Meet Jéssica Naito of Oceano

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jéssica Naito

Jéssica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hello! My name is Jéssica Naito, founder of jewelry brand Oceano. I am a proud woman of Brazilian/Japanese background passionate about culture and jewelry. My journey started last year when I decided that I wanted to do something that involved sharing my Brazilian background and doing so by sharing handcrafted product from my mother’s city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where I also had the privilege growing up being throughout my life. I saw my mother always wearing the most beautiful, shiny, colorful Brazilian Samba outfits when she used to be a professional samba dancer in concerts, music videos, and shows. Growing up in that environment and having friends and family that are all creatives, I knew I also wanted to play a part and share my vision as well. I thought by sharing products from Brazil, my product would stand out as something different than what people are used to seeing and buying every day.

But before the start of the journey, what even GOT me there was the influence and motivation by my own community.

Seeing my long time partner Sean Singletary never give up on his craft with film and photography (shoutout out Oceano’s photographer!) made me want to work on something for myself too. He inspires me every day to be better and I am so grateful for that. Also seeing one of my bestest friends in Japan Ulala Shirahama work her butt off for YEARS on her brands “See You Yesterday” and “Mr. Saturday” immediately inspired me with her determination and hard work (check her out! You’re welcome)

This is why I say COMMUNITY IS EVERYTHING!

Fast forward to now, I decided that not only would I bring handcrafted, Brazilian jewelry from Brazil, but that I’d make and design my own things as well to feel more connected to my brand. Being a student of the process and craft has been really eye opening and with the power of social media, I’m able to reach broader audiences and get some thoughts and inspiration as well. The models we used also bring the product to life and it’s true when they say being consistent with your brand and brand identity will always be worth it in the end!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If I said “it has been a smooth ride” then I’d be lying. But has it been the smoothest it can be with the support I’ve had? Absolutely. My partner and mother (te amo
mãe!) really helped me jumpstart everything from bringing product over from Brazil to directing/shooting/editing all the photos for every shoot with ease. Bringing things over from Brazil isn’t always easy when either me or my family/friends aren’t always in and out of Brazil as much as we’d like. That’s what also pushed me to learn how to make and design my own jewelry as well. Some of the toughest struggles I’ve had was learning about what material works and doesn’t work, having days where I’m in a “creative funk” where I don’t feel motivated sometimes nor believe in myself, and even times where I felt “too old” to start anything new.

Outside noise is real, and when it gets to you, it can be ugly. But you just have to remember that it is just outside noise and you are always going to be your toughest critic! I learned so much throughout this journey and I am grateful I stuck through with it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Many people know me as a store manager with a heavy streetwear background. As much as I love being in this world, I figured jewelry would incorporate well with what I already do. Fashion and jewelry are hand in hand in terms of expression and I knew it was going to be an exciting transition.

I wanted to take a different route and see HOW I would stand out from others, and again, that’s how I incorporated my own culture into it as well. I thought “what better way to highlight one of my beautiful cultures than showing beautiful, different, vibrant, pieces?”

To be frank, I’m the most proud of my determination. I always knew I wanted to do something for MYSELF instead of always just being a part of something. It is very liberating and has been extremely fun.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Funny enough, this is always a loaded question I get every time I meet someone new. Being born in Japan (shout out my Nihonjin people) with a Japanese father and Brazilian mother, growing up was very interesting and fun. My personality is a split 50/50 between both my parents. It gave me a broad perspective on the world and gave me so much empathy for people from different cultures.

Not be get all astrological on people, but being a Gemini always makes me adapt to all different environments. I’m like a chameleon.

Doing all my education in West L.A (shoutout out Yank Squad!!), also formed who I am a lot too and had a big impact on my personality as well. I’m assuming if you were to ask someone about me, they’d say I’m goofy, a little unhinged, but also extremely loyal, responsible, and respectful…at least I’d hope haha.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Oceanorio.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/oceano.rio

Image Credits
Sean Singletary