From strength to sparkle: Meet Jewel Jam founder Bek Joyce
In today’s world, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to how we want to spend our time. Whether we are surfing the web, watching a movie or learning something new from a podcast or Youtube tutorial, it’s undeniable that we’ve become very good at engaging with art. However, our days often move too fast for us to have the time to create it.
When we were kids, though, it was a different story. Children have the imagination and intention needed to concoct kook inventions, dream-like drawings and beautifully imperfect art. With the help and instruction of a creative mind like Bek, this imaginative thinking can lead to beautiful creations that children–and adults–can cherish forever.
Not everyone is lucky enough to grow up doing what they love. Bek has though. She has carved out a path that’s unique to her interest and skills, and found success in the process. Jewel Jam combines her love for jewellery and party-planning with her experience in creativity and teaching.
The result is “a mobile service that brings jewellery-making parties to you”. Since its founding, the company has gained a steadfast following, particularly within the expat community. Bek started Jewel Jam back home in New Zealand, but she moved to Hong Kong in 2009 and officially decided to bring the concept here in 2018.
“I feel really proud looking back now at how far this idea has come and to what level it’s grown to, especially as we’ve had mostly organic growth,” says Bek.
Here’s how it works
Each Jewel Jam party begins with Bek, who calls herself the chief sparkle officer (CSO), revealing the magical box of beads to the children. There are always gasps of excitement and surprise. While the children make their first item–a necklace–Bek instructs the children on how to create a repetitive pattern, as well as the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns.
Once the children finish their necklace, Bek uses a necklace clasp and tools to finish the piece.
The children then chooses which item to create next, which can be anything from a beaded bag tag to a bracelet or even a beaded bookmark. Finally, the party wraps up with everyone making a beaded pen together.
The origin story
You might be wondering how Bek got into this line of work. It all started when she was 23 years old in her native country.
“It was a natural combination of my skills that led to me running children’s birthday parties, teaching them how to make their own beaded jewellery. It also gave me the opportunity to apply what I was learning at university as I was studying for a degree in marketing at the time,” says Bek.
What’s most rewarding to Bek is giving children a fun avenue to self-express. “I love that through Jewel Jam, I am able to bring happiness and joy to children by making their birthdays really memorable. I’m all about embracing creativity and individuality. I stock a variety of quality beads, which means individuals are able to create totally unique pieces that can have such a different vibe – ranging from funky, to boho or creating a completely sophisticated look. My favourite part of a party is seeing how different children approach the beading options, and how different and special their end products are.”
What’s incredibly special about Bek’s vision for her company is that it’s quite a holistic view. These parties aren’t just about making pretty things–there is much to be gained from patient crafting and creating.
It encourages people to slow down, to focus on one thing and to look into the parts of their minds that aren’t often explored. “There’s lots of hidden learning in the process of beading. Firstly, it’s disguised as fun so children don’t even realise how much they learn through the process. They work on a numerical beading tray to build a pattern whilst colour matching their beads. There’s problem solving, mathematical skills, and it’s a hands-on engaging activity.
Making jewellery strengthens fine motor skills, improves dexterity and also enhances focus and concentration.” Of course, the fact that the kids get to go home wearing and displaying their colourful pieces is an added bonus–the satisfaction and pride this brings to children is priceless.
Jewel Jam for adults
Now, Bek is expanding the business and adapting the service to cater to adults, too. Rocks and Rosé, the version of Jewel Jam for adults, has launched due to the staggering number of requests Bek received from the mums of the children at her parties.
A big factor is the quality of materials used by Bek. Just like with everything else in her business, the beads are chosen with intention and carefully chosen criteria. “So many mums have expressed interest in booking jewellery parties for themselves and a group of friends. These women recognise that I stock quality beads and semi-precious gemstones like rose quartz, amethyst and freshwater pearls.
So, Rocks and Rosé will share a similar concept to Jewel Jam: get a group of ladies together and we will come to your venue with the beads and teach you how to make your own statement jewellery to gleefully show off to all that ask about it.”
What makes Jewel Jam shine
The beauty of beading is that it’s a stress-reliever. It allows you to take a moment and assume the role of creator, rather than consumer.
The art of making jewellery is therapeutic and meditative. “It relaxes you and gets your monkey mind to slow down, you just become so focused on what you’re doing that time and troubles seem to melt away. Your brain becomes so focused on beading that it drops all the worries and gives you a sense of peace and contentment.”
Best of all? It’s a chance to create something that’s one-of-a-kind and specific to your taste.
“It’s immensely satisfying designing jewellery of your own that no one else will have. It’s a combination of colour and gem therapy, which is very soothing.
As an activity, its benefits are applicable to adults as well as children; it can also be enjoyed over a glass of wine. It provides an opportunity to play with semi-precious gemstones, Swarovski crystals, cubic zirconias and a gorgeous range of high-quality glass beads.”
Having started making jewellery in her early 20s, Bek was hooked from that first time.
“Beading is such a soulful activity as it naturally stills you and promotes mindfulness. I know for a fact that I have converted numerous children and adults into lifelong beaders. It’s such a healthy hobby to have.” Now, she spends her days dedicated to injecting educational fun and originality back into children’s parties, as well as beautiful keepsakes with personal meaning into jewellery boxes across Hong Kong. Rocks and Rosé, anyone?
