CREATING A FINE JEWELRY BRAND | ELIZABETH WASSERMAN

Camille Walker 00:02

If you are the creative type that's ever dreamed about creating a line of your own, whether it be jewelry or clothing, look no further than my conversation with Elizabeth Wasserman as we dig deep into what it takes to really create a line of jewelry that stands out among all of the others. I love talking to Elizabeth she says jewelry is an extension of a person's individuality and strength, an external unspoken statement about who we are and what brings us peace, inner beauty and balance. When that perfect peace speaks to you. It's an instantaneous connection. And I can attest to that statement being very true to who Elizabeth is, as we talk about really making a brand that connects you with the customer, increases sales, and gives you peace of mind and fills your cup. motherhood and design can go hand in hand. Let's hear how Elizabeth made it work for her.

So you want to make an impact. You're thinking about starting a business sharing your voice? How do women do it, that handle motherhood family and still chase after those dreams? Listen each week as we dive into the stories of women who know this is Call Me CEO.

Welcome back everyone to the show. I am thrilled to have Elizabeth Wasserman here with us today. A true designer and genius of all things jewelry, and she has recently launched a clothing line. I cannot wait to speak to you about your business. Elizabeth, thank you so much for being here today.

Elizabeth Wasserman 01:35

It's my pleasure. I'm so happy. Thank you.

Camille Walker 01:38

Yeah, so tell our audience a little bit about you your life, we do like to talk about our kids here. So do a little gush moment on your kids, where you live and a little bit behind the scenes of your business and how you got started.

Elizabeth Wasserman 01:51

Okay, my favorite topic. I am a mother of two amazing children and one fur baby. My son is in medical school, my daughter is a sophomore in college. And so, it's really now just my husband and my dogs these days. So, it's my business has definitely filled the void of not being a full hands-on mom, which is what I'm used to being I guess I started this business. When my daughter, my youngest is my daughter. And when she was in fourth grade, I sort of felt like I was a fundraiser back in my previous life for a couple different nonprofits. And I always had this creative feeling inside of me, my parents are were in a fine diamond jewelry business. So, I was always surrounded by jewelry. And always, you know, wanted to do something with that maybe in the near future, but I was like the fun jewelry, they had the beautiful, you know, find diamonds and I always wanted to do the five and they would get mad at me because they had all these beautiful things, they would give me and I just wanted to wear you know, the fun things. And so I knew that there was something out there for me eventually. But after my daughter was in fourth grade, I decided to start and took a couple of courses and saw that it was just I was kind of unnatural in it creating and it kind of spinned off from that I was making one of a kind pieces. And it was it was well received from the get-go. And I was I was very excited. So it gave me the my, my really my customers gave me the inspiration to keep going and, and eventually I wanted to do something that was just mine because I would go to shows and I would I would pick things and I would put them together and so I would have one of a kind pieces. And then that evolved into really creating my own jewelry line. And then eventually the apparel line which came actually just came recently. So that's really how it evolved.

Camille Walker 03:55

What a fascinating journey. I'm really curious to hear about your parents, so they were in the find fine jewelry of diamonds, the glittery things, all of that which I absolutely love. So tell me, how did they get started in that and you followed in their footsteps? But then take it took it your own way? Was that something that your parents were happy for you to do? Or were they hoping that you would take over their business or tell me a little bit more about that?

