Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Fox.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I first picked up jewelry making to relieve stress after long days at my office job. By November 2013, my growing collection inspired me to launch an online shop. When I was laid off in 2016, I took it as a sign to transition my favorite hobby into a full-time pursuit, feeding the creative flame to see where it would take me.
November 2026 marks my 10th anniversary as a full-time jewelry brand! This milestone year has been full of excitement, capped off by moving into my first jewelry studio. You can now find me at the Village of Industry and Arts (formerly the University of the Arts Haviland Building at Broad & Pine)—a beautifully reimagined space full of creative energy. Book an appointment to visit the studio to shop newly created works or to design a custom piece.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I sometimes forget how lean the first five years of my business were. My boyfriend (now husband) and I cut back on everything—moving to a cheaper apartment, skipping vacations, and budgeting every dollar just to give this jewelry business a chance. It was tough, but it taught us what matters most in life. I’m incredibly proud of the strength I’ve built as a creative and an entrepreneur.
Just as my jewelry business was gaining serious momentum, the pandemic forced a total reset. I had immersed myself in a local community of artists, grown my customer base, and advanced my skills through metalsmithing classes. When the world shut down, I pivoted, using the unexpected gift of time to focus entirely on my craft.
I faced my fears and hosted my first Instagram Live Sale during the pandemic. What started as a stressful experiment is now a monthly occurrence for launching new products. To build community beyond social media during that time, I also focused on writing blog posts, sending monthly newsletters, and mailing surprise packages to customers.
After living and selling my work in Southern California since 2014, I moved back to the East Coast in December 2020. Honestly? Starting over was terrifying. I worried about building a new customer base while maintaining ties with my West Coast shoppers. I even doubted whether Philly would connect with the “West Coast vibe” inspiration behind my art. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Moving to Philadelphia has been one of the best decisions of my life—the art scene here is absolutely thriving, and I’m so grateful to call it home.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
JFOX Jewelry is built on a diverse foundation of techniques, blending metalsmithing, beading, hand-stamping, and wire-wrapping with high-quality gemstones and metals. Since relocating to Philadelphia, I’ve expanded my craft by learning from talented local artisans, embracing the arts of lost wax casting and silver metal clay. I love incorporating these new practices into my years of experience, mixing styles, textures, and techniques to create something unmistakably JFOX.
The ultimate reward of this evolution is connection. Spotting a returning customer at an art show, styled in JFOX, is the most fulfilling feeling in the world. Knowing that my work is chosen, worn, and loved out in the wild is a true honor.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Jewelry is the ultimate tool for personal expression, and thankfully, that never goes out of style. While maximalism and bold statement jewelry are having a moment, this is the world I’ve been building since day one. I have always believed in creating what feels authentic to me rather than chasing trends. Staying true to the JFOX identity ensures that the right customer finds me. My audience wants a “power piece” that speaks to their unique style and carries a one-of-a-kind story.
Of course, the creative journey requires adaptability. Recent spikes in metal prices have forced jewelers to pivot. In the JFOX studio, this challenge has fueled a deeper commitment to sustainability. I meticulously repurpose and recycle my silver scraps. Nothing goes to waste, proving that constraints only push creativity further.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jfoxjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jfoxjewelry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfoxjewelry
- Other: https://www.villageofindustryandart.com/
