We recently connected with Elise Lopez and have shared our conversation below.

Elise, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Risk. We all want it but when it comes down to the decision, do you take it or let it go?

It’s easy to stay in the same place, it’s comfortable. I had been here for five years, working the job that I thought I was meant to because of what society told me. To be fair, the choice was made by my chronically ill body and not me. The biggest risk for me was completely trusting myself. Trusting that I can start something that is my passion. Trusting that all will be okay, even when it feels like it won’t be.

I quit my job in April of 2021 with no plan other than I needed surgery and I needed to figure out how to make an income. I had always been an artist, but kept it very private. I felt scared sharing parts of me that were so vulnerable. I had kept this part of myself for family and dear friends. When I posted the first product photo on Insta, it was monumental. I finally am sharing my passion and not only that, there may be a chance it can support me. The community in Denver has made this first year of business so eventful and magical! The pop up market scene there is so fun and inviting.

So here we are, a little over a year later. Still in business, still creating, still sharing, still healing. This was the scariest thing I had done. Taking that chance on yourself is hard, but it was worth it.

Elise, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At Wild Lobo LLC we nurture the connection between humans and nature. We share indigenous culture and embrace the ancestral ties.

I use genuine fine silver and sterling silver, using mostly recycled material. The stones used are mined and/or cut by a small group of lapidary artists that I have grown special relationships with throughout the US and and some over sea mines.

Above anything else, I’m to be a transparent business owner. I am very open about creating equal opportunities for marginalized groups. I cherish the relationships that this business has brought. Each human that I have been able to share a memory of words with, thank you. You keep me going!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Okay! So literally, just be yourself. I know, so cliche, but so very true. You really cannot go wrong when you are honest and open. Sometimes with the new feature of reels on IG, it can seem like another job. Just have fun with it! Be stupid, be silly, be you. Your people will find you and you’ll find them!

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

This goes hand in hand with the last question, so I think it’s perfect! Going back to just being yourself and maintaining actual relationships with others, this is key. I think when you share your thoughts, you learn that more people are going through the same thing. When we connect, we are less alone. I don’t think of my clients as customers, but as friends. I couldn’t do this without you, so thank YOU for letting me be me!

Contact Info:

• Website: wildlobojewelry.com
• Instagram: wildlobo_