Elizabeth Wasserman 04:20

Um, I think that they, you know, I would come with them during the summers and I would help with customers and and my, my stepfather was gemologist. So he liked to sort of create, they, they created some of their own pieces, but they were pretty much they would go to shows and they would buy pieces and they dealt with engagement rings and beautiful pieces and things like that, and not so much of the creation part which is the part that I really liked. I don't know why, you know, I went to college and I studied marketing and advertising and wanted to do something like that. I don't even think it was a thought that I would eventually do the jewelry. I think my stepfather maybe kind of hope That I would take it over. But at that time, I wanted to just do something completely different. I wasn't interested in the jewelry, I thought that I would, you know, I would do advertising I would, I don't know what I thought I was going to do back then. But when I, when, when I moved to Miami, after graduating, I worked for Miami City Ballet and their marketing and advertising department. And then that led to fundraising. And it just took me in completely into a different direction. But it really being in Miami, I grew up in Houston. So I'm from Houston, Texas. So being in Miami and being with all the different that diverse cultures and all of that just I don't know, it, just it, it started something in me it really inspired me to do something creative. And that sort of evolved into jewelry, I kind of fell into it, it just it was really out of a necessity to to want to do something seeing my children growing up and knowing that they weren't going to need me as much I was such a hands-on mom. And I felt that I needed something just for me. So really kind of started as a hobby, it was more for fun and starting to put things together. And I remember my first show and I was holding my breath, and I put all my jewelry out. And I had an unbelievable turnout. I mean, all these women from the PTA and all of my you know, friends came and they supported me and, and I was holding my breath the whole time I couldn't even watch because I felt like I was laying there naked for everyone to see. I mean, it was just it was so scary, because I had never done anything like that before. I mean, I never thought of my grandmother was an artist, she was a painter. And so I never really thought of myself, I dabble in art, I would dabble. And I always liked it, but I never thought I was that good at it. So it was sort of you know, I never took courses in it. And it did come sort of evolved sort of organically and naturally. And that's what I love so much about it. And if you see my pieces big from the beginning to now and as I said we celebrated our 10th anniversary last spring, it's changed dramatically. I mean I was you know kind of boho chic from the beginning. And then I was more like Fine, fine, or jewelry or diamonds and then now I'm a little bit more every day speaks to a lot more a broader clientele. And it's it's been a fun path. It really has. It's funny how things evolve, as you change your your products change.

Camille Walker 07:21

Absolutely. Take me so this business, you've been running it now for 10 years. Yeah, take me back to 10 years ago, when you were launching this business and you were putting yourself out there laying naked so to speak. What was that transition like for you? And when did you decide that this was a business that you were really going to commit to it? And it was this transition?

Elizabeth Wasserman 07:45

I think it was, I would say about a year into it when I saw you know how it was evolving that people were actually interested in it. I think at first I was like, I don't know, maybe I didn't want to put myself out there wholeheartedly. So I thought Alright, let me just let me feel the waters, let me see how this goes. And it sort of I don't know, it kind of evolved on its own it after a year, I realized, okay, this could happen, this could work. And at first I thought I was going to wrap a jewelry line. And a friend of mine did that. And I thought okay, I could possibly wrap the jewelry line. And I looked into it. And then I thought well, I kind of want this to be something from me. And I thought let me give it a stab. Let me see how it goes. Obviously that first everyone was being very kind and buying the first time, you know, the first time after that it was a little bit more challenging to get pre repeat customers and new customers and you know all of that. But I would say about a year into it, I realized, okay, I can make a go of this, but may not be able to live off of it, but I can make a go of it. And you know, it's it's been an interesting ride.

Camille Walker 08:50

Now the jewelry business in my understanding is very competitive. But there's also a very high markup opportunity. My sister has told me about the shows in Vegas and all the other shows that you can go to and she says I have wanted to go with her, but I have not made it. But she said it's just it's so fun. It's so overwhelming because there is so much available and it's also a very competitive space, a very competitive space. So how do you feel that you were able to stand out in that market? Tell me a little bit about your marketing and how you were able to do that?

