September 15, 2020
BBW MEMBER INTERVIEW: Sara Nelson, Owner, Elli Parr Jewelry
What is your name?
Sara Nelson
What is your occupation?
Business Owner
What is your business name?
How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than a year
What is your instagram handle?
@elliparr
What is your linked in URL?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-nelson-97009324/
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
Yes, currently residing in Vermont with my young family
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
As a child I was very creative, into painting and pottery and grew to love interior design and fashion. Always entreprenual. Ended up going to college for Business and took (what I thought was) the more ``traditional, safe route``. After graduation went straight into Corporate America at a Global Marketing Company. The years flew by, got married and had 2 kids and felt a bit lost in my career, really wasn't sure what my path should be. So I started making jewelry on the side as a way to ``find myself again``, reignite the passion I had for art and design in a new way. I was instantly hooked. Friends and family took notice and my little hobby organically grew into Elli Parr Jewelry which is offered through our website, our own Brick & Mortar and dozens boutiques throughout the country. I took the leap-of-faith in 2019 to make my side-hustle my full-time job and spend more time with my kiddos. Be in charge of my time, schedule and life. Our pieces are all handcrafted in our Vermont studio using the best materials such as natural semi-precious gemstones and quality metals. Quality over quantity and extreme attention to detail. Our jewelry is truly about the woman wearing it!
What would your clients say about you and your company?
High quality material at an affordable price. Great customer service and accommodating requests for custom pieces or alterations. Classic pieces with a modern design element.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
``Compromises of character are not worth any cost``. A piece of advice taken from Janett Liriano who is the Cofounder MadeMan. A constant reminder to be true to yourself and your values. Its OK to walk away from people or opportunities that don't align with your vision.
What is your favorite book?
The E-Myth Revisited
What is your secret weapon? An app, a tool, a organization method, anything?! (Can be a personal or professional life tool)
My physical planner and journal. As a creative person, I am a visual person. The digital calendars and notepads on my phone and laptop are great but nothing beats the old school way of ``jotting down your thoughts`` with pen and paper.
What is your most recent WIN? How are you slaying it in your career or business?
90% of my wholesale business has been organic, they have found me which is so humbling. Recently I received a call from an upscale retailer who has 5 locations and wants to carry my pieces. Literally the best feeling ever! I plan to continue to raise brand awareness by continuing to cater to my loyal customers and retailers and carving out more of a digital presence with a deeper focus on photography.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Hustle! People aren't going to find you unless you put yourself out there. Don't be afraid of rejection, since it will happen and it is OK! Ask for advice, you would be surprised how many people are willing and excited to lend an ear.<br />
How do you enjoy your free time?
Currently I live in rural Vermont with my young family. My daughters are growing up so quick and I make sure to really be present with them every spare moment I have. Take walks, play dress-up, truley engage. My family is my world.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I'm more sensitive than meets the eye.
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