Welcome! The first interview of the NEW&IMPROVED shoptalk series is with Mendenhall Schroeder, the talented designer behind Ginger & Jade. Mendenhall has designed jewelry for over six years. Her mission is to share her passion for travel & new cultures through her jewelry & inspire others to reach outside their everyday world. Each necklace is one of a kind, handmade in her San Francisco studio.
We had a chance to sit down and chat:
Where do you live?
Studio Apt in San Francisco
Where is your favorite place to go in your city?
Sundance Kabuki Theater 
I love going to movies and they let you pick your seat from home and drink wine during the movie!
What can’t you leave home without?
Smith’s lip balm in minted rose – I’m addicted
What’s one thing about you that would surprise people?
I’m an opportunistic thrill seeker- I seem to fall into sky diving, bungee jumping & SCUBA diving!
Who are your favorite artists?
Patrick Mukabi, a Kenyan artist who paints African women in their everyday lives. I’m planning to buy one of his pieces (a non-naked one) when we go back to Kenya. I also want something by Will McCoy, a local artist who is a huge advocate of Burma. He prints his photos on large canvases stretched over wooden frames. And Michelle Mansour, also a local artist who helps run Root Division in SF. I have a piece from her 2008 collection.
Favorite film?
All versions of Pride & Prejudice and anything with Johnny Depp.
Fill in the Blank:
I feel my best when I’m wearing boots.
Any guilty pleasures we should know about?
I take a bath every morning before work!
What’s sitting on your coffee table right now?
Molasses cookies & whole milk.
If you could choose any celebrity to wear your designs, who would it be?
Audrey Tautou- she can pull off both cute & sexy.
What motivates you?
Good food & compliments.
Coin a phrase to describe your style.
Drama student meets southern prep school.
Drama student meets southern prep school, love it…don’t you guys? Menden, thanks so much for stopping by! Stay tuned for an AWESOME giveaway next week, an exclusive from Ginger & Jade!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Menden’s necklaces are some of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever seen — and the story behind them (with the colors inspired by her travels) is unique. Her collections are worth checking out!
Menden’s designs are beautiful! She is so talented and the inspirations for her designs are so intriguing as well. What great talent!
Menden is the most adorable, gorgeous and talented person I know.
She has a great sense of style which lends itself to her beautiful creations.
I have some of her pieces and absolutely love how versatile they are as they look great with jeans and a tee or with a cocktail dress.
I am addicted to her jewelry!
Wearing one of Menden’s necklaces makes you feel like a million bucks. Who doesn’t deserve that? She puts so much thought and attention into each piece. Simply beautiful.
I have bragging rights since I have known Menden since BEFORE she was born! She has grown into a beautiful and talented young woman and I am very proud of her. I am trying to decide which one of her wonderful creations I MUST have.
I know where her thrillseeking spirit comes from!!!!!
I love that movie theater too!
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