We were lucky to catch up with Elena Méndez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Elena, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Starting Elena Designs was far from easy for me. Since I can remember, I’ve always dreamed of having my own business and had a clear vision of what I wanted. But taking action was a different story. Four years ago, I moved to the United States, and like many immigrants, starting over in a new country without knowing the language was overwhelming. My first step was learning English, which took time and patience.
Elena Designs was born during one of the most challenging periods of my life. A few months after my grandmother passed away, I fell into a deep sadness. I couldn’t travel to say goodbye to her, and that left a void in my heart. For months, I felt lost, unmotivated, and without purpose. One day, in the middle of that emotional crisis, I asked myself, *What if I create something I love? Something that inspires me and that I can share with others?* That’s when my passion for pearls and creating accessories emerged.
Of course, having the idea was one thing, but turning it into a reality was a completely different challenge. I didn’t know anything about jewelry-making or running a business, but I told myself, *You have to start somewhere.* I began by making lists and setting small, daily goals to move my vision forward. I researched suppliers, tested materials in different conditions like water and seawater, and learned the technical skills to craft and finish the pieces.
At first, I sold my designs to friends and family. Their encouragement and feedback gave me the confidence to take the next step: participating in a local market. That was a turning point for Elena Designs. Throughout this journey, I’ve been fortunate to receive support and guidance from people who believed in me. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to turn my dream into reality.
Looking back, I realize how far I’ve come—from feeling lost and uncertain to building something that brings me joy and connects me with others. This process has been a testament to resilience, learning as I go, and taking one step at a time to bring my vision to life.
Elena, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Elena, I’m 29 years old, and I’m the founder of **Elena Designs**. I’m originally from Venezuela and have always had a deep passion for fashion and creativity. Over the years, I’ve worked in different creative fields—I planned events, did professional makeup, sewed extensively, and even made masks during the pandemic. Each experience shaped my journey, and now I can proudly say I’ve turned my dream into a reality by starting my own business.
**Elena Designs** specializes in handmade, gold-plated accessories and fresh water pearls crafted with a focus on quality and attention to detail. One of the things that sets me apart is my constant drive to improve. I’m always exploring ways to refine the finishing touches on my pieces, make them more personalized, and create unique designs. Many of my clients come to me with creative or unconventional ideas, and I love bringing them to life while staying true to my brand’s style.
What makes my brand unique is the combination of **exceptional quality at accessible prices** and the **versatility** of the designs. My pieces are perfect for both special occasions, like weddings, and for everyday wear. A highlight of my work has been creating personalized gifts for bridesmaids and other memorable moments. Hearing from my clients that my jewelry added something meaningful to their special day is incredibly rewarding.
What I’m most proud of is the fact that I started this journey despite not knowing where to begin. While I don’t have everything figured out yet, I’m enjoying every step of the process. It fills me with joy when my clients connect with me, share how much they love my jewelry, or recommend my designs to their friends. Seeing my pieces become part of their lives is the greatest reward.
For me, **Elena Designs** is more than a business—it’s a way to share my creativity and passion with others. I’m grateful for every client who chooses my designs and excited for everything that lies ahead.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
For me, the idea of “things will happen when they’re meant to” or “everything in its own time” feels a bit contradictory. While there are things in life we can’t control, there are also many things we *can*—like our actions and the effort we put into shaping our future.
I’ve always been a perfectionist, constantly striving for things to be flawless. I used to feel like nothing I did was ever good enough to begin. I kept telling myself I needed to improve more, that the timing wasn’t right, and that held me back for a long time. While I still wrestle with those thoughts, I’ve learned to take action despite them. Now, I focus on progress over perfection
One important lesson I’ve learned is that we often wait for the “perfect moment,” but the truth is, it doesn’t exist—or at least, it didn’t for me. To anyone reading this who’s thinking about starting a business or pursuing a dream, my biggest advice is: **just start.** Even if it’s just an hour a day, set a reminder on your phone at the same time each day and work toward that dream you’ve been holding onto. Every small action adds up, and the sooner you begin, the closer you’ll get to making it a reality.
Life is too short not to go after what sets your soul on fire. You don’t need perfection; you just need to take that first step. The rest will come with time, effort, and persistence.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
In my case, I’d say my growth and reputation have been driven largely by word-of-mouth recommendations from my clients, friends, and family. I place a strong emphasis on the quality of my products, carefully selecting the best materials to ensure my accessories are durable, long-lasting, and made with love. Each piece reflects not just my craftsmanship but also my passion for building my dreams.
I deeply care about the moments and experiences my clients associate with my jewelry—whether it’s a special gift, a meaningful occasion, or an everyday piece that makes them feel confident. By focusing on delivering exceptional quality and creating pieces that resonate emotionally, I’ve built a reputation for handmade accessories that are beautiful, heartfelt, and timeless.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elenadesigns.co
- Instagram: elenamendezdesign
- Facebook: elenamendezdesign
