{Elyse by Nicole}

Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // Tumblr // Website (coming soon!)

How did you get started making jewelry?

I have been interested in jewelry since before I can remember. When it came time to decide what to do for my senior project in senior year of high school, instead of doing a typical job I reached out to a local artist in Baltimore and asked if I could do an internship with her. I ended up working with her for the entire summer and learned more than I ever imagined.

What's your favorite piece of jewelry?

I loooove bangles and you can't go wrong with a simple statement necklace.

What type of jewelry do you wear every day? Any piece in particular?

I always wear a simple necklace, like a gold bar necklace or a gold chain with one pearl.

What is the hardest piece of jewelry to create?

Anything that involves metal work, which happens to also be my favorite jewelry. They say nothing good comes easy and it's true!

What inspires you?

My parents. I have always loved making jewelry but I didn't have the courage to turn it into a full time job until talking to my mom about how she started her own business. She took a chance, so hearing about how she started and knowing how successful she is now gave me the courage to turn my passion into a business. 

Where do you want to see your business go?

Right now I am hand making every piece of jewelry that I sell. I plan to grow my business and hire a few people. I always want to be in control of the design and want to make sure every piece of jewelry is perfect - but I am hoping to be so busy soon that I need to hire help!

How do you start a design?

I don't draw out any designs, I usually get a ton of beads and lay them out in a design on my table. I then put them together and if I don't love it, I take it apart and keep trying different designs until I love it. 

Who is the type of woman that you design for?

I have so many different pieces so I would like to say I design for every woman. My jewelry is unique but also affordable. I have seen a lot of independent designers who have beautiful work but it is so expensive. I want every woman who likes my pieces to be able to afford it, which is why I keep my prices relatively low. 

What is a fun fact about you?

I am really good at accents :) 

When does your website launch?

September 20th!!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

all photos above belong to Nicole

Another fun fact about Nicole [and me]… we went to middle and high school together in Baltimore! When the conversation came up about doing a collaboration together I instantly jumped at the opportunity. I actually remembered a turquoise and pearl necklace that she made me for my birthday freshmen year of high school and I found it in my jewelry box!! How cool is it to see someone that you know take a passion of theirs and turn it into a lifestyle? Extra cool because all of her pieces are amazing, drool worthy, trendy, and timeless! One thing I will always do is support the people I know and believe in… I wanted you guys to get to know a little bit about her as well so I thought why not do a mini interview? She was inspired by her mom so maybe she can inspire you!!

Feel free to contact Nicole at elysebynicole@yahoo.com for any questions about her work or buying her pieces! Don't forget to enter our giveaway to win a turquoise bangle and $20 off your first purchase!! (See previous blog post!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love Always,