We recently connected with Elizabeth Soechting and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I thoroughly enjoy creating and recreating fine jewelry. My most favorite projects are the ones that allow me to create new life from old pieces of jewelry that are not in use. These items are often old family pieces with much sentimental value which are not being worn., due to damage issues or just not the style liking of the client. The fun happens when we create new pieces using the old materials into a new treasure that will be enjoyed for many years to come.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Fresh from graduating from the University of Iowa in the summer of 1981, EMS Trading Co. founder, Elizabeth Soechting, headed to Dallas seeking employment in a very different place than Iowa. Elizabeth loved the excitement of Dallas and was soon employed by the Zales Corporation. She found herself in the manager trainee program with their fine jewelry guild stores, known as Corrigan’s then. From there, she accepted a buying position with a small chain of fine jewelry stores and after worked as a buyer and designer for a South African company.

After Elizabeth married her husband, Charles, they moved to San Marcos, where she started to branch out on her own. Using the knowledge she gained after 13 years in the fine jewelry industry, Elizabeth was comfortable making her own designs. In fact, many of the practices she uses today she learned early on as they are still the basic ropes of the jewelry business. Mainly, always listen to your customer, as they will often explain what it is they are needing which is the first step of any custom design.

In her spare time, Elizabeth loves & cares for her horses, which have influenced her equestrian-inspired jewelry collection.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My number one mission with my company has nothing to do with myself and everything to do with my customers. I am here to serve them, create with them, and ultimately, make their jewelry dreams come to life. Some of my favorite projects are when a customer brings me a sentimental heirloom piece they’ve found tucked away in an old jewelry box and desires to create something fresh and new. It is inspiring to give that meaningful memento another chance to shine.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I have been in the jewelry designing business for a few decades now and building solid relationships is the key to my success. It’s so important to lead with kindness and integrity in all business partnerships and customer relationships. The connections I made with my vendors over 30 years ago have stood the test of time and weren’t established overnight. They have taken time and trust. Another foundation of my business-building puzzle is trust. Trust with my vendor clientele, suppliers, and, of course, wonderful customers who help me bring their jewelry to life! Until recently, I built my company’s clientele solely on word of mouth advertising. I would not be where I am today without the time invested in the relationships I’ve formed. Since much of this day and age is “online,” I have started devoting more time and effort into my company’s website and Instagram platforms.
Even so, I seek to serve others joyfully through the means I have been given, and for me, that’s through my work at EMS Trading Co.

Contact Info:

• Website: emstradingco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emstradingco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emstradingcompany

Image Credits
STEPHEN CRESCENZO