Alexa Jacobs
This glowing soul and creator of Merchant Society ventures to India solo to find the most beautiful pieces she can get her hands on. Don't you want to know how she glows?
Why not choose to invest in a piece of beautiful jewelry that's not only unique but also benefits the life of others? Alexa Jacobs, founder of the jewelry line Merchant Society, has been traveling around the world in search of handmade and eclectic pieces, hiring local artisans and donating some of her profits back to them. It's rare to find someone as independent as this Miami native who travels throughout countries like India on her own, forming relationships with native jewelry designers and living like a true local. People even sometimes mistake her for being Indian, a sign of her strong connection to the culture deep in her soul.
We wanted every single piece of jewelry Alexa showed us. No two designs are alike and they transform even the simplest of outfits into something glowing. Alexa's home is simply decorated in clean whites with vibrant and colorful Indian touches; a calming and soothing diversion from her intricate jewelry. If one's taste in books is any indication of their character, Alexa is our soul mate. Her shelves are flowing with spiritual readings, mystic poetry and countless travel guides. We were instantly drawn to her down-to-earth, free-spirit and kind energy. When she effortlessly cracked open a coconut for us, we knew we'd met a special one.
HOW THEY GLOW QUESTIONNAIRE
NAME: Alexa Jacobs
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: Miami Beach, FL
WHEN YOU ARE EATING HEALTHY, WHAT IS A TYPICAL…
BREAKFAST: Fresh OJ or I will make a berry smoothie with bee pollen.
LUNCH: A delicious quinoa salad with chickpeas and avocado is a must!
DINNER: Roasted veggies with spaghetti squash
SNACK: Dried fruit & nuts
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS/RESTAURANTS TO EAT HEALTHY? Erewhon is always an easy spot for lunch.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INDULGENCE? French fries
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS/RESTAURANTS TO INDULGE? Little Dom's
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR LAST MEAL ON EARTH? Macaroni & cheese and French fries
WHAT IS THE BEST DISH YOU COOK/ YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE? I love making slow-roasted tomatoes. They take about 12 hours, it’s worth the wait. My Aunt Steph has been making them for years and then passed the recipe on to me.
WHERE DO YOU GROCERY SHOP IN LA? Brentwood Farmers Market on Sundays
WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS REGIME? (HOW OFTEN & WHAT DO YOU DO) Yoga, hiking and tennis -- a couples time a week with one or the other. I love to surf. I’m a beginner-- just purchased a wetsuit but have not yet ventured into the Pacific. Hope once the winter passes that will be a big part of my fitness regimen.
WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE? (PRODUCTS, FACIALS, ETC.) All time favorite things are Dr. Goldfaden needleless and Doctors Scrub. I can’t live without Egyptian Magic, an all purpose skin cream.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE NATURAL MAKEUP/ BEAUTY PRODUCTS? Most of my make-up is NARS, I need to work on getting into the natural lines. About to give RMS a go.
IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 PRODUCTS WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU? I would have coconuts on the island, that would take care of a lot!
WHAT PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY/FITNESS/HEALTH GURUS DO YOU SWEAR BY? Skinny By Tara is wonderful!
TOP 3 FAVORITE SONGS?
1. "Simple Twist of Fate" by Bob Dylan
2. "So Nice (Summer Samba)" by Bebel Gilberto
3. "Everybody's Talkin'" by Harry Nilsson
MOST LIFE-CHANGING BOOK? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? An Omega 1000 Juicer for my 22nd birthday.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY. Wake up early (somewhere warm, like Bali) go surfing, hang out by the beach, have big lunch, head out to markets for late-afternoon shopping/inspiration. Early dinner and drift off to sleep to the sound of the ocean.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE BEAUTY TIP/SECRET? Water & sunscreen
WHAT MAKES YOU GLOW? All my dear friends
Photography by: Emily Knecht