Conversations with Jenna Duncan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Duncan.

Hi Jenna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hey, my name is Jenna. I’m originally from Austin, TX but set roots in Northglenn, CO with my husband, Reed in 2018.

In September 2020, I made the switch from Corporate Technical Recruiter to Artist/Creator of The Hummingbird and The Beagle. My world in recruiting was fast-paced, and cyclical, and left me feeling depleted.

During the pandemic, this lifestyle was only continuing to increase for my company and as a family, we decided to make the change. I’d always been a crafter and enjoyed making my gifts for friends and family. I wanted to bring my passions for creativity, color, human connection, and nature together in one place – with my new art business.

You will see me creating everything from vibrant colorful abstract artwork to custom gemstone creations that brighten your personal space. I’m here to help introduce more color into your life while providing unique, mindfully priced, and handmade items for you or someone special.

Just me (The Hummingbird) and my 12-year-old dog sidekick, Arthur (The Beagle), creating stuff in my art studio together.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yike. Yes, I’ve struggled with the social media aspects of being a new small business owner. It can be uncomfortable. I feel like a 5th grader doing show-in-tell again.

However, it’s very necessary to participate in a way that is comfortable for you, while also putting your brand out to the public. It’s been a great lesson in vulnerability and making sure to thank the folks who do follow you and want to see what you have going on. That is a pretty special thing at the end of the day.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I like to think of The Hummingbird and The Beagle as a small business gift shop rather than an art business. I love painting but I also enjoy working with other mediums, such as wire-wrapping, woodworking, and jewelry making.

I like to challenge myself in the studio to create items my client isn’t likely to have seen before, are well made, and add more color to everyday life. I love when a visitor stops by my booth and they are surprised to discover everything is made my one person. Everyone gravitates to different items, too! It’s fun to watch as a creator.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think that it’s easy to be intimidated by the addition of AI into the art world.

However, I think as business owners we should continue to look into how these systems can work for us and make running our business easier for us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thehummingbirdandthebeagle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehummingbirdandthebeagle