About us

Meet the owner

The Jungle Collection was founded in 2020 by mixed media artist, designer, and entrepreneur Jenna Minchin, but her journey as a jewellery maker began long before that. Since her teenage years, Jenna has been passionate about creating unique, handcrafted pieces. In 2014, she launched her first brand, Jenna Lee Sai, selling recycled Art Nouveau-inspired jewellery at Cairns’ Rusty’s Market in the heart of the city. Her early work featured Art Deco and bohemian-style headpieces and elongated chained necklaces, which quickly gained attention. Expanding her craft, Jenna began offering jewellery-making workshops under the Jenna Lee Sai brand and showcased her designs across multiple retail outlets. She also participated in the Cairns Fashion Incubator initiative at Cairns Central, an experience that helped her refine her brand and develop her business acumen. This journey ultimately led to the creation of The Jungle Collection in 2020, where she combined her artistic expertise with her passion for nature and sustainability.

The brand began in 2020 at the Kuranda Original Markets, where Jenna sold handcrafted jewellery and accessories under The Jungle Collection brand while operating her market stall under the name Jenna’s Secret Jungle, which also offered rare tropical plants. As demand grew, Jenna expanded her vision, opening The Secret Jungle Cairns in late 2021—a boutique tea room, alcohol-free cocktail bar, and events venue that also served as a retail space for The Jungle Collection products.

In November 2023, The Secret Jungle Cairns closed its physical store due to unforeseen circumstances, but its presence remained strong online, continuing to sell The Jungle Collection’s eco-friendly accessories and gifts. In June 2024, Jenna fully rebranded the business as The Jungle Collection, focusing on sustainable, nature-inspired jewellery, accessories, and homewares. This evolution paved the way for the reopening of The Jungle Collection as a boutique gift shop in Oceana Walk in September 2024.

Based in Far North Queensland, Jenna’s work is deeply influenced by the region’s lush flora and fauna. She blends digital and traditional illustration, painting, and design techniques to create unique, sustainable pieces that celebrate the beauty of nature.

A Bachelor of Creative Industries (Visual Arts) graduate, Jenna draws inspiration from 19th- and 20th-century art movements, particularly Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and the Arts and Crafts Movement. She is also the founder of The Minchin Tea Company, a sister brand specialising in high-quality, hand-blended organic teas and tea-related accessories.

Alongside her creative business ventures, Jenna is pursuing a Masters of Teaching (Secondary) with a major in Media Arts, which she is on track to complete in July 2025. She hopes to inspire young people to develop confidence, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the arts.