Latest news with #JenniKayne
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Career Advice That Took Jenni Kayne's Brand to the Next Level
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." In ELLE's series Office Hours, we ask people in powerful positions to take us through their first jobs, worst jobs, and everything in between. This month, we spoke with designer and entrepreneur Jenni Kayne. If you've ever seen someone wearing a cozy cashmere cardigan and wondered, 'Who makes that?' the tag would most likely tell you it's Jenni Kayne. The California-based designer has a 22-year-old fashion label that has grown into a lifestyle empire, complete with home and furniture; her beauty line, Oak Essentials; and a growing experiences arm (you can now stay at the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse via Airbnb in Tivoli, New York). Below, Kayne talks about when her business really transformed, what she is manifesting for the future, and how she made her dream bath products. My first job I went to college very briefly, and was never a traditional learner. At 18 years old, I worked for a store that no longer exists. It was an incredible opportunity to be a buyer, and I got to assist [the store owner] on the small collection that she had. I went with her to Europe to buy all of the most amazing designer brands and to the John Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier shows. It inspired me to start my own business shortly thereafter. My other job was working in retail as a salesperson in Los Angeles. It was a store on Melrose, and it was one of the coolest stores in the '90s. I loved styling people. The store owner was Diane Merritt, and she always takes credit for my career, and also that of the Juicy Couture girls because they met at her store. She's incredible and the most magical woman. My worst job I have never really had a horrible job. I've only had three jobs, the two I told you about and the one I do now. I feel very lucky. My best job Building Jenni Kayne and being a mom. The best career advice I've ever gotten Be patient, and stay true to yourself. It is advice that I got and advice that I give. It took years to build the brand to where it is now. I had to be persistent and trust that what I believed in would be a success. It's not about just doing what other people want you to do. How I come up with my visions for the brand It was [originally] all in my head. I'm very visual, and I knew exactly what I wanted to create. I wanted to have a lifestyle brand, and looked to other American designers like Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan. They also had these incredible worlds. Now, before each season, I create mood boards for each launch. Why manifesting and meditating is essential I really believe in staying grounded and meditating. If you can do that in a good, neutral place, then you can invite exciting things in. Again, it's about really believing in what you do, and staying true to your vision. As I've gotten older and found more confidence, I also believe in myself more. When I was younger, I would run myself ragged and take on too much. At this point in my career, I believe in hiring people around me that are better at their jobs than I am. It's really allowed me to stay in my lane and do what I'm good at, because that's where I am the most value add. If you're doing too much, then it's really difficult to be inspired and create beauty. When I am surrounded by nature, quiet, and calm is when I am the most creative. For the future, I'm manifesting for Oak Essentials to be in everybody's bathroom, and getting it on as many beautiful faces and bodies as we can. We're having great success with Ulta. We're in 250 stores and going into more. I'd love to go into hospitality. What I look for when I'm hiring It's about hiring people who are better at their job than I would be, but it's also about energy. You have to really like working with everyone that you're hiring. I'm an empath. I'm very sensitive to energy. For the most part, we all know what our instincts are, and it's important to listen to them. My 'aha' moment I had this instinct to shift the direction of the business and focus more on a core assortment and less on newness all the time. [I always want to] not do the things that feel too 'of the moment' or too 'on trend.' I didn't want to play the game of showing in New York, that everyone always thought you had to do. Once we did that, my business really grew and took off. So again, it's more about listening to your instincts and really responding to what your customers want from you, rather than what you think you have to do because other people are doing it. My email inbox strategy I just met with a digital organizer, and she was trying to teach me how to be an inbox-zero person. I just don't think that's for me. I flag what I cannot answer right away or what I need to keep or circle back to. I delete what feels unnecessary and the rest just stays opened in my email. But the idea is that everything should be no more than two clicks away. Why I got into beauty When I was pregnant with my first child, there really weren't great options for clean beauty. I started researching all the chemicals that were in our daily life, whether it was in our cookware, food, or what you were putting on your skin. I've always taken my skin