Elizabeth Wasserman 09:22

That's an interesting question because that's the whole thing. I really started homegrown and I think I'm still a little homegrown. I am still going through that process. It's sort of I, I feel that my supporters, my clientele had been unbelievable. And they come back for more pieces and they they've been extremely supportive. But really the marketing part of it and getting out there has been a little bit more challenging. Social media is definitely a must. I feel that I have grown in social media organically. I feel that I finally have created I think the most challenging thing is creating your brand and creating something unique, because it's very hard. You want to be everything to everyone, and you have to realize you can't be. And that's where that's what I was doing with the one-of-a-kind pieces, I was sort of doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that, and I was everywhere. And I really, I feel like it just didn't. It didn't, it didn't get me where I needed to be to actually create my name and my brand. So I needed to just tighten up slow down really focus on who my customer base, what is and what I really wanted to do and what message I wanted to get out there. And unfortunately, I mean, some customers really appreciated the one of a kind. And I always said, I'm going to get back to that and do a little bit of that eventually, once I you know, get this going. But because I enjoyed that I really did I enjoyed creating with my hands. Right now I'm I designed with my hands, I designed the pieces, but I have manufacturers who make the pieces for me, I'm actually wearing a couple of them right now. But I I can't I don't weld I don't do all of that. But he was you know, easier to beat I was beating, and I was doing and putting things together. And that really was so fun for me because I love designing with my hands. So now I'm creating and it's, it's a little bit more challenging. Now when you want once you have to reach the point, you have to say, okay, am I doing this for a hobby, am I doing this, it because it's so much fun to be a designer, or am I doing this as a business. And so that was a really big step for me to decide that I wanted to jump over to the business side. And that was that's been the hardest part because I am the CEO, and I'm also the designer, all I want to do is design all day, but I have to do all of the other I have to do the marketing, I have to do the publicity, you know everything. Sometimes I'm even my own photographer. So I just, you know, I'll even sometimes still grab my daughter to take pictures even though I do have some models. And, you know, I, you go through your phases COVID has been interesting because I had to actually go back and be my own photographer because I couldn't bring anyone in. So it's that's a that's, that's what you have to decide if you want to just keep this small and enjoy that part of it and enjoy the designing or do you want to actually take it and become something nationally, but it is it's very challenging, there are a lot of amazing designers out there. And you can get very caught up in it and say, Oh, I'm you know not as good as this one. And that's already out there. And, and really actually just figuring out what your Nisha is and what you want to contribute out there. And staying true to it and just really sticking to it, even if it's gonna take a long time to get there. So it's, you know, I do encourage all women who want to do this and it's not easy. It really isn�t.

Camille Walker 12:42

What would you say your business philosophy is?

Elizabeth Wasserman 12:46

My business philosophy is simple. I mean, it's really to create timeless quality pieces that that means something that have heart and soul and that really speak to my customers. I nothing gives me more satisfaction. When I see someone and they're wearing my pieces, they don't know that I'm going to see them they're wearing my pieces or I'll get pictures. That's my favorite thing in the world is to get pictures from people enjoying and wearing their stuff, or buying it as a gift. Oh, I have a friend who's overcoming cancer, you know, I want to get a sore sweatshirt sore. So a car that has a butterfly. I mean, it has symbolic meanings. And that's why I came up with the love. It's love shine, sore shield and luck. And I just feel like it speaks to everyone. So my business philosophy has really been to just to create something that's solid, that's something that people wear every day that they'll have for a long period of time that they can enjoy and you have to have fun. You have to have fun with what you're doing. Yeah, once it's not fun anymore. It's because again, you can get very bogged down with all of the other mundane. And if it's not fun and you don't feel that it's really contributing something or what you originally wanted it to that it's just not then you have to revisit your philosophy or business philosophy and your game plan.

Camille Walker 14:09

I agree with that. Now you had talked about finding a manufacturer is that something that you outsource out outside of the country or how did you find someone that really set your vision and the quality that you were looking for?

Elizabeth Wasserman 14:22

I think that's the hardest thing as a manufacturer is as a designer is you if I could design it myself I am I put very strict stringent policies on my on my manufacturer is I don't I will ascend back so many things I wanted to manufacture in the United States. I really did not want to do we all have an entirely I did I tried so hard. It's, I hate to say it it's very expensive and that was going to trickle down to my customer. I wanted to keep it I wanted to keep it something affordable you know for everyone wanted to keep it you know, I found someone who I thought was going to work out and he just he couldn't he couldn't fulfill the timeframe that I needed. And it would take months, and I didn't have that. So the most important thing is finding someone you trust that can, that can create something, create your vision, and have it done in a timely manner, to be able to fulfill timelines, you know, timeframes, because that's the biggest problem is that they'll promise and you just don't get it. And I gave so many people, you know, chances and wars, because I'm that kind of a person, I really believe in someone, I want to help someone I wanted to help them grow at the same time we were going to grow together. And it just didn't work out. So actually, I was at a jewelry show in Miami. And I couldn't, I was asking around, and I met someone who has a very he's out of New York, but he has a big manufacturing company in India. And it took us a while to get there, it took us a while because a lot of I don't think he really you know, it's hard because you're also not there. And you're dealing you're on you're on you're talking over the phone. And and the time difference is is tremendous. I mean, there are a day, you know, day, there's a day that goes by that I won't hear back because I'm up when he's sleeping, and it's very hard. Yeah. So to try to convey what I needed, we were finally really getting there. And then COVID happened, we were working on the next piece, and it came out fabulous. And he finally you know, got what I wanted. And then we had to put everything on hold nobody's wearing jewelry right now unfortunately, in their, in their living rooms. So things have been put on hold for that for the jewelry line, which is then what created the the apparel line. But I think when you find someone you can trust and who really understands your vision, I also feel that sometimes you do have to go to different manufacturers for different needs, I have different man, I actually am proud to say that my manufacturing is all done in the United States for my apparel line, I was working really hard to try to do that. And I was able to find someone who can, who can do all of my embroidery and my screen printing here in Miami, actually. So that's been an incredible, you know, relief to me to be able to do that. Just it really, it helps when you can really sit down with someone and explain what you want what your vision is, and, and you get the quality that you want. But I wouldn't you know, I definitely wouldn't discourage anyone from using someone in another country. You know, it is we all want to support the United States. But it's, it's nice to to get different ideas from from, you know, a worldly kind of balance, I think is nice.

