We wanted to get to know our friend Sylvia Tennant, CEO of Zaleska Jewelry a bit better so we asked her a few of our favourite questions......
What are your 3 big signs? (Sun, Moon, Rising)
Virgo sun and moon, Sagittarius rising
Where did you grow up?
Coquitlam BC
What were you like as a child?
I was obsessed with horses, playing dress up, and customizing everything in my life (from my bedroom walls to my barbie clothes).
What did you do before creating jewelry?
I was a high school art teacher.
Why jewelry?
I used to be an accessories editor for a fashion magazine and my job was to study the industry. I struggled finding rings that fit my larger fingers and noted that no one was really occupying that space, so the journey began there!
What is your favorite piece(s) of jewelry?
I have a custom band that I designed myself with 11 diamonds in it. It's perfectly smooth (a.k.a. it won't destroy my sweaters) and 11 is my lucky number. I try to make myself a special piece to commemorate the collection every year :)
Where did the name Zaleska come from?
The brand was named by my best friend, Danielle Noel (check out her tarot decks - they're incredible)!
What has been your biggest hurdle as a business owner?
Navigating supply and demand. All Zaleska pieces are handmade slowly and sometimes that means longer wait times for sold out designs!
When you aren’t creating drool worthy jewelry where can we find you?
Likely on set - I also work as a curve model in Vancouver. It's really cool to experience the fashion industry both in front and behind the camera.
What is on your nightstand?
A pile of half-read books and Korres body cream.
Who are your favorite bands/musicians/songs?
I'm all over the place! Lately I've been into The Glorious Sons, Eloise (just saw her live, 10/10) and anything bossa nova.