The HBJ Studio is comprised of a unique vision, one-of-a-kind clients and an incredible team. Get to know a little more about the people behind the HBJ hustle...
Name: Heather Haynes
Title: Bench Jeweler, Silversmith
Started: September 2017
What do you do at Hannah Blount Jewelry?
My responsibilities consist of the production and finishing of jewelry from Hannah Blount's permanent collections.
Where are you from?
I’m from Kingston, MA- right down on the South Shore.
What is your favorite gemstone?
I’m particularly drawn to the naturally refined gemstones – stones with inclusions and fossilized organic materials, my favorite being petrified wood. I find so much beauty in wood where stone has replaced the fibers as it fossilizes. What’s really special is when other gemstones like opal or pyrite form in the wood. Those are the stones I nerd out about.
If you could summarize your day to day in a single word, or an emoji, what would it be?
Contemplative/meditative 🌻
Which HBJ collection expresses your personal style best?
My personal style is reflected in both the Vanity and Waiting collections. I find a lot of beauty in the unusual, and a lot of the gemstones used in the Vanity collection have inclusions and natural variations which are celebrated with a unique setting. The Waiting collection visually reflects my personal style because of the natural forms shown in the branches, and the natural cycles of life that it represents.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the natural patterns found in nature- symmetries, trees, spirals, meanders, waves, foams, tessellations, cracks and stripes. I love how these patterns are consistent regardless of scale. I find a lot of these natural patterns in the gemstones we use at the HBJ studio, and I use them as a primary inspiration in my paintings as well!
HBJ pieces aim to empower their wearer. What empowers you?
I feel empowered when I am able to represent my innermost, truest self outwardly. So for me that means wearing a perfume that makes me feel unequivocally myself, and jewelry which is unique and special and fits my personality perfectly.
Growing up, what was your dream job?
When I was growing up, my dream job was always in the arts. I've been painting and making jewelry from a very young age. I used to spend all my babysitting money at Michael's Arts & Crafts and make jewelry and paintings for my friends and family in elementary school.
We eat a lot in this studio. What is your favorite baked good?
I always have a bag of trail mix or plantain chips in the studio for snacks, but anytime there’s a vegan friendly treat I can’t promise it’ll last!
What're the odds Beryl will call you into his office for an HR violation?
Beryl has given me several verbal warnings for ignoring him constantly and absolutely never giving him head scratches or nose boops. The next warning will be documented... so I should really start petting him more.
