We recently connected with Hayley Freeman and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Hayley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I am on a mission to remind people they are loved and valued just as they are, through meaningful, handmade jewellery. My designs play with the nostalgia of old world aesthetics and the freshness of modern design, and are handmade with every attention to detail and quality. The process is incredibly important to me, from hand-picking every stone to hand-carving each piece myself; I hope that the amount of passion and adoration I put into every one of my pieces is passed on along with the jewellery itself as heirlooms in the years to come.

Hayley, 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?

I would be more than happy to share how I became a jewelry designer!

The truth of the matter is- I didn’t get into the jewelry industry… jewelry FOUND me.

I have always been a creative and have dabbled in many art forms throughout my life. At one point, back when I was in high school, I was making beaded bracelets for fun and wearing them to school. They caught the attention of my friends, teachers, and peers. Naturally, I started selling them.

I could feel a deep connection to every aspect of the interaction. I loved the exchange of smiles and emotions knowing that I had helped someone find the best gift, or helping someone design the bracelet they’ve always wanted (but could never find).

I could feel it in my bones that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I was hungry for more knowledge and to find a way to establish a career being a jeweler. Not only that, I was determined to find a studio to learn as much as possible and hone my skills. I found some classes in Manhattan, and that started my jewelry journey.

Fasting forward a few years, and making a very long story short, I had connected with a wonderful Master Goldsmith who took me under his wing in his studio in Israel. I lived in Israel for four years, and I had the time of my life soaking up everything he had to teach me. I was surrounded by a beautiful country with a rich culture intertwined with ancient roots, stunning views and nature, and amazing energy that fed my creative spirit. During those four years, I had started to develop my signature style, found my love for wax carving, and started to profoundly connect with why I do what I do; I make jewelry to remind people that they are loved.

Jewelry truly is a physical embodiment of an intense emotion/connection to a precious person, time in your life, or place. I love the transformative power a piece of jewelry can have. I am honored to have the opportunities to make pieces that impact my clients so deeply.

I am extremely inspired by Victorian aesthetics, antique jewelry, flora, insects, and mythology. Because of my love for the old world and to pay homage to my time studying ancient techniques overseas, I decided to called my jewelry line “Hayley Elise Jewellery” – spelling jewelry the “Old World” way. My pieces consist of diamonds, precious, and semi-precious stones set in 14k yellow gold finished in my signature textures and details.

I aim for my pieces to have an antique flare and for them to spark a bit of nostalgia- think of something that maybe your grandmother would wear and eventually pass on to you as an heirloom. To acknowledge that, I call my pieces “Old world jewellery for the modern individual.”

All of my pieces are designed, hand-fabricated, assembled and finished by yours truly in my Brooklyn Studio.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing a clientele is providing an outstanding experience that cannot be found elsewhere. In order to do that, I think you have to maintain a strong connection to your mission. Get in touch with what makes you and your mission special. Truly get to know why you do what you do from the inside out. The more authentic you are and in touch you are with your mission, the more your voice and energy will positively impact the experience for your clientele.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Continuing from the question above, the best source of clients for me, so far, has been the traditional “word-of-mouth.” I aim to provide an authentic, exceptional experience for my clients with excellent customer service. Not only is it gratifying and enjoyable for my clients and I, it forms trust. I become “the jeweler” for my clients to refer to their friends and family. It’s wonderful!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.HayleyEliseJewellery.com
• Instagram: HayleyEliseJewellery