Gem Stone Magic
Tell us about yourself and your business.
My name is Sarah Jayne Doiron (She/Her) and I’m a jewelry artist from Moncton, NB. I specialize in handcrafted artisan jewelry of many styles. Nature brings me peace so naturally I’ve always been obsessed with stones and other natural materials. My passion grew in my teens while working at a bead store. I love creating pieces to bring others joy and a little gemstone magic with my wearable art. I also sell beautiful polymer clay pendants that my talented dad Georges Doiron creates.
I’ve been selling my creations at the Moncton Market since the late 90s! I also sell my jewelry online in my Etsy shop and to several shops in NB.
What sets you apart?
You can find so many styles and use of different mediums in my pieces, so I have something for everyone. Many shoppers say that they can feel the love and good vibes I put into each piece. I truly enjoy seeing how folks connect to my colourful creations. I think it’s obvious that I’m passionate and people really seem to feel that. Most of my pieces are one-of-a-kind, and I think that is something special. It keeps things fun for me, and this way individuals can really embrace their individuality.
What are some other hobbies/activities/businesses that you do?
I love spending time with my wife Denise and our two beautiful dogs Finn & Mui’n. I love singing & songwriting and anything crafty like sewing and painting. Fun fact: I used to run a shop where we made our own clothes and revamped vintage pieces with a new flare.
What does success mean to you?
In my eyes, success means living a life with purpose and passion. At the end of the day, if we can be proud of who we are and of what we put out in the world, then it’s a good day. Added bonus: if we can inspire others or create positive change, then even better! I’ve found success by doing things that seem scary (like buying a house in 2007 as a full-time artist at the time). This forces us to challenge ourselves and to grow. Yes it can be uncomfortable but it’s better to do something (even if it’s not perfect) than nothing because of fear.
Tell us a joke or a funny story!
As kids, my brother Jeremie and I went to the Moncton Boys & Girls Club, and there was a big wooden play house. The door had a moon cutout that I thought was cool, and for some reason I stuck my head through it… and it ended up getting stuck. They had to saw me out!! Despite that traumatic ordeal, I’m still obsessed with moons and it’s a recurring theme in my jewelry. I enjoyed telling this story to a group of teens in an entrepreneur group at BGC several months ago.
What does pride mean to you?
Pride means acknowledging LGBTQ+ history and celebrating how far we have come. But I think it’s also important to realize that we still have work to do, and that we must continue to fight for human rights (which can be taken away). In some parts of the world, it is illegal to be LGBTQ+ (and punishable by death in some places).
To me, it also means being authentic which takes courage, especially as a business owner putting myself “out there” but representation is so important. It can inspire others to be true to themselves, especially youth. Diversity is a beautiful thing.
If you could talk to the LGBTQ+ youths of today, what would you say?
I think it’s important to give back when we can. As my “day job” I work at a local charitable non-profit organization called ENSEMBLE, and I coordinate a program called Creating Safe Spaces. It’s all about helping to create a more inclusive community for LGBTQ+ youth. There’s a weekly drop-in for LGBTQ+ teens during the school year and I do gender & sexual diversity workshops in the schools and Ally training to service providers. I also get to work with GSAs in the schools and support youth & their loved ones. I’m so lucky that I get to meet so many amazing youth that continue to inspire me. To any LGBTQ+ youth reading this, you are not alone. You are valid and you are loved just the way you are. If you need support, please reach out to someone you trust.
Is there anyone you want to thank?
I’d like to acknowledge my amazing wife Denise Frost for her continued support! She helps me with so many little things like stamping bags, tagging earrings, shipping packages, and she even helps me set-up & tear down my 16ft booth each week at the Moncton Market. She tolerates my obsession with gemstones but in reality she’s my most valuable gem.
Thank you Sarah for taking the time to hang out with us and partner with us for Pride! If you haven't already checked out Sarah Jayne Design, go now!
Use code RABBITTOWN for 15% Sarah Jayne Design's Etsy Shop!