BLAIR HUSAIN
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AK ITEM AND WHY?
I love my large AK bangles in magenta and purple. They go so well mixed with my BH gold bangles. They add color and style instantly! I really want to own the Mercury bag in black alligator with custom purple interior - it is such a classic and something I will have forever.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 10 LATEST OBSESSIONS AND WHAT YOU CAN NOT LIVE WITHOUT AND WHY?
My dance classes at AKT fitness
I finally found a workout I like.
Anything Hermes
I love "H's."
Scrabble
It is so much fun with the kids and friends.
Lapis
The color blue is my favorite.
Bloody Mary's from the St. Regis with extra wasabi.
Nothing tastes better after a ski run in Deer Valley.
My Jawbone Up band
I now know how much sleep I am getting.
My daughters silhouette portrait by my friend Gertrude Dub.
Fresh cut flowers
I want them in my home all the time. Peonies are my favorite.
My dog, Ginger
All she does is make everyone happy.
My God children
I have 7 of them and I am so honored to be this special person in their lives.
YOUR FAVORITE PLACE YOU HAVE EVER TRAVELED TO AND WHY?
I love to travel and have visited over 35 countries and plan to visit more. I can't pick a favorite, but have such fond memories of the waters in the Maldives, sitting in the blue lagoon in Iceland with good friends, charming a snake in the bazaar of Morocco, trekking with my husband in Patagonia, eating caviar for breakfast in Russia, sledding down sand dunes in Dubai, dancing at weddings in Pakistan, swimming in the emerald waters of Sardinia... I truly cannot pick a favorite, I just want to do more!
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 PRIZED POSSESSIONS?
My 3 children
Two boys and a girl. They are my life, biggest love and happiness.
My husband
Meeting him and sharing our life is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
My great Australian grandmothers brooch
It was given to me when I was a little girl and an inspiration for all my roman numeral jewelry.
BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
It always comes from my mother...
"Life is the journey, not the destination"
"It is better to give than to receive"
"Real beauty comes from within"
"Sharing is caring"
"Focus on the positive"
...she always supports me and leads me in the right direction. She is my best friend and I trust her completely.
PERSONAL MANTRA OR QUOTE YOU TOTE AROUND WITH YOU?
"May God always keep you mentally awake, morally straight and physically strong."
"If God be with you, who can be against you."
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JEWELRY LINE AND HOW IT STARTED?
My collection started from a love of jewelry. Initially, I was designing and creating pieces for myself. I designed a 39th birthday piece for a good friend and the word spread.
I love numbers and feel that jewelry should be personal and have meaning.
The core of my collection is with roman numerals - I design pieces with dates using roman numerals to commemorate significant events. The pieces are sculptural and architectural in design, yet contain a significance. Other pieces in the collection are zodiacs in gold and mixed with other stones like malachite, lapis and tigers eye. The extension of the collection also includes pieces that I believe should be in every woman's jewelry wardrobe such as gold stackable bangles, hoop earrings and long chains.
DO YOU DO CUSTOM WORK?
The majority of my collection is custom. This is my favorite part. I enjoy meeting with clients and hearing their story. We figure out how they like to wear their jewelry. Most importantly, we decide what dates are special to them and what they would like to commemorate - a birthday, anniversary, child's christening or anything special. Everyone has a date that is significant to them.
IS THERE A CHARITY OR CAUSE THAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY PASSIONATE ABOUT? IF SO, WHY?
I am very committed to the American Ballet Theater. I grew up dancing and specifically love the ballet. About ten years ago, I was approached by two friends who introduced me to the organization. It was their influence that got me motivated and more aware of the need to support the arts.
I also support St. Judes Children's Hospital. It is an incredible organization and something very close to my heart. My father encouraged me to get involved initially and in his memory I will continue.
3 THINGS THAT PEOPLE WOULD NEVER KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT YOU WANT TO SHARE?
I have landed a 747 airplane full of passengers.
I have been married twice to the same man. I had two weddings - one in Pakistan and the other in New York City; one week apart.
I don't have pierced ears. It is a family tradition.
WHAT ARE YOU LOVING IN YOUR COLLECTION RIGHT NOW?
I love my simple gold chains with zodiac charms - they make any outfit look complete. A gold chain is classic with any wardrobe and they are still very personal.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEAUTY ESSENTIALS?
Hair pulled back in a ponytail, Aquaphor, Green Tea and I eat an avocado every day for my skin.
WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?
A facial from Vicki Morav. She has a year long wait list.
Slipping away on a trip with only one child for one on one time.
Spicy food. The hotter the better.
WHAT IS ON YOUR T.V?
Nothing. No time for TV. I prefer to read or sleep.
WHAT IS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND?
Whatever my children are reading, to make sure it is appropriate... Hunger Games, Diary of Anne Frank, Wonder, Matilda, Millions. The stack is very high.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST MOMENT IN LIFE OR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?
Honestly, I have to say meeting my husband. I feel so lucky and blessed to have met someone so wonderful. Sharing and building a life with him has been the most incredible journey. We have been married for seventeen years and I can't wait for the next seventeen. He makes me stronger and better.
YOU ARE A SUPER CHIC DRESSER - WHAT IS YOUR UNIFORM AND FASHION STAPLES?
I really like to stay classic. Nothing is easier than putting on a dress, flats and gold jewelry. Whenever I differ from this, I regret my fashion decisions.
WHO IS BLAIR HUSAIN AND WHY DO WE LOVE HER?
Blair and I first met when I was a new junior at Hollins College. We both shared the dream of living in NYC and made it a reality. I lasted eight years and she is luckily still there. Though our paths did not cross often, we now are both working mothers and keep up through our mutual friends in common. I am always thrilled to find other creative business owners to highlight and am excited to introduce you to her jewelry line.
I love Blair's concept of memorable, classic and sentimental jewelry and am inspired how she juggles her life of travel, children, business all while she looks incredibly chic! Her jewelry would be the perfect addition to any woman's wardrobe, so...husbands...HINT HINT - February 14th is on the horizon! You can reach her here for any custom or sale inquires.
Four years ago, while raising her three children, Blair began to pursue her interest in design and jewelry. She began designing pieces for her family and friends and soon the eponymous jewelry line, Blair Husain, was formed. Although, still relatively new, Blair's eye for beauty and demand for quality quickly garnered national attention. Her line has been featured in Lucky, Manhattan, Quest and Departures Magazine and select pieces can be purchased at the Aerin boutique in Southampton beginning Spring 2014.
Blair grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina in a family of seven and currently resides in New York with her husband, Fazle, and children.
