We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elodie Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elodie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
My parents supported me. At the beginning of the pandemic, they jumped at the chance to support me starting my first business. I can still vividly remember my mom sitting next to me at the kitchen table, my dad making us dinner. My mom and I quickly typing in ElodieBird Beads (as it was at the time) into my new Etsy profile. They never hesitated. I think between the idea and the completion of my Etsy profile spanned perhaps an hour. Their philosophy though my entrepreneurial rial journey thus far has been, why not? I’m not supporting myself, I have nothing to lose! I’ll only gain immensely from it! My parents are truly my own personal board members. They’ve guided me through conflicts, forks in the road, customer service issues, expansion opportunities and so much more. I’m so thankful for their willingness to help me and for the time they’ve dedicated to my growth and success.
Though I’m only seventeen, I’m so grateful to say that I am much more experienced and knowledgeable beyond my years. And all thanks to my parents. I always knew I wanted to go into business, especially with both parents in business themselves as well as the large part of our network of friends. When we see friends or others, I love listening to my parents and soaking up what they’re discussing. I’ve grown up soaking up the ways of the business world.
The last thing I’ll mention: my parents have always ‘let me’. Let me gain experience, let me do dumb things, let me pursue my ambitious dreams, let me learn, let me explore my passions, let me start a business…
My parents have taught me that anything is possible, if only you allow yourself to make it possible. Without the lessons I’ve learned from my parents, I’m not sure where I’d be. I’d be less confident, experienced in what I hope to do someday, and would feel less supported.
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?
I’m Elodie Jones, a senior in high school from Minneapolis, MN. I row crew and being an athlete is a large part of my life. I initially founded ElodieBirdCo at the onset of COVID. At the time, I made unique little handmade beaded bracelets. My cousin had taught me to use the bead loom and it was the perfect way for me to connect with friends and family during a time of such separation. It also kept me busy..haha.
Since then, I’ve shifted my product line 100% towards apparel. In 2021, I was asked to attend the largest rowing race in the world alongside 5 of my teammates. After 2 years of working out over Zoom or with mask-covered faces, we really didn’t know each other and felt very alone despite being athletes in one of the most team-focused sport. I made my first set of custom apparel for my very own team and the team synced up immediately. The hoodies were bright blue hand tie-dye and bright orange lettering baring the name of the regatta and our team name. The unique custom apparel allowed us to feel the sense of normal team chemistry that had been lacking.
Since then, I’ve been hooked on creating more of these moment of sparked joy. Today, ElodieBirdCo creates unique, trendy custom apparel for individuals and groups in hopes of sparking joy and connecting communities.
My brand’s mission is very near and dear to my heart because I’ve lived it and I’ve seen it play out in others.
I think that readers will find that ElodieBirdCo is truly unique. I love to collaborate with each client to bring their vision to life. EBC apparel is more than the crusty, traditional hoodies your high school sells; it’s a special experience.
I’m really most proud of the fact that ElodieBirdCo started as a form of experience but since then I’ve transformed it into a full time job that’s bringing people joy and happiness.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
So far, I’ve found the most effective way to grow my clientele has been through becoming obnoxiously outgoing. I used to be very shy but since I’ve gained confidence in myself and ElodieBirdCo, I’ve gained the power to voice myself. These days, ElodieBirdCo is my whole personality, and as an entrepreneur, that’s how it should be. You never know when someone could be in search of apparel, in the apparel industry, or have some great advice or names to pass along! My strategy has been to preach ElodieBirdCo wherever I go and to whomever I meet. My thinking: be obnoxious about it! You have a business and you have to hustle!! How is anyone going to find out about it if it’s just a handle on Instagram?!
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
Currently, I wholesale apparel and use a die-cutting machine and a heat press to transfer my designs. My family got a Cricut die-cutting machine at the beginning of the pandemic as a fun activity and I really enjoyed figuring out how to use it. When I began making apparel I played to my strengths and used my small Cricut to begin. I’ve learned better strategies and have invested in stronger machinery while creating on the go. I used this same strategy of playing to my strengths when I made bracelets and in school. I think it’s a great way to get yourself moving, feel out your market, and see if what you have is worth your full investment of time, money, and effort. I’m currently trying to look for a partner who can produce my apparel and has access to screen printing/digital printing capabilities and can be an economical fit. This way I’ll be able to create more complex designs, focus my time on growth, and will be able to bring EBC to college! I’ve been struggling with this question (and would love any tips anyone has!) but will continue my search! (If any readers are fit my bill…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16O7F0_mSfRy1TQMpBlwUO1ObK3Y2I4TPMY3YlJ-efw4/viewform?edit_requested=true
- Instagram: @elodiebirdco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elodie-jones-a76977222?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Image Credits
Martha Nordland, Annika Augustson