Based in Toronto, founded and designed by Janice (@farogrrrrl), Faro Jewelry is handcrafted industrial jewelry consisting of mostly chains and assorted silver metal. Her brand has gained notable attention lately on Instagram thanks to the strategic distribution of her jewelry to rappers and models within the underground trap and goth scene. Having recently finished college, the brand has just gotten started.
I asked the one and only @farogrrrrl a few questions to get to know the underground jewelry designer better.
UU: So I came across your profile on Instagram almost a year ago and immediately DMed you because I was in love with everything. I saw the potential of your brand and wanted to be part of its growth! Seeing how far you’ve come in such a short amount of time, can you tell us a little bit about how this past year has been for you and the brand?
Janice: This past year has actually been a vital turning point for my brand. I always wanted to be a jewelry designer ever since I took my first silversmithing class, but with school and Faro on my plate, I never felt like I had enough time to make any sterling silver pieces since they take a lot of time to make. I was in my fourth year at school this year, and in the fall semester I took a branding class which taught me a good brand does one thing and does it well. This inspired me to pursue and run with the grungy industrial aesthetic for Faro.
photo credit: @ihateyasin, model credit: @susankhan
Some of your most notable followers include Too Poor, Lil Lotus, and Baby Trash to name a few. Did you initially know they would be your targeted clientele?
Janice: After I refined my style for Faro Jewelry, I did intentionally contact influencers that shared a similar vibe and would wear my jewelry the way I intended it to be worn – with a “no fucks given” type of vibe. All of my influencers have a unique fashion sense, as well as a sort of rebellious lifestyle which resonates with the essence of Faro a lot.
You’ve done a collaboration piece with Death By Romy as well, how did that come about?
Janice: When Romy contacted me, she was so enthusiastic about wearing my jewelry that within our first conversation she suggested that I make her a custom noose necklace. I was really intrigued by the idea, so I just went for it. The necklace came out looking so cool and she wore it well, so I knew I had to roll with it from there on out.
Death By Romy, photo credit: @davis.bates
You are based in Toronto but sold worldwide. Can you tell me how your hometown influenced the brand and your creative process?
Janice: I am based in Toronto, but from Montreal originally. Montreal has always influenced me as an artist since it is such a creatively diverse and free city. But when I moved to Toronto for school three years ago, it was my first time living on my own. In such a big city it got pretty lonely. I felt like I had a hole in my life that needed to be filled, so I started to make jewelry. My brand began because I was studying graphic design and I knew how to design logos, so one day I just decided to name and give a logo to whatever I was making. I then made an Instagram and spent a lot of time taking my own photos of the pieces I was most proud of. It was fun and satisfying to do, so I just continued to do it.
model credit: @kr___is, photo credit: @felice.c0m
You recently finished college and are graduating soon. What are your plans now for Faro?
Janice: I’m glad you asked. I’ve had so many plans for Faro over the course of the school year. I want to stray away from Etsy and take charge of my own website, release a new collection and take part in a couple of pop up shops to name a few.
As you evolve as a designer would you consider expanding from jewelry?
Janice: I have discussed some collaborations with other designers, which may lead me into the world of printmaking and clothing design, only time will tell.
You have also done a song! Can you tell me about that experience? How do you think music influences the brand and yourself?
Janice: Making a song was really new for me. My partner built a studio in our apartment, and sometimes we go really stir crazy together and decide to create something out of the norm for the both of us. I feel like @farogrrrl’s character is very unpredictable, which means she’s an artist of all types. Making music allows me to let go of confining myself to a box and just be whatever I want to be in the moment, which is basically the Faro aesthetic.
Lil Lotus wore your pieces in a music video recently! How was that for you?
Lil Lotus, photo credit: @itsfine.wav
Janice: It was really cool to see the way he styled the necklace. It made me feel very proud to be a part of it.
How do you feel about social media marketing and its influence on the popularity or brands?
Janice: I think that social media marketing is the future of brand influence. It really helps to get to connect with people from all over the world and have them involved in promoting your brand.
Are there any future collaborations on the way? Is there anyone you’d like to work with?
Janice: There may be some future collaborations, but only time will tell.
Are there any plans of having a physical shop/ pop up in the near future?
Janice: Yes! I intend to do many pop up shops in Toronto this summer.
What does Faro Jewelry mean to you?
Janice: Faro Jewelry feels like a child to me. It started out of a desire to take apart an old piece of jewelry that someone who had hurt me gave to me as a gift a long time ago. I took apart other pieces of jewelry and created my own pieces from them. It was therapeutic, and it helped me express a rebellious side of myself that was scared to come out.
Follow Faro Jewelry on Instagram at @farojewelry to keep up with her latest pieces.