We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eleanor Maralit a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Eleanor, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I have always been interested in the arts even as a young child. I enjoyed creating art out of scraps or designing make-believe spaces. It was a way to bring my imaginary world into life.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I spent a majority of my childhood in the Chicago area and eventually settled in Colorado. I worked for over a decade in the architectural field before becoming the founder and design creative of Designs by Elle, a handmade leather goods small business. With my background in architecture and a passion for travel, I am inspired by the built environment and rich cultural experiences I gain through travel.
Driven by the desire for making beautiful things by hand, my goal is to create a functional piece of art for everyday life. I strive to use the best quality materials and showcase the beauty of the natural leather. Our goods are handcrafted in Colorado in small batch production to ensure the highest standard of excellence.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I began my career in architecture and worked in the field for over a decade. After years in the field, I was burnt out and no longer fulfilled in my creative pursuit. I began seeking other creative outlets such as crochet and leather work and realized I gained much more enjoyment from designing and creating things by hand. It ignited a new passion for handmade art thus beginning my journey into a creative business.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish I searched for a community and mentor on the creative and business side earlier on. Starting your own business is a huge task and seeking a community where you can ask questions, network, and support each other is crucial. There are many local recourses such as the Boulder Small Business Development Center that provide classes and events to help with your business needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://designsbyellegoods.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designsbyelle01/
Image Credits
Snapshots by Mimi