Something to Crow about – Jen Lawson

It was like walking into your besties’ house. A velvet sofa loaded with designer pillows in the corner, The Shinns playing on the overhead speaker, and the alluring scent of a pumpkin spice wafting from a candle. An immediate feeling of comfort. That’s what it was like entering Crow, a cute designer boutique in the heart of downtown Edmonds. The owner, jewelry designer, Jen Lawson opened Crow one-year ago in the hopes of connecting other like minded artists with an enthusiastic audience and having a place to showcase her jewelry line.

Jen’s year of entrepreneurhsip has obviously had its stops and starts due to the pandemic and the restrictions that have followed. She recently reached out and invited me to come for a visit and I’m so glad I did. I was smitten the second I walked in the door. I discovered that Jen has curated a dynamic and unique collection of home decor and interior accents that are fun – and I would say conversation starters. Tons of eclectic gifts and jewelry – I know you will love Crow too. Please meet Jen Lawson.

Why Crow? 

I used to work at a bead store in Seattle – and that turned into a love for making jewelry. That was my full-time job for 20 plus years and snowballed into wanting to have a shop of my own where the focus was handcrafted items and to promote other local artists.

What is the hardest thing about being in business right now during COVID-19?

I think it’s the constant pivoting. I’m keeping busy making sure people know we are open, that we can ship our products, offer curbside pickup and keeping our website up to date.

Where do you find inspiration for your jewelry line?

I love to use recycled sterling and that where it starts. I do a lot of circle shapes – and I love to melt sterling and remake into something different. I think natural shapes and working with stones and sterling is kind of my my go-to, just really simple but wearable… like the kind of necklace you’d never take off.

Where do you see yourself a year from now?

Still here! I will continue to find new artists and our inventory will always be ever evolving. I like keeping it really interesting and moving products around. I like to keep it fresh.

So, how do you find your artists?

Most approach me. I also find artists online on Instagram or Etsy. I make it a point to not have any other items or lines that can be found at other stores in Edmonds. I like that Crow offers unique and specialty items you can’t find at other boutiques in town.

What is the best piece of advice you were given when you started?

I would say to follow your instincts – and that is something I’m learning to listen to more now that I have 80 choices to make in a day. Go with your first gut instinct and just build on that. And, don’t second-guess yourself. I’m going to look back at this year and go gosh, I made some really weird choices – or why didn’t I do this sooner….but at times like this, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I think it’ll be fun to see the growth and remember back to this weird year.

Crow is just one of the delightful boutiques you will find in Edmonds, WA. If you’re going to visit, be sure to check out my 24 hours in Edmonds post for other attractions to enjoy.

`Wendy