With her impressive vocal range and poetic lyrics, Jewel found success playing at coffeehouses in the San Diego area.
Jewel released her first independent album, , in 2009.
When there was emotional significance, I learned to slow down and describe the atmosphere.
She gained recognition by singing at The Inner Change Cafe and Java Joe's in San Diego; she would later make her debut record at Java Joe's when it was in , where she had worked as a barista.
Following the release of her debut album, Jewel received wide acclaim for her songwriting and stunning voice.
In the year 2008, she released Perfectly Clear.