Sylvia Tennant, owner and designer of Zaleska Jewelry, is transforming the jewelry industry with her size-inclusive creations. After working as an accessories editor and struggling to find stylish jewelry that fit her as a plus-size woman, Sylvia set out to address the lack of size options in ready-made jewelry. Based out of her home studio in Fairview, Zaleska Jewelry offers ring sizes from 4-15 and custom-cut necklace and bracelet lengths, all at no extra charge.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Zaleska Jewelry. I create size-inclusive jewelry.
What made you want to do this work?
I used to be an accessories editor for a fashion magazine and my job was to study the landscape of the industry. As a plus-size woman, I could rarely find jewelry that fit me, let alone reflected my personal style, so I decided to change that.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I wanted to address the lack of size options for ready-made jewelry. We stock ring sizes in 4-15 and custom-cut all our necklace and bracelet chain lengths at no extra charge.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
We’re predominantly an online business and our clientele are a wide range of people of all ages and sizes from around the world.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We have a home studio in Fairview, several pieces are carried at Nettle’s Tale in Gastown, and we ship globally.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part: creating community and designing beautiful pieces of jewelry.
The worst part: having to retire designs that I love to make room for new collections!
Where can we follow you?
Visit our website, of follow us: @zaleskajewelry on Instagram and TikTok. My personal Instagram is @sylvia.tennant
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
I absolutely adore Nettle’s Tale Shop in Gastown. They are a size-inclusive hotspot for beautiful, high-quality clothing, swimwear, and accessories and their staff is wonderful!
Another shoutout would be Fat Sisters Vintage in Victoria, BC. I’m so inspired by the work they’re doing to create a supportive and fun second-hand shopping experience for sizes XL-6X.
