Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Evans.
Hi Ellie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Ellie Evans, growing up I have always had a love for the process of finding and developing my personal style. Especially in my creative endeavors, when I was around 7 I began making and selling my crafts and even created stuffed animals that matched the books we had in our school library. When I reached high school, I began creating dream catchers and selling those as well…
After being diagnosed with recurring Epstein Barr, I dove even further into my creativity to soothe the physical pain I was in. When I reached my first year at the College of Charleston I found myself with a lack of creativity due to all of my schoolwork, after going home for a few weeks during my Junior year I discovered a bag of sea glass in my basement.
This brought back so many memories of collecting sea glass with my Aunt and the rest of my family on our vacations, always feeling very connected to the ocean and the world around me I wanted to put these memories to use and spread them to others. That is how I created my brand Blue By Ellie, I create timeless jewelry designs from sea-sourced materials such as sea glass, recycled pottery, and ethically sourced gemstones.
I originally began with wire wrapping and bead stringing and have taught myself silversmith techniques to elevate and increase the product line I have created. I have my pieces in a store here in downtown Charleston as well as participate in many pop-ups across the city to spread my brand and message.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have most definitely had some struggles along the way, I had to start from scratch and teach myself the techniques I use while being a full-time student and working close to 35 hours a week outside of school. Owning this business has taught me so much valuable information about time management and has created a passion for jewelry making that I never anticipated having.
I have had so much support and love from my beautiful family and friends who have been some of my first customers and continue to show enthusiasm towards my creations to this day. Another aspect I struggled with was being overly critical of my pieces and comparing myself to jewelry designers who have had decades of experience.
I have learned that the early stages of my business are the most beautiful because I am laying the foundation for the skill sets that I will carry onto my later career. I am learning slowly but surely that mistakes are something I should be very grateful for because it teaches me to handle this journey with grace and enjoy every step along the way, I am sure I will look back one day and thank myself for continuing on.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a silversmith and jewelry designer, my company features sea-sourced wearable art and seeks to connect customers to love the earth through wearing these pieces the earth has created. We handcraft rings, necklaces, pendants, and earrings by utilizing natural materials such as hand-picked sea glass, ethically sourced gemstones, and 100% sterling silver materials to ensure longevity and quality.
I create a lot of commission pieces for my customers who have picked their own sea glass, allowing them to wear a piece that connects them to the ocean and beautiful memories every day. This makes my brand so special and creates a connection with my customers that other jewelry designers may not have. The deep history behind sea glass and sea pottery is also something that tells a story in itself.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My family has played such a vital role in my business, they have always been such amazing cheerleaders and encouraged my creativity ever since I was little. My parents have always been so involved and showed interest in my passions and endeavors throughout my life, my sister has also always been so supportive and purchased pieces from me to support my business.
My boyfriend owns a sustainable fashion brand called “Define Notion” Seeing him create this brand was a huge inspiration to me, I had never come across someone with such a strong creative mindset and a drive for change in the world through sustainability and it truly transformed the brand I have today in so many ways.
The entrepreneurship department at the College of Charleston has also encouraged and pushed my business in many ways, taking classes from entrepreneurs such as David Wyman, Sarah Castle, and Troy Knauss has helped me to develop the brand I have and learn techniques to grow.
Pricing:
- rings $55-95
- necklaces $105-145
- earrings $55-95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bluebyellie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebyellie
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ellieevans232