seriously, and it's a big part of my self care. People would always ask me about what I was using, and so I created products for where I thought there were holes, and it's grown from there. I also really like the idea of creating a spa-like experience at home, whether it be through the feeling of using the products, the texture, or the application. My multi-step bathing ritual I shower in the morning and after I exercise, but I've always been a bath person. It is what inspired the Oak Essentials bath salts. I think wind-down rituals are super important, especially for people who don't sleep very well. I've been trying to teach my 14-year-old daughter about them. At the end of the day, I love drawing a bath, whether it's with my littlest or on my own, and mixing in delicious bath salts and our Foaming Bath Oil too. I dim the lights, look outside, do a face mask, and either listen to a meditation or catch up with my kids. How I created my new bath products [For the bath oil], the scent profile had to be something that you could enjoy, take in, and relax with. It has lavender and chamomile, which really calms your nervous system and helps improve sleep quality. I love a floral, but I also like something that is very grounding, so there is geranium and balsam. [For the soak], I really wanted a salt that was going to help relax your muscles and get you ready for sleep, help de-stress, and soften your skin at the same time. There's European sea salt in there, as well as magnesium fluoride. I also wanted it to dissolve really well, because I don't want sediment at the bottom of my bath. I really want to feel like I'm getting all the benefits and that it is being absorbed into the water and my skin. I want all the Oak products to feel like you're at a spa, whether you're in your own bathroom or not. My ultimate beauty essentials I couldn't live without the Oak Essentials Ritual Face Oil or the Moisture Rich Facial Balm. I love the Rich Body Balm, and have been using our new Firming Plant Peptide Serum daily and see a huge difference in my skin. I also love the Retrouvé Eye Cream for night and my May Lindstrom Honey Mud mask. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.$52.00 at at at at at at You Might Also Like The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types 100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)
Elle
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Career Advice That Took Jenni Kayne's Brand to the Next Level
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. In ELLE's series Office Hours, we ask people in powerful positions to take us through their first jobs, worst jobs, and everything in between. This month, we spoke with designer and entrepreneur Jenni Kayne. If you've ever seen someone wearing a cozy cashmere cardigan and wondered, 'Who makes that?' the tag would most likely tell you it's Jenni Kayne. The California-based designer has a 22-year-old fashion label that has grown into a lifestyle empire, complete with home and furniture; her beauty line, Oak Essentials; and a growing experiences arm (you can now stay at the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse via Airbnb in Tivoli, New York). Below, Kayne talks about when her business really transformed, what she is manifesting for the future, and how she made her dream bath products. My first job I went to college very briefly, and was never a traditional learner. At 18 years old, I worked for a store that no longer exists. It was an incredible opportunity to be a buyer, and I got to assist [the store owner] on the small collection that she had. I went with her to Europe to buy all of the most amazing designer brands and to the John Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier shows. It inspired me to start my own business shortly thereafter. My other job was working in retail as a salesperson in Los Angeles. It was a store on Melrose, and it was one of the coolest stores in the '90s. I loved styling people. The store owner was Diane Merritt, and she always takes credit for my career, and also that of the Juicy Couture girls because they met at her store. She's incredible and the most magical woman. My worst job I have never really had a horrible job. I've only had three jobs, the two I told you about and the one I do now. I feel very lucky. My best job Building Jenni Kayne and being a mom. The best career advice I've ever gotten Be patient, and stay true to yourself. It is advice that I got and advice that I give. It took years to build the brand to where it is now. I had to be persistent and trust that what I believed in would be a success. It's not about just doing what other people want you to do. How I come up with my visions for the brand It was [originally] all in my head. I'm very visual, and I knew exactly what I wanted to create. I wanted to have a lifestyle brand, and looked to other American designers like Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan. They also had these incredible worlds. Now, before each season, I create mood boards for each launch. Why manifesting and meditating is essential I really believe in staying grounded and meditating. If you can do that in a good, neutral place, then you can invite exciting things in. Again, it's about really believing in what you do, and staying true to your vision. As I've gotten older and found more