Camille Walker 17:46

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So, for those that are listening and have maybe never thought about looking into manufacturing or producing a product, in my experience, you want to have a very detailed deck of what it is that you're looking for the parameters and the materials that are used. And typically, they'll send you a sample beforehand that you can examine look at the quality, the texture. And I went through this with the process of creating blankets and some different things. And a lot of times the communication can be an issue as well. Because if there is something that isn't quite right, about the product, do you want to be able to convey that message to your manufacturer? And to have the communication there? If that's not there, nothing's there. Would you agree with that?

Elizabeth Wasserman 19:03

100% 100% I do think that you need to bake from the very beginning. You have to convey what you want, exactly what you want. And samples are a must. You can't go and order 100 pieces 1000 pieces and not see a sample first. And then you need to remember everything's done by hand I like nothing's done. At least as far as my pieces. Nothing's done in a machine. So, you aren't going to get a variety they'll understand what you want, but you may get a few pieces that are not exactly but I think that's also the authenticity of it. I mean, I feel like if there's a little bit of unless it's something major if there's like a little defect or a little flaw that can actually add to the character of something. Because it is all done by hand. And I think there's something to be said about that artisan, you know, craftsmanship. So, I think that, but I do agree that you need you need to set certain parameters from the beginning. You need to also Just you need to be, you know, have your, your timeline and, and make sure that they can follow through on all of that and, and see, you know, maybe sample a couple of different manufacturers work and get samples, yes, but I think that's really important to see. And because you may not even realize what's out there and what they're able to produce. There's just so many talented manufacturers out there that that are really excited to work with you. And you also have to feel that she's got you know that you're that they're listening to you, and that you are not one of 1000s of customers, I kind of like the smaller companies that, that have the time to listen to me. And, and I'm not a large company, I'm a small company. And I like that they don't put strong minimums on me, you know, but the last thing you want is to Okay, you've got to do like 1000 of some pieces in order, yeah, that that's not really going to cut it for some of the smaller companies, you want to you want to start small, and see what the response is, and see how you know how that goes before you go on to the next.

Camille Walker 21:01

Where do you think would be a good place to direct our audience to finding options for manufacturers? Is there a place that we could link them to in the show notes for that,

Elizabeth Wasserman 21:10

I think if they can get to shows if they can go to shows, I think that's important. If they can, they can check and see in their community where the close I don't, I wouldn't say go run to New York right now. I mean, I think that you can, you can find in your own local community, you may not I mean, if you're from a small town, it might be a little harder. But Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, New York, those are they have great shows. That are they're going on, you know, usually quarterly sometimes. So, I think that's a great way to go. And you can actually meet with manufacturers, and that's how I met mine is you go, and you meet, I think in person in person, I think that's the best way if you can't do that, I mean, obviously Google searching and finding, you know, they're there, you can find divided, it was hard, I tried to do that. And it was hard, it was hard to find different manufacturers, and it'll take you through a rabbit hole. But sometimes you can find you can find good manufacturers now. So you can definitely find a lot of manufacturers on Instagram, I think that if you, if you search, there's so many talented manufacturers that are very excited to work with, with, you know, with people from all different countries, I get, I must get about 10 a week, they want to work with me reach out to you, they reached out to me and want to work with me on the apparel on the on the jewelry line. So I think that that's a nice way to look. And then you can maybe find out what their credentials are, maybe talk to some of their clients, if they you know, they have a list of clients, and they, they they're happy to, you know, they want to get the business. So they're happy to pass that information on to you. And definitely check resources, definitely check their, their, their clientele and find out, you know, are they? Are they happy with them? Are they are they meeting your deadlines? Are they listening to you, because that's the hardest thing is to really, for them to understand, especially if you are working with somebody it's out of out of the country or you know, even out of your state that you just can't physically be there?

