Women’s History Month: Jane Winchester-Paradis

Happy Women’s History Month to all amazing women. Like we do every year, we highlight some amazing women who are excelling in every way. Today’s highlight goes to Jane Winchester-Paradis, Owner and Founder of Jane Win. Jane Win is a jewelry company located in Wayne PA (appointment only) and online. I had an opportunity to speak to Jane to get her perspective on running her business and life and she has a lot of wisdom she dropped.

What is your Why?

Everyone has a reason as to why they start a business. Although everyone’s paths to starting a business or passion project varies; there are usually some bumps in the road. Jane was a Senior Vice President in Marketing at Lilly Pulitzer. Although she had am amazing job she went to the Women’s March on Washington and she experienced a change. Here she was with job security, working with amazing smart women, but she knew she needed more. She questioned what type of example she wanted to lead her children. So with an idea of fusing her background in marketing and her love of jewelry her business was birthed.

She had her AHA moment and knew she wanted her children to see her build this new company. They could also help but she wanted them to see her create it and work hard at making it work.

Rough Starts and Knowing your Purpose

So many people have ideas. It’s one thing to take something from conception to fruition. Jane knew the road wasn’t going to be easy. Her first year in business she wasn’t making a lot of money. It was the proving year. But everyday she got up with purpose and made it happen. She also was the only employee (minus her husband who was and is super supportive). As we all know these last two years have proven to be some of the hardest hit for all businesses. When she started Jane Win she finally got an office all set up and was ready for what was ahead and then COVID-19 hit. Jane had to learn to adjust and fast.

She took the business online and experienced the greatest sales. However there was still more trouble brewing. Manufactures were closing left and right. So when she went with one in New York, that closed. And it wouldn’t be the only one. From closures to the rising cost of gold, she is committed to leaving her prices as is for her customers. If you ever been in business that means they are absorbing those costs.

What is her Message to Other Women?

Jane thinks of herself as a Linebacker. She has had to be low to the ground and learn to move. Keep moving the ball forward with consistency and persistency. In every moment that something would happen that challenged her she knew that she had to show up.  Getting up and showing up no matter what falls is one of the keys to success.

“Show up and go out every single day in the face of rejection.”

Jane Win is about creating jewelry pieces that connect with people. These are pieces that show off milestones. So it’s not a wonder that creating these milestones from someone who has been through quite a lot makes so much sense. Life isn’t always going to flow in the direction that you want. Be prepared to move with it and make the most of it. Jane describes herself as a naturally optimistic person. This upbeat personality is quite helpful when life feels like its dropping. She is big solution oriented and is about moving forward daily.

Jane on her Mental Health Go Tos

Jane attributes her mental health care by making sure that she exercises, getting a full night of sleep, controls her drinking, focus on eating and not letting herself get off task. She is about her overall wellness. There are times when one area may need to be adjusted but its about keeping yourself as grounded as possible. Also she enjoys fresh air and sun. We have talked about this on the blog. Getting outside in the sun and some fresh air does wonders for your mental health.

She is looking forward to visiting New Hampshire where she was born for some outdoor fun. Jane never has considered herself an outdoorsy type of woman. She contributes the love of being outdoors for the sun as her motivation.

You can see so many of her amazing pieces on her website. Keep in mind that one item stuck out to me and that is the candle called, Jane Win X Bright Black Love. It’s a collaboration with the Black owned company. The candle is filled with notes of Amber and Jasmine. It’s an ode to all of the positive narratives on Blackness. Also in the showroom which I was able to see is one of the brightest working spaces. She attributes keeping the work areas inviting for her and her amazing growing team. They also have local artist pieces that you can purchase as well.

Thank you Jane for your perspective, and continuing to create what you love. You are an example to your children. Jane is proud of her business, her blended family, her husband, and her amazing team at Jane Win. Make sure you shop her collections and support her business.