Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Ter Borg.

Hi Julie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi! My name is Julie and I am the owner/designer of Julie Ellyn Designs. I create jewelry using gemstones, silver, leather, and have recently ventured into botanical resin creations!

I come from a very creative family, but art has always been our retreat or respite and not our main vocation. Both of my grandmothers were seamstresses, making clothes and quilts. My father built houses, farmed, and brewed beer as creative release from his day job as a Chemistry Teacher. My mother kept a huge vegetable garden, canned, made preserves, and baked as her joyful downtime from teaching Government. My brother, now a Pediatrician, gardens and is a master bee keeper in his limited free time. My day job in the field of Public Health keeps me very busy; but creating jewelry and crafting gives me peace.

I am so thankful to have Julie Ellyn Designs as my creative outlet. Just as creating jewelry brings me joy, my goal is to spread a little sunshine to those who choose to wear my pieces.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building my business has not been a smooth road, but I am grateful for every twist and turn it has taken me along. I was making jewelry as a stress relief during graduate school and continued to delve deeper into new techniques when I was not able to find the perfect pieces for my wedding. I started my Etsy shop with the encouragement of a dear friend. The beads and supplies were piling up in my craft room so selling my creations was the next logical step.

Since those early days of experimenting with materials and learning new techniques I have taken my business to a whole new level. I have built my own website, opened two brick and mortar shops (with encouragement from my husband), and now sell my designs wholesale to other boutiques.

I recently decided to close my brick and mortar location and focus more on wholesaling my designs. The time and energy I spent in the shop, while it allowed me to experience amazing interactions with customers, was leaving little time for me to create my jewelry.

Over the years of selling at fairs/art shows, building an online following, and then opening a retail location I have learned so much. My key take away is that your customers are the heart and soul of your business. I am forever grateful for the beautiful people who I have met along the way and who continue to support my creativity!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Building Julie Ellyn Designs over the last fifteen years has been a labor of love. I started off making custom wedding jewelry, which was very focused and specific. Once I gained some confidence I was able to let my creativity fly and work with new materials and tackle new techniques.

I am most proud of my one of a kind stalactite wrap bracelets and gemstone cuffs. A great amount of time and energy go into those pieces and every work is unique.

I am also incredibly honored to have my designs worn on television (such as This is Us and Only Murders in the Building). It is always a thrill to see my jewelry worn on tv and incorporated into a characters styling.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice to young artists is to find your cheerleaders AND be a cheerleader. Find joy in helping others as well as receiving help. I am so thankful for the network of beautiful artisans that I have connected with over the last fifteen years who support and encourage me. It is my honor to call them friends and mentors and to celebrate their successes as they celebrate mine.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.JulieEllyndesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieellyndesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieEllynDesigns

Image Credits
Ashley Reherman Photography