We met with Jenn Low, the co-founder of Wanderlust + Co. — a jewellery brand for dreamers & lovers. The brand focuses on jewellery pieces for every adventure.
Many would think that Wanderlust + Co. is an international brand from the USA or Australia, but that is far from the truth. Wanderlust + Co. is truly a Malaysian brand founded by Jenn in 2010. Though local, the brand is very well-loved internationally with more than 400+ stockists worldwide.
Jenn Low
Founder, Wanderlust + Co. 💎
Founder, Mom of 2
Instagram: @jennlow.wco
"One of the things I'd do if I were able to turn back time is to work at my own pace and not be pressured to compare ourselves to others."
What’s the one thing you’d like to change in terms of the way you run the business if you could turn back time?
To try not to look so much at other brands and compare ourselves to them. Over time, I’ve realised there isn’t any need for envying other brands. When we were just a startup, we envied the bigger companies and their resources, but as we grew, we soon realised we were bound to face a whole new set of challenges. One of the things I’d do if I were able to turn back time is to work at my own pace and not be pressured to compare ourselves to others.
Being a mom is very much a full-time job. How do you juggle between being a mom and being an entrepreneur?
I would break it down to 3 main things that help me stay organised and on top of things.
Be open with my kids
During the MCO, I had to explain to my 3-year-old daughter that we can’t go outside as there is a virus, and that mummy had to work from home. She was initially confused and fussy as I juggled calls and virtual meetings, so I sat her down and showed her some pictures from the news to explain that the world is going through a tough time, and there is a virus out there that is incurable. Although she’s only 3, it was amazing that she understood eventually that we had to stay in and that she had to be independent and quiet as I worked from home. I would say that I learned through the MCO that as long as we are factual and explain things patiently to our children, that they can, for the most part, understand more than adults usually give them credit for.
Bestselling La Luna Necklace from the L’etoile collection
Pieces from the Heart Space collection
Set quiet thinking time for myself
Over the years, I’ve learned to block out weekly 2-hour appointment slots in my calendar as quiet time, to review my notes and prioritise what needs to be worked on. This involves going through my emails, notes, and ideas to discuss with my team, and just to gain self-clarity and reset, before I head into a new management week.
Spend quality time with team members
This is particularly important for me to ensure our brand and business ideas and plans are transparent to the team. I think communication is key to ensure everyone is on the same page, as it enables us to execute work more efficiently and seamlessly together.
"I love writing things down. I believe that no matter how digital we get in our lifestyle, it’s not comparable to writing." ✍️
Are you a planner or a notebook person?
I’ve stopped buying yearly planners as I use my iCal but I love my notebooks. I’m a firm believer of merging both writing and cloud-based digital tools to maximise efficiency. I love writing things down. I believe that no matter how digital we get in our lifestyle, it’s not comparable to writing. They should coexist.
As you’ve been using our custom journals, what’s your favourite ana tomy inserts?
As I enjoy writing, I’m comfortable with writing on plain paper so I prefer the plain and sketch paper inserts.
What do you hope to see in our future products?
I’d love to see some segmented inserts with sections to note down my top 3 priorities, to-dos of the day, and reminders for tomorrow.
"As a founder, my work can be challenging at times but I really love my job. Despite the occasional difficulties, I am grateful to be able to do what I do."
Make It Yours collection
Heart Space & L’etoile collection
What is the most exciting moment of your life?
Tough one as it’s definitely a blend between the highlights of Wanderlust + Co, as well as being a mum to my two kids. Work wise, I’d say that seeing customers from around the world, from as far as London, New York, Sydney, Taiwan etc, buy, wear and style our Wanderlust + Co. jewels, as well as seeing our pieces on fashion icons such as Bella Hadid, Jessica Alba, Kendall Jenner and Khloe Kardashian.
How do you relieve stress? Is there a particular thing you do?
I meditate and I wake up early to have some quiet time to myself. I’m using this app called Headspace which is super easy to use. I don’t believe in brooding over problems. If you ever feel stuck, go for a walk to clear your mind and disengage with the situation, and come back to it with a fresh perspective.
I don’t believe in brooding over problems. If you ever feel stuck, go for a walk to clear your mind and disengage with the situation, and come back to it with a fresh perspective.
Jenn’s Favourite Inserts
Jenn loves to draw and write, so her favourite inserts are:
Plain
300gsm Watercolour Paper
She likes the flexibility to scribble, draw, write, and organise her thoughts onto the pages as to how she likes.