Tell us a little about you and your brand. Who are you, and what products do you design for your brand?
My name is Jagoda Sudak Keshani but friends call me Jay. I was born in Poland in the early 80s and moved to the UK in 2006. My very diverse education contributed to creating a jewellery brand different from any other. All my creations are handmade in London from recycled materials I collect from the local community. I am also a single mum of two young children so environmental issues are very important to me.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I create for people. All of my friends and family members own at least one piece of my creations. I look at someone, ask what type of earrings they like and then think how can I create a pair they would love. Sometimes, when I am inspired by a woman, who she is and what style she has I create a piece with her in mind. My children’s school headmistress is a great example.
Do you have a signature style?
Tell us more about your most popular designs. I am a minimalist so I like clean lines, high contrast and simple designs. My most popular collection includes four geometric shapes in five colour pallets.
How would you describe your design/product concept?
My main collection is made from single-use plastic (a mix of bottle tops and carrier bags). The material is very light so perfect for everyday jewellery. You can wear big statement pieces all day and night and you will barely feel them. Every pair of earrings is different due to the plastic melting process so I can offer my customers truly unique pieces of accessories. Even the earrings in one pair are always different.
We would love to hear about your studio/making time and how you connect with your clients.
I rent an art space in the middle of Isle of Dogs where I spend most of my time. As I need to combine motherhood with my work I usually create when my children are with my ex-husband. 6am on Sunday is the best time for me. I also have a waste collection point there so people can come and bring their bottle tops and plastic bags, see my new creations and learn more about the process. My Instagram profile (@yago.eco.accessories and @jagoda.sudak) is the place to go if you would like to learn more. Before my divorce, I used to rent a stall at Greenwich Market and Brick Lane but then it became impossible to do everything.
What do you enjoy doing when not creating accessory products?
I am a mother of two so time with my children is always precious to me. A long walk on the beach and an English brunch with friends is my way to relax. I am also a fan of National Trails as there is nothing more beautiful than the British countryside.
How do you feel about showcasing your design at London Accessory Week?
I am delighted to be part of the show and introduce my designs to a wider audience. I hope they will appreciate the beauty and environmental message of my pieces. I do my best to create 100% sustainable jewellery but it may not be possible, so at least I will make them look pretty.
Do you have anything else you would like to let London Accessory Week readers and customers know about you and your brand?
I believe plastic waste is everyone's problem. My jewellery will not sort it out but I hope it will bring more awareness to the issue. During the recent photoshoot of the new collection, I decided to use my friends instead of professional models - all hard-working women from very mixed backgrounds: mothers, professionals and business owners. I wanted to show that every woman is beautiful because real beauty comes from within. Girls just want to have fun and YagoEco jewellery is a great companion to do just that.