Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisha Garza.
Hi Elisha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Having an entrepreneurial spirit has always been part of my personality. Throughout my life, I have always been drawn to fashion. When I was a teenager, I was captivated by designer tags and dreamed of creating my own label. Even though I took an interest in fashion and accessories, my heart was set on jewelry design. As a young girl, I remember my first time selling my jewelry at a local show. That day, I made $50, but I felt great.
From Corpus Christi, I moved to Austin and took my first jewelry design course. Little did I know that these courses would pave the way for Elisha Marie Jewelry. I was a single mother at the time and had to manage taking care of my son along with a full-time job, going to school, and starting a business. As I pursued my degree and worked my day job, I converted a small bedroom into my studio.
In 2012, I designed my first jewelry collection – a simple collection of everyday rings. The pieces were comfortable and minimal, in keeping with EM’s aesthetic. After launching my first online shop, I discovered that I had a loyal following. In my efforts to launch EM Jewelry, I studied every aspect of a business. Through the online shop, I generated enough revenue to quit my day job and fully launch Elisha Marie Jewelry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t an easy road to walk, but I am glad I did it. In the beginning, learning the business side of things from the ground up was the biggest challenge. Then I had a major life turning point when I found out my fiance had cancer. I learned that being an entrepreneur does not mean you have to do everything. Invest time in your health, your family, and your friends. I’m thankful for the help and support I received from my family and friends. Since the pandemic, I’ve continuously learned new skills that are helping me grow. Besides taking business courses and listening to jewelry podcasts, I am constantly learning about the latest business trends.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I established Elisha Marie Jewelry with the intention of empowering people through jewelry. Designed to inspire positive feelings and self-confidence with meaningful charms. Wear them as tokens of resilience, as a reminder of your strength. I aim to create pieces that speak to your heart, tell your story, and you’ll want to wear every day.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
My favorite things were animals, adventures, and making things. Growing up, I was always curious and loved learning how to do things. As a kid, I was either climbing trees, building forts, making lemonade stands, or making gifts for family and friends. Just for fun, my sister and I used to make these big neon ribbon barrettes. I started wearing them at school and within a week, I had about 20 orders and all the girls were wearing my designs. It’s almost as if I was a little entrepreneur back then.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@elisha-marie.com
- Website: https://elisha-marie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elishamariejewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElishaMarieJewelry/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/elishamariejewelry/
Image Credits
Photography by Yesenia Bailey www.facebook.com/yeseniabaileyphotography Photography by: Hannah Koehler www.minkmade.com Photography by: Kyle Wright @shredies_records
Evett Gallardo
July 27, 2021 at 6:53 pm
I love all my Elisha Marie jewelry! It is a minimal look with excellent and durable quality. At times I forget I’m wearing it which is a must for me. Her designs are unique and one of a kind. I highly recommend buying from Elisha Marie!