Jessica Hendricks

Having been born in Paris and living in New York, you grew up in an adventurous and business-minded family. Can you tell us more about your upbringing. Who were your role models in childhood?

Jessica Hendricks: I was definitely raised in an entrepreneurial family where dreaming up new business ideas was the norm. Growing up, I watched my father consult for small creative businesses, and my mother open her own jewelry store. Entrepreneurship is in my blood.

You studied acting at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. What were your original aspirations? 

I grew up performing in this really amazing community theater program, that was incredibly intense for a children’s school. The experience taught me to commit wholeheartedly to a piece of art, and I decided to continue this education at the Tisch Conservatory. I dreamed of being a film and stage actress – I loved actresses like Toni Collette who are incredibly versatile. I took these principles and applied them to my work with Brave.

What led you to become an English teacher in Thailand?

Two years into my studies at NYU I realized that this was my time to get not only an academic education, but a life education. All I’d ever really known was New York, I needed to break out of the New York bubble and experience something completely different. I wanted to work directly with a community where I could give my time and passion to make a difference.

Can you tell us about your life-changing trip to Cambodia? What made you fall in love with the country and its people? Were there any memorable stories from your trip you’d like to share?

I knew little about Cambodia going in. From the second I got off of the airplane I knew I was in another world – I had a truly visceral reaction to the raw pulse of a society post genocide. And yet there was such a joy, and generosity of spirit in the people that I met. It was this really wild mix of suffering and celebrating — it was epically beautiful.

When you had the idea of what eventually became the Brave Collection, did you have any doubts and try to talk yourself out of it? 

I think a good amount of naiveté did me well – I didn’t fully appreciate what I was taking on at the start. Launching a business is incredibly tough but I am passionate about telling this story so that has definitely given me the extra drive to work through roadblocks.

Was your organization founded similarly to an existing org. model or was it a day by day process?

It was a day by day process. I studied non-profit and for-profit models and struggled with where we fit in. Ultimately, I made the choice to tell my story through business because I felt this was the best way to support the Cambodian community I wanted to work with, and start a movement that could self-sustain.

How did you find the artisans in Cambodia you work with?

I met with many small groups and co-ops until I found one that was completely Cambodian run, and better yet, run by a woman. I connected with this woman on a personal level – I admired her and trusted her, and I knew this was a person I could communicate with, even once I was back in New York.

Though not a nonprofit, your company creates job opportunities for Cambodian artisans, while empowering and inspiring people who wear Brave bracelets and necklaces. The Brave collection donates 10 percent of its profits to nonprofit organizations that fight human-trafficking. It’s pretty amazing! What are some specific examples of the social impact that Brave has had so far? What message are you trying to bring to people all over the world?

Brave is about connecting a community of courageous women across the globe. In Cambodia, that might mean one of our home based artisans who is weaving Brave jewelry after school to help pay for her advanced degree. Stateside, maybe it’s someone who has made a bold life or career change. As women we are so inspired by other women’s stories, seeing a glimpse of our potential when we hear what they have accomplished. Our jewelry is meant to symbolize this connection. It’s so symbiotic – the artisans we work with are so enamored with the accomplishments of women in the East, and yet woman I know back home, are blown away by the stories of triumph of the women of Cambodia. We have so much to learn from one another.

Who’s/what’s been your continued source of inspiration?

Indigenous culture. I am so fascinated by the stories and rare artworks from different cultures. So much of Cambodia’s culture was destroyed in the genocide, but some of the techniques and traditions that survived are just unbelievable.

You are very well traveled. Can you tell us about some of your most memorable experiences?

There’s still so much I want to see! I fell in love with magical Luang Prabang, Laos, this tiny strip of land dotted with endless Buddhist temples. I was totally mystified by Sapa, Vietnam where the rice paddies go on for miles. More recently I have been falling in love with parts of the US like Palm Springs with its kitsch colorful style and 360 views of mountains, desert and sky.

What other aspects of your life are inspiring or exciting to you?

I’m having a love affair with Brooklyn right now — I’m moving into South Williamsburg and having so much fun exploring the new neighborhood.

I feature people like yourself- empowering, inspiring people who change the world. Please name one person that you consider a real “warrior”.

Easy! My mom.