cultures. Mementos from major events in history. Early jewelry designers from various eras. I do my best to gather as much information on the journey of each piece I gather. Some pieces have wonderfully elaborate backstories, while other gorgeous pieces come with very little, if any, information. If a piece I sell has no story, then it has no story. I don’t make one up to give it a false sense of intrigue. That’s just not for me. I previously focused primarily on abstract paintings and multimedia works. Then spending more time working with another favorite, vintage, I began to see something very promising develop. So, I followed that pull. I absolutely love and get excited about what I do. I clean and restore everything by hand at the moment and use no machines. I find this process very calming and satisfying. I’ve found everything from a WWll medal, a beautiful colorful pocketknife from 1970s USSR, TSG Israel 1969-1070 brass, Kenyan Brass, Ghana, UK early 1900s sterling, Tibetan poison vials, France 1914, Tehran mid-century, Peru, Egypt, and many more. Then build something fun and unique. Such as, a 1903 sterling silver pendant from England on a fun and funky 18k gold plated chain from the 70s. Regular is boring.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
People who don’t see your value and have no intention of doing so. I can’t really speak to what restores bonds. All one can do is speak true, have courage, be kind, listen, don’t judge, and go with your gut.
That’s why I stick to restoring vintage. I know its value and it let’s me show mine. A strong bond I can always count on.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Self-doubt.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
A socially sedated version, because, spectrum, but, yeah, what ya see, is what ya get. I do not have a grey personality. You either like me or you don’t. Neither are of any significance.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
A thriving, successful, and lasting business that brings joy, fun, warmth, and happiness for all.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.buttonandbrass.com (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttonandbrass/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buttonandbrass/
Image Credits
No additional credits