Camille Walker 23:16

Because that's perfect. Yeah, I had never thought about looking on Instagram. That's really interesting. But that makes sense. I mean, that's a place where it's a worldwide market where people are looking and absolutely specific hashtags and everything else. So that makes a lot of sense. What do you think has been the most beneficial for sales for you with jewelry?

Elizabeth Wasserman 23:35

With jewelry, the most beneficial as far as which what kind of mean, necklaces versus braces versus that kind of thing? Or�

Camille Walker 23:41

No more-what do you think has made your business profitable with selling jewelry? What are tactics that you've done that really gained traction for you? I know you talked a little bit about social media, but do you have like, specific strategies that you use on social media or hashtags or engagement that others could maybe try?

Elizabeth Wasserman 24:03

I think that in as far as social media is I was saying that your brand needs to really project a feel. And I think that going back to that I I post twice a day, I post something in spray Well, my business lends itself to that because I'm about the good vibes. It's all about good vibes and spreading love and happiness. So what I try to do is in the morning, I post something inspirational. And then in the afternoon, I'll post something from my collection. So I think that actually has been very beneficial. I think I will bring in a lot. I bring in a lot of new supporters that way they're, you know, they're searching for something that that's going to fill a need. You know, right now, especially during this dark, challenging time that we've had, everybody needs a lot of positivity in their life. They need strength they need you know, they need to feel that they have something that It's giving them that, whether it's, you know, whatever it may be, but I feel that sometimes just wearing this shirt with love just brings a lot of just brings me some good Juju, you know, it just makes me feel good. And I'm finding that a lot of my, you know, my customers feel the same way during Christmas, they were, that's what they wanted to spread out there, they were buying a lot of gifts, you know, the hats, and the shirts, and even the jewelry that that had these, these messages. hashtags are important. hashtags are very important. I do look to see how many came to my site. Me, excuse me, how many came to my post, because you can do that when you have a business, you can go and you can see the analytics and you can see what brought somebody over how many were following you and how many came over through your hashtags. And I think hashtags are important. Definitely. I hashtag love, I hashtag love depending on what you know, good vibes, all those kinds of things. I think whatever is relevant to you and your brand, I think definitely post that on there. That's been beneficial. I had, this is the first year that I also last year was the first year I worked with a publicist, we approached several different influencers, that's a longer road, it's a longer road. And it's not as it's not a quick sell, it's something that you invest in, and it's something that can be very profitable, but it's not going to be something that's going to bring you a lot of sales. I mean, I even go to shows, you know, before COVID, I was going to shows I would go to bazaars, I would go to different things to get out there. And that's a great way if you can do that. And you have local little bazaars, I would say absolutely. From the beginning. I mean, I know Tory Burch started with a little you know, she had a little stand and she sold out of her stand. And that's how she got her name out there. So don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves. And, And that, to me is my most favorite. I love speaking to the customer. I do a lot of online. But I honestly my favorite is the is the person to person, I love working, I love working with customers, I love finding that exact piece that they're looking for that that they need for a gift or for themselves. And I think that for starting out, I think that's the best thing is to start doing the bazaars and the shows and work your way up to whatever your goals are.

Camille Walker 27:21

I love that speaking specifically to the heart of the customer, and really seeing what it is that they want. Because it's true with the things that we put on our body. And the things that we read in our mind really affect our state of mind and the way that we feel about ourselves and others. And I want to speak a little bit to the balance of motherhood and running your business. What did you learn? I mean, your kids are now out of the nest, so to speak, you have a lot of experience with those, those launching periods where my kids, my youngest is four, he's actually at preschool right now. And my oldest is 12. And so you know, I'm just stepping into this stage that you just got done with what's some advice that you would give to the moms that are in the mix of the kids at home.