confidence, I also believe in myself more. When I was younger, I would run myself ragged and take on too much. At this point in my career, I believe in hiring people around me that are better at their jobs than I am. It's really allowed me to stay in my lane and do what I'm good at, because that's where I am the most value add. If you're doing too much, then it's really difficult to be inspired and create beauty. When I am surrounded by nature, quiet, and calm is when I am the most creative. For the future, I'm manifesting for Oak Essentials to be in everybody's bathroom, and getting it on as many beautiful faces and bodies as we can. We're having great success with Ulta. We're in 250 stores and going into more. I'd love to go into hospitality. What I look for when I'm hiring It's about hiring people who are better at their job than I would be, but it's also about energy. You have to really like working with everyone that you're hiring. I'm an empath. I'm very sensitive to energy. For the most part, we all know what our instincts are, and it's important to listen to them. My 'aha' moment I had this instinct to shift the direction of the business and focus more on a core assortment and less on newness all the time. [I always want to] not do the things that feel too 'of the moment' or too 'on trend.' I didn't want to play the game of showing in New York, that everyone always thought you had to do. Once we did that, my business really grew and took off. So again, it's more about listening to your instincts and really responding to what your customers want from you, rather than what you think you have to do because other people are doing it. My email inbox strategy I just met with a digital organizer, and she was trying to teach me how to be an inbox-zero person. I just don't think that's for me. I flag what I cannot answer right away or what I need to keep or circle back to. I delete what feels unnecessary and the rest just stays opened in my email. But the idea is that everything should be no more than two clicks away. Why I got into beauty When I was pregnant with my first child, there really weren't great options for clean beauty. I started researching all the chemicals that were in our daily life, whether it was in our cookware, food, or what you were putting on your skin. I've always taken my skin seriously, and it's a big part of my self care. People would always ask me about what I was using, and so I created products for where I thought there were holes, and it's grown from there. I also really like the idea of creating a spa-like experience at home, whether it be through the feeling of using the products, the texture, or the application. My multi-step bathing ritual I shower in the morning and after I exercise, but I've always been a bath person. It is what inspired the Oak Essentials bath salts. I think wind-down rituals are super important, especially for people who don't sleep very well. I've been trying to teach my 14-year-old daughter about them. At the end of the day, I love drawing a bath, whether it's with my littlest or on my own, and mixing in delicious bath salts and our Foaming Bath Oil too. I dim the lights, look outside, do a face mask, and either listen to a meditation or catch up with my kids. How I created my new bath products [For the bath oil], the scent profile had to be something that you could enjoy, take in, and relax with. It has lavender and chamomile, which really calms your nervous system and helps improve sleep quality. I love a floral, but I also like something that is very grounding, so there is geranium and balsam. [For the soak], I really wanted a salt that was going to help relax your muscles and get you ready for sleep, help de-stress, and soften your skin at the same time. There's European sea salt in there, as well as magnesium fluoride. I also wanted it to dissolve really well, because I don't want sediment at the bottom of my bath. I really want to feel like I'm getting all the benefits and that it is being absorbed into the water and my skin. I want all the Oak products to feel like you're at a spa, whether you're in your own bathroom or not. My ultimate beauty essentials I couldn't live without the Oak Essentials Ritual Face Oil or the Moisture Rich Facial Balm. I love the Rich Body Balm, and have been using our new Firming Plant Peptide Serum daily and see a huge difference in my skin. I also love the Retrouvé Eye Cream for night and my May Lindstrom Honey Mud mask. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Jenni Kayne Farmhouse Review
Those with an appreciation for California-based fashion designer Jenni Kayne's eponymous clothing, design and lifestyle brand can now get a deeper glimpse into its laid-back vibe. After a year of invite-only stays, the brand's Farmhouse is now available for public booking on Airbnb starting in May. Nestled on a cozy plot of land in Tivoli, New York, the Farmhouse is a beautiful four-bedroom, three-bathroom gem featuring a chef's kitchen, a pool and an on-site spa, the Oak Wellness Club. The aesthetic embodies Jenni's signature style, featuring items from the designer's own line of furniture, mixed with more than 70 vintage and antique pieces—some dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. 'There's something so lovely about spring and early summer in the Hudson Valley,' Kayne says. 'It's not too hot yet, the landscape is bright and ever-changing, and everyone seems to be coming alive after winter. I also love the fall upstate. You get to see all of the changing leaves, which isn't something we get here in L.A.' Here's everything you need to know before checking in. divider An aerial view of the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse. Michael Clifford Photography divider Start your day with a farmhouse-inspired breakfast, then grab a spot by the pool, where you can lounge all day while listening to the sounds of nature. Wellness abounds at this property, from the on-site sauna, to the cold plunge and hot tub, to the Oak Wellness Club, a beautiful greenhouse that offers massages and facials featuring Kayne's Oak Essentials line of natural, nontoxic skincare, body care, bath products and spa-inspired fragrances. The barrel sauna and cold plunge at the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse. Courtesy of Airbnb divider The Farmhouse features four serene bedrooms decked out in rich hues, plus three spa-like bathrooms stocked with Oak Essentials products, making it a perfect escape for a girls' trip or a romantic weekend getaway with a significant other. 'I've always had a natural instinct and interest in creating whole environments that reflect a certain feeling: grounded, beautiful, effortless,' Kayne says. 'And I've always loved sharing these environments with friends and family. So extending into interiors as the next lifestyle touchpoint was just a natural extension of both my creative inspiration and the brand as a whole.' divider Tivoli is worth a visit any time of the year—I've visited in both the middle of summer and late fall. But one of the most lively and memorable times to visit is in summer, when the weather is ideal and guests can enjoy all the outdoor amenities the property has to offer. Those looking for adventure in the area can also book hiking or wine tasting trips. For a more leisurely experience nearby, the boutiques in downtown Hudson are definitely worth a visit. 'Stissing House is my absolute favorite,' Kaye says. 'Every meal there is incredible and the ambience is just perfect.' divider Jenni Kayne's Farmhouse is located 100 miles from New York City, about a two-hour drive. It's also accessible by train, a ride of about two hours and 40 minutes (Amtrak to Hudson, followed by a 20-minute Uber ride). The closest airport is Albany International Airport, about a one-hour drive.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Inside Look: Jenni Kayne's Farmhouse In Upstate New York
Those with an appreciation for California-based fashion designer Jenni Kayne's eponymous clothing, design and lifestyle brand can now get a deeper glimpse into its laid-back vibe. After a year of invite-only stays, the brand's Farmhouse is now available for public booking on Airbnb starting in May. Nestled on a cozy plot of land in Tivoli, New York, the Farmhouse is a beautiful four-bedroom, three-bathroom gem featuring a chef's kitchen, a pool and an on-site spa, the Oak Wellness Club. The aesthetic embodies Jenni's signature style, featuring items from the designer's own line of furniture, mixed with more than 70 vintage and antique pieces—some dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. 'There's something so lovely about spring and early summer in the Hudson Valley,' Kayne says. 'It's not too hot yet, the landscape is bright and ever-changing, and everyone seems to be coming alive after winter. I also love the fall upstate. You get to see all of the changing leaves, which isn't something we get here in L.A.' Here's everything you need to know before checking in. An aerial view of the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse. Start your day with a farmhouse-inspired breakfast, then grab a spot by the pool, where you can lounge all day while listening to the sounds of nature. Wellness abounds at this property, from the on-site sauna, to the cold plunge and hot tub, to the Oak Wellness Club, a beautiful greenhouse that offers massages and facials featuring Kayne's Oak Essentials line of natural, nontoxic skincare, body care, bath products and spa-inspired fragrances. The barrel sauna and cold plunge at the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse. The Farmhouse features four serene bedrooms decked out in rich hues, plus three spa-like bathrooms stocked with Oak Essentials products, making it a perfect escape for a girls' trip or a romantic weekend getaway with a significant other. 'I've always had a natural instinct and interest in creating whole environments that reflect a certain feeling: grounded, beautiful, effortless,' Kayne says. 'And I've always loved sharing these environments with friends and family. So extending into interiors as the next lifestyle touchpoint was just a natural extension of both my creative inspiration and the brand as a whole.' Tivoli is worth a visit any time of the year—I've visited in both the middle of summer and late fall. But one of the most lively and memorable times to visit is in summer, when the weather is ideal and guests can enjoy all the outdoor amenities the property has to offer. Those looking for adventure in the area can also book hiking or wine tasting trips. For a more leisurely experience nearby, the boutiques in downtown Hudson are definitely worth a visit. 'Stissing House is my absolute favorite,' Kaye says. 'Every meal there is incredible and the ambience is just perfect.' Jenni Kayne's Farmhouse is located 100 miles from New York City, about a two-hour drive. It's also accessible by train, a ride of about two hours and 40 minutes (Amtrak to Hudson, followed by a 20-minute Uber ride). The closest airport is Albany International Airport, about a one-hour drive.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Why Ballet Flats Are Still Trending For Spring, Plus 10 Pairs To Shop Now
