Jenn Low
Founder, Wanderlust + Co
Text by Zunaira Saieed
Founder Jenn Low believes that conscious customers are now seeking authenticity and sustainable fashion wearables.
“Now, more than ever, we are here to create meaningful and well-loved products in a sustainable and safe environment.” “We are so proud to work with our trusted suppliers and artisans who share a common vision of sustainability, transparency and global ethical trade standards. Each jewel piece is manufactured with recycled brass and low emission processes,” she reveals.
Notwithstanding the Covid-19 pandemic that led to business disruptions, Wanderlust + Co did not disappoint its customers. Despite one-year into the inflation spiral, Low made a point to not pass on the higher production and shipping costs to its customers. For her, there was no compromise to the brand’s mission, but to keep its product prices at an affordable rate.
Wanderlust + Co’s jewelries are consciously crafted from recycled brass and plated in 14K gold, keeping their price affordable. They also have a 14K gold vermeil demi- fine series, crafted from sterling silver and semi-precious gemstones.
“It’s pretty surreal to look back at what has happened the past two years, navigating through all the uncertainties and changes as a brand and as individuals. “As a brand, we’ve had to make pivots to our overall business strategies, as well as day-to-day operations in order to optimize for more sustainable business practices. “All this whilst ensuring that our team is working safely on a rotational roster, with proper social distancing and sanitisation methods in place.
BrilliantC Knots earrings, contemporary full diamond necklaces and tennis bracelet. On index finger: BrilliantC Apex pave solitaire ring. On middle finger: BrilliantC Knots pave solitaire ring.
“We’ve also made a priority to stay digitally connected with our global audience through Instagram Live sessions and Q&A’s surrounding wellness, positivity and all things that sparks joy,” says Low.
She attributes continued growth throughout the lockdown period of the pandemic to jewels that were purchased as gifts, as people stayed in touch with their loved ones globally.
“People were still celebrating special occasions at home during the lockdown, and needed little pick-me-ups and uplifting reminders that they were together in spirit, thought physically miles apart.” As of this April, Wanderlust + Co’s growing team of just under-30 has just moved into its brand-new office, having been in their previous working space for eight years. A zen-inspired space which they have fondly labelled ‘WCO HQ 2.0.’
As quoted by Low, “Behind every successful woman, is a team that learns together, makes mistakes together, and grows together, sharing the ups and downs as we journey along.” On a personal level, Low is known amongst her circle of friends as someone who sees the silver lining in all things. She shares that the pandemic, although challenging, has given her more insight into being a better entrepreneur, working mum and wife, as our environment continues to shift and change.
Sending a powerful message to all women, Low adds “Run your own race. Use the success of others, for motivation, instead of comparison.” She summarized the lessons learnt while establishing her own empire for more than a decade, into 5 C’s – Competence, Confidence, Communication, Community and Creativity.
Claiming global success in her 30s, Low discloses that it is important to become an expert at the business you are starting. “Get knowledgeable really quickly through reading as much as you can, execute, fail and succeed, pivot and go again,” she opines. Low adds that confidence, on the other hand, is simple yet often so difficult to master. She notes the best sort of confidence is when you are still able to move along graciously when something doesn’t turn out right, knowing that it doesn’t define you as a person.
“Being fearless and unafraid to just try and go again, is key to being a successful entrepreneur,” says the positive believer. For any budding entrepreneur, Low says communicating in all arenas, especially within your team is crucial.
Creativity is also an important factor in leadership because it takes courage and the genuine intention of wanting to break out of comfortable habits in our existing mindset, to shift to a learning stance and growth mindset. “Starting a business with a community at the heart of what you do will carry you through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, Low reckons.
With that, the legacy Low wants to leave behind is being able to give back and create a positive pay-it-forward effort to the community and those around her, as she continues to work towards being real about her life experiences through the good and bad.
She hopes to make a conscious effort to spread an optimistic message, not because that’s all there is in the world, but because at the end of the day, we have to redirect our energy to how things can be better.
