Jenny Dame of Los Angeles on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Jenny Dame and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenny, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day I try to be mindful and present. I first do my hygiene and skin care routine. Then I go outside in my backyard and do a light workout. I found that spending time in the sunlight in the morning helps me feel energized throughout the day. After my stretches I pray thanking Jesus for my loved ones, gratitude and thanking God for a new day. After that I start my work.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the owner of a small business called, “Wearable Art By Jenny Dame.” In 2021 I combined both my loves for painting and sewing to create bespoke one of a kind circle skirts with my hand painted artwork that can hopefully be worn for generations. My business is a tribute to my Mexican American roots which I take direct inspiration from original 1950’s Mexican hand painted circle skirts. Back in the 1950’s, it was popular for tourists to purchase hand painted skirts as a souvenir from their travels. My business keeps alive that part of fashion history and my goal is to make timeless items like the beautiful true vintage ones of the past. I really enjoy this form of artwork and its a way I can connect to my culture.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was always an artist. Growing up I was extremely shy with not a lot of friends. I call art my first friend. I never felt alone because I always had a pencil and paper to create and discovering painting opened up so many artistic avenues. I loved art and when I attended college I was a Fine Arts Major. It was extremely hard work but very rewarding and my artistic skills were sharpening. Until my second semester of my junior year I was convinced by an advisor that I should change majors because I wouldn’t ” make any money” with that type of major. I see it as the world telling me that I couldn’t make money doing what I truly loved. I reluctantly listened and now looking back I wish I held on to my beliefs and not let anyone change my mind. Im grateful I now have art back in my life. I would recommend to anyone that has artistic endeavors to absolutely go for it and to not let anyone convince you otherwise. Money comes and goes but pursuing what you are truly passionate about will always be fulfilling.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I wouldn’t say I had a defining moment of wounds but I do feel like I’ve have a looming dark cloud of sadness in my life. Of course not all time, most of the time I can push through it, other times I have to take a day to recover. Whats helped the most is praying the rosary, the repetitiveness of the words of prayer helps me get out of my head and I can focus on whats really important. I found it to be such a relief like that heaviness I felt is lifted afterwards. Its helped control that dark cloud, Im now able to see peaks of bright sky.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of myself is absolutely me. I love vintage fashion and I adore having a supportive platform were I can share my admiration for sewing projects, art, and vintage fashion. It can feel a bit isolating dressing differently then modern trends. There is a huge vintage/ sewing community who I found are so lovely and encouraging. Im working on being more social and getting out to more vintage fun events. Im such an introvert but I would love to make more friends in the scene.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I am creating art again in a more traditional sense with paper and canvases. Since my business has been painting on fabric, its been my primary focus and I have enjoyed that aspect of creating but I do feel that my form of art is a bit too niche. I want to reach more people and to add another aspect of my artwork to acquire. Now I am focusing on having original artwork and prints available. Focusing first on practicing in my sketchbook and preparing inspiration photos for a series of a specific theme. I plan to diversify and have my artwork available for more art collectors. In 7 years I see myself being apart of art gallery’s, travelling sharing my artwork and possibly hosting creative retreats teaching others how to paint/ draw as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/jennydame
• Instagram: @jennydame_

Image Credits
Image with car: Twisted Fate Photography
Lily Skirt photo: 3LA Photography