Elizabeth Wasserman 28:04

Balance is crucial balance is absolutely crucial. And I know you hear that all the time. And I know that self care is the big, you know, word now self care. But it's so important to find that balance. If you don't, you're going to lose yourself completely. You need to set aside time for yourself. You need to I mean, I work out in the morning. First thing, I can't do anything until I work out. And then I can focus on the rest of the world. Yes, it was definitely more challenging when my kids were at home. And when I was running around with carpool and room, Mom and all of that other stuff. It was very challenging. And I didn't start until my daughter was four, I mean in fourth, excuse me in fourth grade. So they were already starting to become a little more independent. But yes, they still needed me there were still times you have to carve out the times that you'd be very organized. And that's that is very hard to do. But you have to be very organized and structured. And you have to set aside because this is a time for me. This is the time for my business. And this is when I'm going to be there for my family. When I first started, I literally took my dining room table and I sat there and I didn't I don't think I ate or drank or got out before like before that first show I seriously sat there. I mean, I think that my friends would call me Are you still alive? Are we still friends? Are we late? I wasn't answering any calls. I when my kids went to school, I sat down, and I worked and worked and worked and worked until it was time to pick them up and then do dinner and then and then focus on them. But I remember going into my room and coming out and going do you like this one? And then I would come out and go do you like this one I would come out my family would have like a little like a little modeling, you know shoot going on there. You know, they would be my audience. So I think that's important. And I think that that if you really want this to happen, you just carve out those times. I mean, if it's if you have a little baby then during that time you carve out your time to be able to just start researching and seeing what it is you want to do. But I do think that you need To take care of yourself first, I think that's really, really important. Even if it's just sitting down and meditating for 10 minutes, whatever it might be, you have self-care is really important. Otherwise, you're just not going to be able to give to anything or to anyone, and you're going to deplete yourself.

Camille Walker 30:20

Today's review comes from October Mama. �I am currently binge listening to every episode that was just released and I can't get enough, Camille is so real and genuine, keeps things light hearted and fun, but also hit some real issues and has a great point of view. I think this podcast is coming at a really great time when women are seeking encouragement and inspiration to follow their passions and feel like they can work create lead, while also being there for their children and families. And being an amazing example to them.�

Well, thank you so much October mama that is nailed the nail on the head exactly what it is that I want to do here. And the fact that inspired you, inspires me to keep going thank you so much for your review, it absolutely means the world.

I actually just put together a freemium that all of you can access, it's free, The Six Steps to Take for a Successful Morning. And a lot of it is just taking a minute for exercise, meditation, writing something down, and reading something really nourishing your mind. And I think that all of those steps that you talked about, really allow us to fuel ourselves and our creative energy and also our soul, so that we have something to give back to our families and our kids. And I love that you talked about really being in a zone where when your kids were at school, that you were so excited to sit down and create and be involved in that process. Because that's what it takes. I mean, the launch of a business is so intense. But if you can be so passionate about it, and that it and it fills you up, it doesn't matter that it's intense, because it feels so good. And I think that that's something to keep in mind is that balance in check? Would you agree?

Elizabeth Wasserman 31:59

Absolutely. And I do feel that if you are not, if you are not excited about it, when you wake up and you're not passionate about it, then you might want to look at something else. Because it does take up a lot of you and it can deplete you at times. So you have to really love it and really want it and know that it's not going to be easy, it's going to be tough, and it may make it and it may not. But if it fills your void, that's really all that matters. I mean, unless you really need this to make a lot of money really fast, you know, and that that I just don't even know if that if that's out there, I just think that the first, the most important thing is that it fills a void in you and it's not a void. But I think like that it just excites you. And it really gets you going in the morning when I couldn't wait to sit down and start working. And I think that that's what you have to find, you have to make sure that's what your that's where you're going because it is a big time, big time commitment.

Camille Walker 32:54

It really is.

Elizabeth Wasserman 32:55

Yeah, if you're gonna give up something for your family, you know, a little bit of their time, then you need to, you need to make sure you really love it.

Camille Walker 33:02

Yeah, and I agree that you know, in the beginning, especially, you don't have to be a perfect person doing whatever it is that thing that you want to do, you have to be a messy beginning before you can be a perfect or a better later, you know, it's all about just starting and getting there and, and getting into that creative process. I love hearing that it sounds like you have very successful children that are that know what they want. And they're going after those things. I mean, a doctor, that's, that's amazing. And your daughter is now in college. Tell me about how your business has affected them.

