Sylvia Tennant has a dreamy, magical way about her from the moment you meet her. Wildly creative, Sylvia grew up with a mother who adored jewelry, and consequently, she was fascinated with sparkling gems from her time as a child—so it’s no surprise that she ended up as a successful jewelry designer.
Formerly a school teacher, Sylvia is now a thriving entrepreneur whose company, Zaleska Jewelry features gorgeous pieces that explore themes like metaphysics, goddess energy, and sacred ancient sites (so cool, right?!) Her ethereal style has attracted attention from major publications and blogs, and her business has continued to grow quickly over the last few years. Sylvia is passionate about jewelry for more than its beauty alone, and her knowledge of the history of gemstones and their energetic properties influences the pieces she creates.
Sylvia is a babe because of her brilliant creativity, attention to detail and beautiful energy. Just look at her pieces…we want all of them!
What does Babes Supporting Babes mean to you?
I believe supporting other people is a choice. Elevating others is a conscious action that over time becomes a subconscious habit.
What city feels most like home to you?
Vancouver. The more I travel, the more I love it. It feels so good to come home, every time.
If you could go back in time, what year or era would you travel to?
I would go back to 1920s Paris, specifically to have a glass of wine with the legendary Louis Cartier. He made a collection of art deco jewelry with ancient Egyptian ceramic called “faience” and I would love to pick his brain about it.
If you could fly anywhere in the world tomorrow for 24 hours, where would you go? No jet lag, obvs!
I would go to New York; I’ve never been, and it’s calling me. This past spring there was an exhibition of Hilma af Klint’s work at the Guggenheim called “Paintings for the Future” and I wanted to see it so badly. I need to live out my Gossip Girl daydreams.
Who are your mentors? What have they taught you?
Danielle of Starchild Tarot is my best friend and mentor; she is the definition of babes supporting babes because she gave me Zaleska Jewelry. When we met in art school at UVic, Danielle had already started Zaleska Jewelry. I initially sat next to her because I thought she looked nice and we had the same word tattooed on our body—I always look for little signs like this to guide me!
Danielle has always been a multi-faceted creative and she introduced me to the art of tarot. I truly believe that she is a major influence in the resurgence of tarot in popular culture. We’re constantly giving each other support and feedback. She has so many incredible qualities—she’s strong, loyal, generous… the list goes on. I’m fortunate to have a best friend who is also an artist and entrepreneur. It’s like we’re mirrored lives living the same experience.
Tell us something amazing about one of your closest competitors.
Soleé Darrell. She lived in Vancouver for a bit but currently lives in Oakland. I think the world of her—I am slowly collecting her pieces and I think she is an incredible, rare talent.
What is your karaoke song?
I’m terrified of karaoke so I don’t have one. But if I could muster the courage, it would be Valerie by Amy Winehouse.
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
I traveled to North Korea illegally. Ahhh, the naïveté of youth.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
What would you consider your “superpower”, aka the thing you can do better than anyone else?
My superpower is taking smaller friend groups and melding them into larger friend groups. I see the possibility and individuality of people and how they might complement each other.
What current celebrity or famous person would you want to invite over to dinner?
What characteristics do you most admire in the people you work with?
This question is really important to me because it’s about my work (and life!) partner Rod. Two years ago, Rod took the leap and joined the company full time as my partner. His skill set is incredible. Being in a relationship as well as running a business together can be tough, but his dedication to our vision and ability to communicate is the reason we go to bed happy every night.
If you could see any live act in the world right now, who would it be and what venue?
Alicia Keys in my living room.
Vintage or new?
Vintage, no question. I’ve been collecting vintage pieces since I was 15. My mother taught me that just because something is old, doesn’t mean it’s not special; in fact, the opposite is true. Old things have always felt special to me—and to this day, my mother and I still go scouring vintage stores together.
How do you incorporate equality into your practice?
In terms of financial inclusivity, we offer special designs outside of the formal collection via our Instagram Story sales, which allows our audience to purchase small-batch, handmade pieces at a lower price point.
I make a conscious and consistent effort to portray diversity in the content that I share. As a woman of colour, it’s always an open and welcome conversation. Size diversity in jewelry is also very important to me. I have size 9 fingers and you’ll see them all over the website. I’m excited that we’ll be extending our ring size ranges from 4-10 next year. We’re listening to our customers!
What is your most-trusted news source?
What is your version of a “power suit”?
Red lipstick. I oscillate between coral and blue-red.
Which public figure do you admire the most?
Diane Von Furstenberg. She is the essence of what a woman can be if she follows her dreams.
What are you reading right now?
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. It talks a lot about being fearful of your creativity.
Best compliment you have ever received?
I’ve been told I’m a healer, which I was so touched by.
Favourite classic movie and why?
Anything James Bond, preferably the ones with Sean Connery. But I’ll take any of them.
Keep up with Sylvia on Instagram @sylvia.tennant and @zaleska
Check out Zaleska Jewelry here.
Introduction written by Alexis Sheridan.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.