Willa + Jean

Ever wondered the meaning behind our name? Well, Meet the real Willa + Jean and inspirations for our shop 

MEET WILLA 

• Greate Grandma Wilhelmina (Willa for short) immigrated to North America from Germany and represents how I’ve delved into my own generational heritage and the wisdom passed down to collect the ideals and styles of Willa Jean. We often hear of the toll of generational trauma and just as that can be passed along with Willa Jean I wanted to emphasize a spirit of gratitude for the strength, skills,

MEET JEAN

• Jean is named after my Grandma Jean who taught me a lot of creative skills like jewelry making when I was younger; as well as various lessons of strength, healing, and endurance. She aspired to be a fun grandma, treating her grandkids, sharing silly jokes and games. All while trying her best to support her kids and the mental health challenges they faced.

With both Willa and Jean being first and second generation immigrants I wanted to recognize the need to connect with our cultural and ancestral roots.

I find this is the best way to prevent cultural appropriation, which I believe to be a symptom of a lack of cultural grounding, understanding, and respect of those ties and what they mean to others. I feel like there’s such a deep grounding that happens when you know where you came from (as best as you can depending on the record keeping or lack ) and can implement meaningful practices and traditions into your life.  This is why there’s a heavy Bavarian, Nordic, and English influence in the designs of Willa Jean— although you don’t have to come from such to enjoy them, I hope you get inspired to look into your heritage and the wisdom that can be found in each one