We recently connected with Ellie Lee and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ellie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I believe that every individual has a unique and innate talent waiting to be discovered. In my senior year of high school, the daunting task of deciding my college major loomed over me. As I began this soul-searching journey, I came to the realization that hit me like a bolt of lightning: I desired to pursue an artistic career. Before this moment, drawing was merely a hobby, a means to pass time while escaping the turbulence of adolescence. In those quiet moments of solitude, I discovered an oasis of serenity within the canvas. With each stroke of the brush and every line drawn by the pencil, I found myself peeling away layers of uncertainty and self-doubt. It revealed a newfound confidence I never knew I possessed.

As I poured my heart and soul into such artistic endeavors, something extraordinary began to happen. Several awards for the pieces I completed appeared. The decision to pursue an artistic career was not easy, as it was an unconventional path for me. That said, I followed my heart and enrolled in art school, fully aware that the path ahead was uncharted. Doubts crept in occasionally, but the advice my parents gave remains etched in my mind: “Do what makes you happy and listen to your heart.”

Those words became my mantra, a source of strength during times of doubt or criticism. Through turbulent times, art kept me feeling connected to the world. When I walked into the doors of art school, I could not fathom where my artistic talent would lead me. As I embark on a lifelong journey of self-discovery and creative exploration, this pursuit of artistic expression has allowed me to uncover facets of myself I never knew existed. The journey has unleashed a torrent of emotions that I had never dared to confront.
Now, as I look back on that defining moment in my life, I can’t help but marvel at the transformation. The decision to follow my heart and embrace my artistic talent was the catalyst for a life lived filled with passion. My path ahead may still be uncertain, but I know that as long as I continue to paint my dreams on the canvas of life, my journey will be infused with joy. So, to those who are on the cusp of discovering their passion, I say this: trust in the whispers of your heart.

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?
My name is Ellie, a jeweler and designer. I have a deep passion for creating exquisite pieces that celebrate individuality and beauty. In addition to crafting unique wedding rings, my collection revolves around one-of-a-kind gemstones sourced ethically from vendors around the world. Among my recent favorites are pieces made from Montana sapphires, which hail from our own Montana state. I stumbled across jewelry-making during my time at the Rhode Island School of Design and have been dedicated to jewelry making and gemology ever since. In addition to my formal training at college and the GIA course, I honed my skills in various traditional handcrafting techniques and modern CAD software while working at one of the nation’s largest custom jewelry stores. Additionally, I developed a keen eye for selecting the finest gemstones and precious metals. This eye for selection ensured that each piece embodies both aesthetic elegance, and quality that endures time.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to collaborate with exceptional jewelers and manufacturers. We have collaborated to produce exclusive, one-of-a-kind fine jewelry. I aim to showcase that fine jewelry can be a deeply personal expression, crafted with love, and designed to be cherished every day. I often draw inspiration from organic forms, colors, and patterns found in nature. My travels to different cultures further enrich my creativity, introducing me to diverse design aesthetics.
Building a brand that resonates with people on a personal level is a dream that drives me forward. I take great pride in my ability to understand clients’ desires and visions, translating their ideas into unique and personalized jewelry that holds sentimental value. Because every piece has a story to tell, crafting a piece that reminds them of joyful cherished memories is incredibly rewarding.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding experience, undoubtedly, is when a customer sends a heartfelt thank-you message and leaves a glowing review expressing their love for the jewelry. As a creator, pouring so much passion into crafting each piece, there’s nothing quite like the joy of knowing that your customer is genuinely delighted with their purchase.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Custom design plays a crucial role in my business, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. There is the demanding, yet unwavering resilience, and dedication to avoid taking the easy route. Without this commitment, achieving success with custom design projects is nearly impossible.

One recent project that stands out is when a customer approached me with a special request for a large charm holder necklace, capable of accommodating her impressive collection of over 20 charms. Beyond personalizing it with a carved nickname, the main challenge was to ensure the part holding the charms was both durable and easily accessible, allowing for effortless addition and removal.

Over several weeks of experimenting with different mechanisms, and refining the design, I found just enough balance between functionality and aesthetics. Despite its intricacies, the process of creating this custom piece was immensely enjoyable. The end result was a truly memorable and delightful creation.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.ellieleejewelry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellieleejewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellieleejewelry