One of the most special things about a place is the people who live there. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to interview Jayne Kasiano, a local Palauan who runs a seaglass jewellery business called SinceShorely Yours. Keep reading to find out more about her, her life in Palau and the process behind creating SinceShorely Yours products.
First of all, it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to interview you! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Alii! My name is Jayna D. Kasiano and I’m 21 years old. I’ve lived in Angaur for the majority of my life. My hobbies include reading/writing, beach combing and hiking around Angaur with my son and mom. I never really intended to be a jeweller but the opportunity presented itself and I’ve really found a joy in creating and sharing my creations, essentially little pieces of Angaur, with the world!
I noticed that you said that you’re from Angaur. It seems like a pretty remote place to anyone living off-island! Is it a place worth visiting in Palau do you think?
I absolutely think that visiting Angaur should be on a traveller’s list when coming to Palau! It’s lush with forestry and ocean views, rich with history of phosphate mining and it’s a nice area of Palau to get away from the bustle of city life in Koror.
Angaur is often referred to as the beginning of Palau. There is a legend of the creation of Palau that depicts Angaur being the very first island of Palau. It’s geologically older than the rest of Palau, so in a way the legend holds some truth.
What inspired you to start SinceShorely Yours?
The initial stages of SinceShorelyYours began during COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. I found myself with a lot of time on my hands and a lot of seaglass and sea shells I had accumulated from frequent beach trips from my childhood. It wasn’t intended to become a business but I got very good feedback from people and relatives that convinced me to make it into a business.
Is Sinceshorely Yours your full-time job?
I’d say it’s a part time job – I’m more a full time mom to my 4 year old son. 🙂
What do you think makes SinceShorely Yours unique from other jewellery?
I think what sets SinceShorelyYours jewellery apart from other jewellery in Palau and other sea glass jewellery is that all my pieces are genuinely ocean tumbled sea glass/shells that I find along the coast of Angaur. I do not cut, shape or set them in any way that alters the natural state in which I found it.
Also, due to the clashing currents and frequently rough seas, it takes a mere few days or weeks for sharp, broken shards of glass to become frosted, smooth ocean-imbued gems that I find on the beaches here. I also do not know of any other states in Palau with seaglass.
I noticed that all pieces are ethically sourced. Could you share a bit about how you go about gathering your resources and shaping them?
I don’t shape or cut my pieces, they are quite beautiful as they are. My general routine for collecting sea glass and sea shells is mostly driving to the beaches on weekends and collecting them as I walk the length of the beach. Afterwards, I bring them home and rinse them with water and leave them out to dry for a day or two, then they’re ready for the wire wrapping process.
Which pieces of jewellery do you enjoy making the most and why?
I wouldn’t say I have a favorite jewellery design to make but earrings are very rewarding to make as well as popular with my current customer base. As I mentioned, I do not cut or shape my sea glass so it takes quite a bit of time and effort to match pieces that are close in size, shape and colour to make a pair of earrings!
Wow it sounds like a lot of time and effort goes into creating your final pieces! What are your hopes for the future of your business?
I hope to reach more people around the world with my jewellery and continue to improve! Implementing new equipment, techniques and designs that will continue to entice people.
Who are your target customers and how can people purchase SinceShorely Yours jewellery?
My target customers vary, from tourists who want something to remind themselves of their trip to Palau to locals wanting local and handmade gifts for their friends and family.
How can people purchase some of your products?
Locally, people can find my jewelry at a few shops in Koror:
– Palau International Coral Reef Center
– Palau Visitor’s Authority (available at their office in Koror as well as their booth at the local Night Markets)
For off island orders, interested buyers can contact me through Facebook messenger (SinceShorely YoursXo), Instagram (@sinceshorelyyours.xo) or WhatsApp (+680-778-8320)
I’m curious, where is the farthest place you have received an order from?
The farthest place I’ve received an order from is Norway.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I’d like to share this little tidbit of information – the reasoning behind my business name. I’ve gotten many confused looks from people since I started my business and some have a hard time pronouncing it. Funny thing too – some people have suggested I completely rename my business to something much simpler and easier to say.
My business name is made up of two distinct components – the term “sincerely yours” and the word “shore”.
It depicts a bit about my products (I find them along the shores of Angaur) and “sincerely yours” portrays that my products are handmade with great care and sincerity.
When I was a kid, I often wrote letters to my grandma in the states and the term “sincerely yours” held a lot of significance to me, despite its common usage. I always thought it conveyed a very heartfelt and kind feeling. So, it’s a little play on words, if you will. Haha!
Anyway, that’s all I can think to add for now. I’m very grateful for the demand for my products that has kept my business going and for the fact that it is something I can do out of the comfort of my home so it does not take away a huge amount of my family life.
Thanks so much for sharing! Looking forward to seeing what’s to come for you and your business!
Finally, thank YOU so much for reading! If you liked this post, you may enjoy some more blog posts I have written about Palau.
KAYAKING TRIP TO RISONG BAY | PADDLING PALAU
THE BEST RESTAURANTS TO EAT AT IN PALAU.
PALAU DAY TRIP | ROCK ISLANDS TOUR
SHELL VILLA APARTEL RESORT | AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION IN PALAU
BELAU ECO GLASS | WHAT TO EXPECT
SCUBA DIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL PALAU
These are so pretty, I love seaglass and it’s interesting to find out more behind the business
Author
Thank you!