Elizabeth Wasserman 33:38

I think that you know, I always wanted to be a good role model for them. I wanted them to see that mom could that you can have it all then you can have your family and you can have your passion and you can have your business and I you know I worked up until my son was two in the in the nonprofit world in an office and then I decided that I wanted then I started doing consulting myself and then I stopped because I wanted to be a stay at home mom, I wanted to be the room Mom, I wanted to do all these things that it's there's such a if you can do that it's such a small. I mean, I blink I can't believe my son, you know is already in medical school and my daughter is already it's just it's insane. But if you can do that, it's important. And then I think then you can there's so much time left to devote to to do you know, following your passions. So, I do. I think that they are I think they're proud of me. I think they're excited that I you know; my daughter gets annoyed every time that I grab her. Okay, you're pulling, you know, she's my perfect models. She's been home for a long time. So, I've been using her a lot today. You know, I think she's happy to go back to school. But I think they're there. I think it's really important for your children to see that you know that you can do this. You know, my husband is you know, he's the breadwinner and he's, but he's so supportive of me and he's so proud of me and it means so much to me that he You know, sometimes he's got the heavy duty pressure and all that. And he's worrying about me and how you know what my next obstacle is in my business. And I love that he's really my CFO, because he, you know, if it were up to me, I would, I would have a million different lines going on and a million different things. And he keeps me grounded and centered and tells me, you know, you have to, you have to stay focused on this one thing, because you know, it can get expensive to follow your passion, I

Camille Walker 35:26

can tell you that. Absolutely. Well, I think it's been really inspiring to hear about that journey, and how it's grown and developed with you, you know, and that it's, I love that you talk about taking that time to really appreciate when your kids are home, because it does go so fast. I am right in the middle of that. And it's, it's, it's shocking to me, and I'm still in the middle of it. So I just really appreciate that you said that if there is one Golden Nugget that you would pass along to someone in your position, you know, maybe 10 years ago, where they're thinking about doing something creative, whether it be art, or design, or jewelry or anything else, what advice would you give them, if you could have given it to yourself 10 years ago,

Elizabeth Wasserman 36:07

keep going, keep going. And don't get bogged down by all of the mundane, don't look on social media and see all the success stories, they all have their trials and tribulations. Also they are you know, it's not easy. It's not easy. But if you follow your path, just do what your gut tells you listen to your instincts. And I really truly believe that because I you know, sometimes I just feel like, forget it, I'm done with this, I just can't go anymore. People don't like life stuff. And then the next day, I'll have like, all of these orders. I mean, it's just, you know, just be stay true to your passion and believe in yourself. And know, it's so hard to believe in yourself. But you really need to you need to really and that that all comes with the self care is just take your time for yourself, believe in yourself. And if it's really meant to be and if it's really something that you're passionate about, it's going to happen, it may take a while. And there is no one follows the same format, no one follows the same timeline, don't go by anyone else's timeline, every timeline is very personal. So somebody else might tell you Oh, in five years, you're going to get here and you know, it's fine to have goals. And it's fine to have a chart and write down what you would like. But I truly believe that if you work hard enough, and if you really want it bad enough, it's going to happen, it's going to happen one way or another. But you really need to want it you need to be able to put in the hard work. And if you're not willing to do that, and you just want it that's okay too. You can make it as big or as small as you want. But it all depends on how much time energy money you want to put into it. And just stay, just stay focused and just don't, don't give up. That's really my golden nugget there.

Camille Walker 37:47

I love it. That's so important. And I love that you said everyone's timeline is different, because that is true. It's not like at the formula, you start here and you end here. It's the ups and the downs and all around. So that really, really means a lot.

Elizabeth Wasserman 38:01

So I truly I believe in women helping women, I have unfortunate to have friends and acquaintances that are in the industry that are either other designers or marketing gurus and I love I love meeting them for coffee or just talking and sharing ideas and helping each other out. Because I think that's what this is all about, is really being there for each other helping each other. I am not. I'm the kind of person I love. I don't care if you're in the same industry and I as I am I want to help you I'm just that's the kind of person I am. I want to help you I want to help you grow. I am not. I'm not afraid of the competition, I'm not afraid, I really think it's important that we help each other. It's a, it's a tough industry. And the more we can help each other out and work and collaborate together, the better. In fact, I'm seeing a lot of collaborations now on Instagram, where these different designers are collaborating together. And it's beautiful. It's a beautiful thing. And I and I want to I want to be a part of that as much as possible, because I'm all for the collaboration and helping each other.

