XVIBES:
Continuing our business feature on young adults, the future of business.
At just 20 years old, Jael Blackman is shaping more than just polymer clay—she’s shaping a brand rooted in passion, faith, and culture. As the founder of Blessed Ascending Arts, Jael crafts intricate, 100% handmade earrings inspired by Trinidad and Tobago’s rich flora and fauna. From the pulp of a cocoa pod to the scales of a koi fish, each piece tells a story. What began as a form of creative survival during challenging times has blossomed into a purpose-driven business that celebrates Caribbean identity with refreshing detail and heart.
Launching her brand in 2023 while still a student at Waterloo Secondary School, Jael took a leap of faith—literally. Her first fruit-inspired earrings were born out of a desire to own a pair of soursop and pomerac designs she couldn’t find anywhere. With tools gifted by her brother and encouragement from family and friends, she used trial and error to bring her vision to life. Since then, she’s moved from bookmarks and cards to full-scale statement earrings that have dazzled pop-up market goers and sparked conversations around local representation in fashion.
What makes Blessed Ascending Arts stand out isn’t just Jael’s devotion to hand-sculpting every piece without molds—it’s the soulful intention behind it all. She honors her faith through her dove-brush logo, a tribute to the Holy Spirit, and finds inspiration in the vibrant biodiversity of the islands. As she dreams of expanding her work globally, Jael remains committed to encouraging other young creatives to “find their talent, refine it, and turn it into something meaningful.” With designs that don’t simply mimic local life but elevate it into wearable art, Jael Blackman is ascending, one handmade creation at a time.
Follow and find her at:
Instagram: @blessed_ascending_arts
TikTok: @blessedascendingarts
Email: blessedascendingarts@gmail.com
