IO Collective Designer Jenifer Thai's Destressing Routine Involves Writing, Gem Sorting, & More

The red carpet-beloved jeweler (and new mom!) shares how she's staying creative.

Jenifer Thai launched IO Collective, her ethically-sourced jewelry line, with the idea that every piece would have a story to tell. Homegrown in California, Thai was previously working in New York City's finance industry and making jewelry as a hobby when she realized her side hustle was her true passion. Starry wearers of her gems including Nicole Kidman, Greta Gerwig, Rose Byrne, Winnie Harlowe, and Suki Waterhouse would seem to agree.

Nowadays, the new mom spends her time creating timeless, globally-inspired pieces that she hopes will be passed down from generation to generation. Like the rest of us, Thai's also adjusting to the new 2020 lifestyle — for her, quarantining at home includes cooking, writing, and a stellar skincare routine.

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Aside from whipping up her favorite Vietnamese beef stew in her Instapot (complete with French bread), honing in on a diligent skin regimen has been an important form of self-care for Thai. "Once a week, I take 30 minutes to wash and exfoliate, steam, and mask my face," she says. Her favorite products include Sulwhasoo's Gentle Cleansing Oil as well as the brand's Cleansing Foam, which she uses while exfoliating with a face brush. "After, I use a Panasonic face steamer for 15 minutes and finish with an SK-II mask."

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Although she is extra busy right now with a newborn (no big deal), the jewelry designer keeps her creative juices flowing by setting aside some time for free writing and working with her gemstones. "During the week, I take out 30 minutes to an hour to sort gemstones and create clusters as a creative outlet for jewelry designs," she says.

Another daily to-do? "Every day, I take quick snaps of my daughter when I change her to create a collage in the future," Thai says. And in true Angeleno fashion, "Once a week, I drive to the ocean [which is] 10 minutes from my house and just free my mind," she adds. "With social distancing in mind, of course."