Jenni Kayne Lana Flat Jenni Kayne Ballet flats are essentially the little black dress of feet—they're always in style and you can find a pair that works for you. That's why the classic is still the must-have shoe for spring 2025. 'In an era that treasures investing in forever staples and encourages building capsule wardrobes, it makes sense that people are reaching for a shoe as timeless as the ballet flat,' says Sophie Lopez, Celebrity Stylist and Marshalls and TJ Maxx Fashion Style Expert. 'They are the perfect day-to-night essential and can be worn in a variety of settings—from work to casual outings to a night out. In addition to their versatile styling, ballet flats' comfortability is perfect for all-day wear, and it makes sense to see ballet flats make a comeback as modern trends continue to lean into comfort.' One of the reasons ballet flats are always in demand is because of their versatility. You can thank their simple design for that, which is why they can be worn with everything from trousers to skirts, jeans or dresses. 'Regardless of what you're pairing them with, ballet flats elongate one's legs, and their simplicity allows you to fully experiment with your style,' Lopez says. While the weather is still transitioning into spring, you can wear ballet flats with fashion socks for a trendy look that also happens to be practical. 'Spring is all about layering and that can extend to your footwear,' Lopez says. 'I love the idea of adding lace socks with a pair of pink ballet flats or Mary Janes for a sweet, retro look that will keep you warm.' To ensure they're comfortable, there are a few tricks and tips to keep in mind. 'You can look for ballet flats with a slight heel to distribute your weight and lessen the tension on your feet to ensure a more comfortable fit,' Lopez says. 'You can also specifically find options with a lightly cushioned footbed to provide additional support to your arches for all-day wear.' Within the category, there are plenty of styles of ballet flats to choose from. 'Mary Jane flats, whether it's a loafer or a classic ballet flat with a buckle, are going to be donned by all the it-girls as this trend lean into preppy fashion,' Lopez says. 'Pointed-toe flats have the capacity to make any outfit chic. Embellished flats are popping up on vision boards this season and I'm particularly noticing grommet detailing become popular—from shoes to headbands.' Shop a few of the best ballet flats: FRĒDA SALVADOR Riley Open Weave Ballet Flat FRĒDA SALVADOR Peek-a-boo ballet flats are all the rage, so get ready for summer with this open weave pair. Made from luxe Spanish leather, it has a padded leather footbed for extra comfort. Silver is wildly versatile, but the shoes come in three other colors too. $395, Jenni Kayne Lana Flat Jenni Kayne It doesn't get any more classic than these cream-colored Mary Janes that you could essentially wear for eternity. The neutral tone goes with everything and the tapered toe makes them extra elegant and flattering. $595, The Una The best part of these chic ballerinas is they feel as good as they look. The lightweight, flexible sole moves with you and the soft suede even goes into the lining of the back of the shoe for maximum comfort. Leopard print is practically a neutral and the criss-cross elastic straps add a fun design element. $248, Serena Uziyel Lumina Crystal Black Flat Ballerina Serena Uziyel Fancy feet will be yours with these ballerinas that are ideal for more formal occasions. Handcrafted in Italy, the Mary Janes are adorned with crystals to make them shimmer and shine. $595, Repetto x Marine Serre Camille Ballet Flats Repetto In the ultimate partnership, Marine Serre collaborated on a capsule collection of ballet flats with Repetto, one of the brands most synonymous with the style. The melding of worlds features Repetto's Camille flats with a short heel adorned in Marine Serre's signature print. $525, Dries Van Noten Leather Ballet Flats Dries Van Noten Understated and elegant, these flats ooze elegance. The dream team of lamb leather and nylon is a study in juxtapositions. $715, Naghedi Nomad Ballet Flat Raffia Naghedi The timeless shoe gets a seasonal spin with a raffia motif. True to Naghedi's signature aesthetic, it's handwoven from black neoprene and natural raffia. $365, Vivaia Pointed-Toe Bow Flats Vivaia Put a bow on it! Known for their comfort, Vivaia dressed up their popular ballet flats with a pretty bow. $109, Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina Mansur Gavriel The epitome of classic ballet flats, you'll have this pair forever. Made it Italy, it might become the MVP of your closet. $395, Rothys The Emblem Ballet Flat Rothys Buckle up! The hardware elevates an otherwise simple pair. Bonus: Rothys are known for being eco-friendly and washable, making them a cinch to clean. $155,