Camille Walker 39:07

I agree. I think more than ever, it's rising tides that women can really lift each other up and there's room enough for everyone. And in my experience, it's always been the times that I feel open and to receiving and giving is when I feel the happiest and I've had the most success if I start to dip into a comparison trap or I'm worried about what others are thinking or I try to be too much like someone else. That's when I dip into a place that's not healthy for me or anyone else that I'm trying to serve. So I love that and that it's really about that human to human connection and that and that stands out that makes your brand stand out.

Elizabeth Wasserman 39:47

Absolutely. Camille, I couldn't agree more. I couldn't agree more when you start to go down that rabbit hole. It's ugly and you don't feel good about yourself and you don't feel good. I think I feel better when I'm when I'm working and collaborating and helping To me is, is, it's even if you let's say you lose a sale because someone goes with someone else, it doesn't matter because you're helping and it just it fills your soul. And that's really what it's all about. So and I appreciate that you're doing this because what you do for, for emerging artists and designers is just, it's a great thing. So thank you for helping us spread our voice and, and get our ourselves out there. So we can, so we can share this with, you know, all of your with your audience.

Camille Walker 40:30

Well, you're welcome. It's truly an honor. And I love this journey so much, because it has opened my doors in my eyes to so many incredible women doing amazing things. And that lights me up inside. So it really is an honor, I'm happy to do it.

Elizabeth Wasserman 40:44

Oh, that's wonderful. And one last thing I just wanted to share is that customer service is so important to me, I understand, you know, now that we're moving more into I don't have a bricks and mortar store, I'm mostly online, people in my you know, in my vicinity will come and purchase and I do have the ability to either deliver or especially with COVID people have done curbside pickups and delivery and that kind of thing. But that's more of a local type of thing. So it is hard. And I and I know because I'm also a consumer that it's hard to buy in an industry out there that's in the great out, you know, unknown the cyberspace. And so I, I truly believe in customer service, it's so important to me that my customers are happy, whether I know them or I don't know them. And I, I just wanted to let you know, I hope that's, that's portrayed through my through my, through my website, through my Instagram through my story. It's just important to me that that customers are happy and that they feel what I'm trying to portray, which is you know, the love, the happiness, all of that it stems from the customer service and from the clothing everything about us. So I do, I am very grateful for the customers who put their faith in and do take the plunge and purchase from us because we, we appreciate it. And we are there for you. We're not just a faceless company that that isn't going to be there tomorrow.

Camille Walker 42:10

That's not going to happen. That's awesome. And that matters. It shows and in the way that you do it. So I really appreciate that. Thank you. Well tell our audience where we can follow you and support you and buy your jewelry and your clothing.

Elizabeth Wasserman 42:24

Thank you. Well, I am I have a website and it's Elizabeth-Wassermann.com. And the spelling of that, I guess Do I need to spell it out or�

Camille Walker 42:35

We�ll link to it in the show notes.

Elizabeth Wasserman 42:36

So it's Elizabeth I can wash my calm. I'm on Instagram Elizabeth Wasserman jewelry, and Facebook Live with Wasserman jewelry so you can find me on any of those. I am also My phone number is on there if you ever wanted to call me I love talking to my customers. I love helping you find that perfect gift for yourself or for somebody else. And I'm always I'm always happy to talk to my customers by email. You can also email me at info@elizabeth-wasserman.com And thank you so much. Thank you Camille, thank you for having me on the on your podcast. I'm very, very honored to be a part of this.

Camille Walker 43:16

Oh, well, I appreciate it. It's been wonderful having you here. And for those of you who are listening, please comment let us know what you liked about the show. And we will be here again next week. Same time, same place we can't wait to talk to you then. Thank you so much for tuning into today's episode of Coffee co if you found it helpful or inspiring I would love it if you shared it with a friend. And also I would love it if you came and joined me on Instagram at call me CEO podcast where you can join other like-minded moms like you who are looking to step up in their lives and make it even better. Thank you so much and I will see you next week.

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