Jessica Elliot is a designer and a force to behold. Her story is an inspirational one, showing us that anything is possible when you work hard and believe in yourself. Although she has always been creative and loved making things, Ms. Elliot never planned on being a designer. Her first grace with creativity was in acting school. The jewelry “just happened by accident.” As a waitress in Los Angeles, Jessica Elliot drew her first crowd, selling her pieces to customers and the wait staff. After quitting her job to become a full time designer, Ms. Elliot’s career took off. After the first few years, her jewelry was in about 300 stores. Despite her love of acting, Jessica Elliot devoted herself to her newfound profession as a designer; her hard work and dedication is extremely admirable. Although she misses acting and writing (her college majors were English Literature and Creative Writing), she has found her place and satisfied her “creative craving” through jewelry design. Interviewing Jessica Elliot has taught us the strengths of commitment and hard work, and has strengthened our love for everything she does!
Max and Chloe: How did you decide to become a jewelry designer?
Jessica Elliot: I was acting in Los Angeles, which means I was waiting tables…I took one class in “wax carving” for fun at UCLA extension and wearing the pieces I made in class to the restaurant. I immediately began selling pieces right off of my neck to the customers and the wait staff. Soon after that, I began bringing piles of jewelry with me to work every night and making more cash selling the jewels than waiting tables…About 8 months later I quit my waitressing job and did the design full time…
M&C: What is your favorite creation?
JE: That’s a hard one… I think the two things I actually wear the most are the wrought iron cuff bracelet, and the clover rosary… But I love the initials and the zodiacs also. And the new line in production right now is definitely my new favorites.. The enameled “snake skin” pendants and earrings.
M&C: How would you describe your jewelry?
JE: I think my love for vintage glam combined with my city-girl upbringing, has influenced a collection exuding “edgy femininity”. Bold designs are paired with quality hand craftsmanship and my experiences of traveling the world—these are the foundations behind my collections. My attention to detail and use of the finest metals and stones are my basis- While so many designers today take short cuts using cheap materials and throwing over-saturated designs into the market—I take pride in quality and creativity, combining chains and metals in new and interesting ways and constantly trying to re-invent myself.
M&C: Can you describe your favorite piece of jewelry from your childhood?
JE: My mom gave my sister and myself all her heirloom jewelry a couple of years back— we got to look at everything and choose one piece at a time giving each other turns… I immediately zeroed in on a piece that was my grandmother’s— it is a stunning solid gold necklace with faceted rubies lining the entire thing…. It was bought in India in the ‘60’s. I love that style of lush jewels….The Indian influence is super detailed and ornate but with a beautiful simplicity and femininity— and this piece exudes all of that but is also super bold. I got to wear it to my sister’s wedding last year, and I felt like a princess! It was always my favorite piece of jewelry growing up when I saw my mother wearing it, and now I get to wear it myself….
M&C: When did you realize that this dream was something you could pursue wholeheartedly?
JE: I realized I could make a career out of it after about 8 months when I was making more money selling jewelry off my neck than I was waiting tables… When I was able to quit it was really exciting to be able to pour all of myself into the company without any distractions. And the fact that it is my own company, and I don’t have to answer to anyone but myself, is very gratifying…
M&C: Where do you travel to?
JE: Traveling is my favorite thing to do in the whole world… I have been all over, from places like Thailand and Cambodia, to Morocco, to Cuba, to Croatia, to Turkey, to Mexico, to Spain, etc, etc…I have so many more places I want to go!!
M&C: What inspires you in everyday life?
JE: My brand new baby… I look at her and no matter what is going on in my everyday life she makes it all better with her giant toothless grin…
