Meet Jennifer

At The Monarch Collective, we love knowing the story behind the pieces that fill our shop. Behind every handmade treasure is a person, a creative journey and a little bit of aloha—and Jennifer of Homesick Designs is one of the artists we’re so grateful to have in our collection.

Jennifer’s story with Hawaii began nearly 16 years ago, when she left her home in the Midwest and bought a one-way ticket to Maui. What began as a leap into the unknown became a life-changing journey of finding herself, healing and eventually building a life she feels incredibly grateful for today.

 

Her love for jewelry and creating, however, started long before she arrived on the island.

As a young girl, Jennifer loved collecting beads and spending her time (and money!) in bead shops, creating jewelry for her friends and family. Years later, that same creative spark came back to life in a very Hawaii way: through her love of diving for shells.

After finding her first shell, she was hooked.

Jennifer describes shells as “the beads of the ocean,” and we couldn't agree more. Each shell is unique, shaped by the ocean and carrying its own little story. These natural treasures became the inspiration for her jewelry and eventually led to the creation of Homesick Designs in 2019.

What started as a creative outlet and a way to express herself grew into something much bigger. Jewelry became a place for Jennifer to build confidence, explore her creativity, and create something that was completely her own. Today, Homesick Designs is a reflection of her love for the ocean, her life in Hawaii, and the places and memories that make us feel at home.

And that feeling is exactly what makes the name Homesick Designs so special.

There’s a certain kind of homesickness that comes with Hawaii. Whether you were born here, moved here, visit often, or eventually leave, the islands have a way of staying with you. It might be the ocean, a favorite beach, the feeling of saltwater on your skin, or a memory of a place you never quite stopped missing.

Jennifer’s jewelry captures a little bit of that feeling.

Her pieces are handmade and often incorporate shells and other natural treasures, making each one feel like something you discovered rather than simply purchased. Her own jewelry collection is almost entirely handmade, with many pieces collected during travels and adventures—little reminders of people, places, and moments she wants to carry with her.

We love that Jennifer creates jewelry that isn’t just meant to be worn, but felt—pieces that can remind you of a special place, a favorite memory, or a little piece of Hawaii you want to keep close.

We’re so happy to share her work here in Makawao and even happier that you get to discover the story behind the artist.

Come by The Monarch Collective to see Jennifer’s Homesick Designs in person and find a little treasure of your own.