The Queue: Jacob Quetant
Discover what individuals from our craft community are into right now.
The Queue: Jacob Quetant
↑ Jacob Quetant, pictured with his family, is the designer, maker, and entrepreneur behind the men's beard and skincare brand Nature Boy and is featured in the August/September issue of American Craft.
Photo: Courtesy of Jacob Quetant
Introducing the Beauty series of The Queue
A weekly roundup for and by the craft community, the Beauty series of The Queue introduces you to the makers, writers, curators, and more featured in the most recent issue of American Craft. We invite them to share their shortlist of exciting projects, people to follow, and content to consume to help you stay dialed into what's happening in the world of making.
Finding that spark within: Jacob shares what inspires and grounds him
Based in Southern California, Jacob Quetant is the founder of Nature Boy, a line of finely crafted men's grooming products offering beard oils, soaps, combs, and more. You can learn about the methods and motivations behind Jacob's craft in the Maker Spotlight on Nature Boy in the Beauty issue. @natureboyig
How do you describe your work or practice in 50 words or less?
With the help of my immediate family, I craft natural grooming products for bearded men, catering primarily to the hair types of Black men like myself. I also do our branding, photography, and social media, manage operations, and am focused on the development of our infrastructure with plans to begin cultivating a strong team.
In these times of COVID-19 isolation, social unrest, and calls for change, where are you finding beauty?
In Nature. In my Family & Friends. In the limitless creativity, strength, and resilience of my people. In the feeling of gratitude I feel when engaged in healthy dialogue with other like-minds. Also, in eye-contact with new people I meet at places like the grocery store. (Interestingly enough, wearing masks has caused me to take a closer look at people’s eyes and appreciate the work of the creator a lil’ more.)
↑ Read more about Jacob's work in the Maker Spotlight on Nature Boy in American Craft.
Photo: Jacob Quetant
What are your thoughts on the relationship between craft and beauty?
I believe they go hand in hand as long as the beauty is validated within before anywhere else externally. I also feel as though once the energy of beauty vanishes from the crafting process, it becomes somewhat like factory work (which isn’t bad, just different). In craft, perceived beauty is sometimes that powerful spark – the key that opens the door for more energy to flow, like passion and enthusiasm. If a crafter intends to sell their work, then their own appreciation and enthusiasm for the process is a powerful driving force to get through the challenging times. That same energy, once coupled with purpose and solutions to help others, is a winning combination.
↑ Jacob using a Dremel tool in making a Nature Boy comb.
Photo: Jacob Quetant
What’s one of your favorite tools in your workshop?
The Dremel Stylo+. My assistant artisan Kacey (who I’ve been training to detail our beard combs), introduced me to it. I’ve been using the Dremel 4000 for years, which I still prefer for most processes personally because I use it with a stationed vice grip, but the easy handling of the Stylo+ is definitely better when I need to hold the Dremel in hand. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re using one of the much older, louder Dremels.
If a crafter intends to sell their work, then their own appreciation and enthusiasm for the process is a powerful driving force to get through the challenging times.
What’s an exhibition or art project you think the world should know about?
The African Renaissance Monument, a massive copper statue in Dakar, Senegal... Never even knew it existed until a couple years ago. I believe it stands taller than the statue of liberty, and as magnificent as it looks in photo, I can only imagine what it looks like in person.
↑ The African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, Senegal.
What podcast should we be listening to right now?
The Earn Your Leisure podcast is becoming a personal favorite of mine. They’ve had some great guests on the show with valuable dialogue around entrepreneurship and finance. I’d also say the Bruce Lee Podcast. My close friend Yancy introduced me to it a few years back. It is operated by his daughter Shannon Lee, and each episode is based on a quote from his journaling, philosophies, or teachings. I find it to be very insightful and grounding.
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