Meet Lisa Zhen of Wearable Zen in Coral Springs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Zhen.

Lisa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Once upon a time, I met a Seminole Indian named Yellowbird, he taught me how to make Traditional Native American buffalo bone chokers. That sparked a creative part of me and I began to make all types of beaded jewelry. I had children and kind of put it to the back burner because they were young and I was a busy working Mom! I managed and then co-owned a local record store called Uncle Sam’s Music and as my kids got older, I found my love of jewelry designing again and started to sell jewelry at the record stores. Fast forward to the unfortunate demise of Uncle Sam’s Music and the decision to start selling my jewelry at Pop Up Shops, craft shows and farmers markets around South Florida since I had so many pieces.

My style has changed a lot in the last six years, but I still make the traditional Native American chokers and bracelets but I create steampunk inspired jewelry, beaded creations, a collection I call bits and pieces and pocket watches with a steampunk influence.

My designing jewelry is an absolute stress reliever and I look forward to creating every night!
Wearable Zen is a play on my last name (Zhen) and my Husband came up with the name and the logo!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Wearable Zen is my passion, I do it because I truly love to create… and I guess because it isn’t my “job” there have been no obstacles… just fun and joy!!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Wearable Zen – what should we know?
My creations are so diverse and customers always ask how I come up with my designs because they are all so different. I do a lot of upcycling and antiquing for my bits and pieces collection, and I buy from literally every place you can think of for focal pieces and beads.

I absolutely love when a customer comes back and tells me how people stop them all the time because of how unique the piece they bought from me is and ask about where they got it. I know how much I love my pieces, but to have others feel the same is a proud moment!!

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I liked fashion… my parents owned a restaurant in the fashion district in NY and it encouraged me to go to school for Fashion Buying and Merchandising. I always found myself ahead of the curve in clothing and accessories.

Pricing:

• Prices start at $10.00
• Most expensive items $40.00

Contact Info:

• Website: Wearablezen.etsy.com
• Phone: 954-309-5774
• Email: lisatzhen@gmail.com
• Instagram: @wearablezen
• Facebook: Facebook.com/wearablezen

Image Credit:
Lisa Zhen, Bachi Frost

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