Meet Solène Dejean | Bench Jeweler

We had the good fortune of connecting with Solène Dejean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Solène, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe taking risk is necessary in order to learn and grow. When I was 19 I decided to move to Colorado. I barely spoke English and it was not easy! But upon seeing my progress, I was encouraged to stay and develop my own jewelry business. That was a whole other challenge but you have to stay committed even if it’s a bit scary at first. In general I am stimulated by new situations and challenges, which always has a certain inherent risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Having dyslexia, school was somewhat challenging. Because of, I decided to orient myself towards the arts. I was introduced to glass blowing, framing, landscaping and many other amazing crafts. After high school I made my way to Paris where I studied Product Design. During my studies, I fell in love with the workshop. I began creating volumes, mini architectures and all sorts of articulated objects. After two years, I chose to take a break and reflect on what I wanted to do next. That’s when I decided to come to Boulder and learn English. While learning English I satiated my creative drive by teaching myself embroidery and lace making. I made all sorts of little delicate, malleable experiments, which influenced me into studying jeweler design and fabrication. The end result being a master degree in jewelry making from the HEAR in Strasbourg, France. My creations are influenced by my background in design as well as the nature that surround us. I love creating articulated architectural/floral pieces of jewelry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start the days by enjoying a good coffee on the patio of the Trident Cafe. Then on our way to a beautiful hike, we would grab a sandwich from Cured. During the week we would have time to explore Eldorado Canyon, Dream Canyon, Isabelle Lake, or even Rocky Mountain National Park. We would definitely have to have dinner at Arcana or on the roof top of the Rosetta hall, and of course cook a dinner with fresh products from the Farmers Market. With so much to do and explore you will never be at a loss for something fun to do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I like to dedicate a shoutout to a group of three : my mentor Jerry who keep on teaching me tricks and remind me that I have what it takes, my friend Jakob March who helped me start and opened new doors for me, and finally my husband Matthew, a talented stone mason who believes in me and inspire me everyday.

Instagram: @solma.jewelry

Facebook: Solene Dejean

Image Credits
Willym Brown Isaiah M. Lee