jessica goldfond and the shiny squirrel

Dear Friend by Caroline Hwang


I've been following The Shiny Squirrel since it's inception and really admire Jessica Goldfond for making the leap and creating this unique platform for emerging artists and designers. The Shiny Squirrel features exclusive limited edition and one of a kind pieces, showcasing the growing market of young talent, and providing a forum to display and sell their work. Jessica has dropped by TrustYourStyle today and I think you will enjoy getting to know her.



Sheltered by Shira Sela


mj: How did The Shiny Squirrel come to be?

jessica goldfond: The idea was formulated last January when I decided that I needed to have more focused goals and aspirations than what I was currently involved in. I have known for ages that I wanted to own and operated my own store/gallery, but knew that a brick and mortar place might be tricky in my current situation. I woke up one day wondering what I was waiting for, so I just had to make it happen one way or another.

It was also around the time that I met my boyfriend, who has been such a wonderful inspiration and help to the entire project. I really couldn't have done it without him.



Bee Girl by Jessica Gonacha


mj: Could you talk about what it is about the artists that you feature on your site that inspires you?

jessica: The artists that I have been featured on the site have been collected from all over the internet and parts of Brooklyn. They have that quirky sensibility that makes me smile and draws me to them. I want to sell to work that is unique yet affordable to the masses.



Foxy Lady by Orange Willow (I'm crazy about this one!)


mj: Do you feel that The Shiny Squirrel has a certain point of view? How do you see it evolving?

jessica: The Shiny Squirrel is a platform for emerging artists and designers who need a voice to showcase their talent. There is a wide range of artists/designers on the site that influence me and I think over time the point of view will constantly be changing.

I want the shop to grow steadily and hopefully host gallery shows and maybe some runway events for fledgling designers. I want Shiny Squirrel to grow to be a brand...



Kiss by Kate Banazi


mj: A lot of trustyourstyle readers love art and want to start collecting. What would be your advice to a fledgling art collector?

jessica: I think art should make you smile even if it is the simplest drawing and
a person should go with your instinct on what appeals to them.



Elka by Michelle Armas


mj: Who are some of your fav artists that you've collected?

jessica: I have a lot of prints that aren't on my wall, but right now a few pieces are by Ashley Goldberg, Marci Washington, Caroline Hwang and Jen Corace.


Here are A FEW THINGS ABOUT JESSICA GOLDFOND THAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW:




THE FOUR MOST STYLISH PEOPLE WHO INFLUENCED ME:
1. My friends who have adopted their own styles
2.
3.
4.

FOUR OF MY FAVORITE DESIGNERS: (Currently)
1. Dries Van Noten
2. Eley Kishimoto - Just the Shoes
3. Rodarte
4. Karen Walker

FOUR JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE:
1. Barista
2. Associate Sales for Clothing Company
3. Freelance writer
4.

FOUR MOVIES I WOULD WATCH OVER AND OVER (AND DO):
1. The Piano
2. Secretary
3. Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory (Gene wilder version)
4. Desperately Seeking Susan

FOUR PLACES WHERE I HAVE LIVED:
1. Seattle
2. London
3. Brooklyn, NY
4. New Jersey

FOUR TV SHOWS I LOVE TO WATCH:
1. Heroes
2. The Office
3.
4.

FOUR PLACES I HAVE BEEN ON VACATION IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS:
1. Prague
2. Lisbon
3. Amsterdam
4. Barcelona

FOUR WEBSITES I VISIT DAILY (Or at least Weekly):
1. Notcot
2. sprayglue
3. the coveted
4. aboutsomethings

FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:
1. Sushi
2. Pretzels
3. Thai Iced Tea
4. Dry mangoes

FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
1. London's Portabello road market
2. At the movies
3. With my boyfriend
4. Riding a bike

Thanks for stopping by Jessica!