Jenny Crane McHugh started Campbell + Charlotte, a fine jewelry brand, after 15 years in the corporate world. Campbell, her first daughter, was the spark that started it all.
- We recently caught up with the founder and designer. Here’s a snapshot of our inspiring conversation.
What was your first jewelry memory?
When I was 3, I had this huge collection of plastic bracelets, rings and necklaces. My mom said I would fight her every day to take them off before bed, and I would stack them back up every morning.
You’ve always loved jewelry. But did you always want to be an entrepreneur/designer?
It was always on my mind, although I never thought I would do it. But Campbell made me think bigger for myself.
- One night after she went to bed, I lobbed the idea at Mike, my husband, and he quickly said yes.
- Not that I needed permission from him, but if he hadn’t responded in that exact, enthusiastic, confident way, we wouldn’t be where we are.
Did you make the jump immediately?
I stayed in a corporate job for one year while figuring out how to get started, and I left when the first collection was ready to go!
How did you know how to create a company?
There’s a lot from the corporate world that helped me get started. One thing in particular is the art of networking and the audacity to network.
- My entire social feed was jewelry designers, so I reached out to anyone and looked for advice. Most people didn’t reply, but some did. So I gained momentum from the people who were kind enough to offer help and advice.
Earlier you mentioned wanting to be an example for your daughters. Tell me more about that.
The entire brand is based on my journey becoming a mother. Campbell is my muse that keeps it going, and Ellison, my second daughter, is part of that now, too.
- Every collection starts with an experience I’ve had with the girls; it’s a visual tapestry of my motherhood journey.
- I also really want them to see the hustle, and know doing what you love is truly a privilege.
How have your offerings changed over time?
We’ve always offered collections, and I did not intend to launch bespoke—I kind of fell into it. I was working with a client and she started telling me about a piece she wanted to redesign.
- I got out of that meeting and called production to figure out how to make it happen, and from there it grew by word of mouth.
- There’s such an appetite for it. There’s so much sentimental value in family heirlooms, but often, you don’t wear them because you don’t love the way they look.
- I can help transform that into something you love and wear every day. And I love it, maybe the most.
What makes that so rewarding?
It’s like you’re continuing the story of this piece through multiple generations. I love that concept of continuing the story. And it makes them so happy. It’s like the joy of a normal gift times a billion.
How does someone make a custom piece with you?
Custom can be anything from an engagement ring we’re starting from scratch to a whole jewelry box with family pieces you never wear.
- You can come in with a specific look in mind, or we can pull inspiration for you.
- I sketch the design and put it in CAD so you can see an exact rendering of the piece.
- Then we source any additional stones and put it in production!
How long does that take?
The minimum is 10 weeks, but some projects have taken 6 months. Sometimes we’ll design a piece together and then they wait to pull the trigger for a special birthday or milestone anniversary.
Anything else we should know?
We’re experts at sourcing stones! We can find colored stones or diamonds for your project.
Follow Campbell + Charlotte on Instagram to see the latest collections & keep up with the brand.
