Jewel was just eight when her mother walked out, leaving her and her siblings with their father, who became abusive. By 15, the violence at home forced her to leave. She lived alone in a cabin, shoplifting to survive. At 19, she moved to San Diego, hoping to build a life through music. But after refusing her boss’s advances, she lost her job and became homeless.
Living in her car, facing anxiety and health issues, Jewel still held onto hope.Her breakout came in 1995 with the album Pieces of You, but fame brought its own pressures — body shaming, industry harassment, and lingering trauma.