S04 Episode 175 | ELIZA SLOANE JEWELRY, SCALING AS A MAKER + ULTIMATE CREATIVE FREEDOM

In episode 175, Kestrel welcomes Sloane, the founder and makers behind Eliza Sloane Jewelry, to the show. Handcrafting jewelry for over 7 years, and collecting crystals and sea glass for over 20, Sloane is a master maker, and creates all of her cast pieces for Eliza Sloane Jewelry from recycled metals. "I just think that not boxing ourselves in or pigeon-holing ourselves too much — that's just what ultimate creative freedom is." - Sloane, Founder + Maker Behind Eliza Sloane Jewelry On this week's show, Sloane shares more of her journey, and how an internship sourcing vintage gems in New York City motivated her to build an Etsy shop, and eventually inspired her to start making her own jewelry. Sloane dives into more on how surfing inspires her creative work, and vice versa — and how they seem to feed each other consistently, helping her maintain a fluidity in both her lifestyle and creative work. Kestrel and Sloane also chat about the idea of scaling, how complicated it can be, and the challenges that come with it when you are the actual maker behind the brand. The below thoughts, ideas + organizations were brought up in this chat: Rio Grande, where Sloane sources all her recycled metals Esmeralda Turquoise Company, where Sloane sources turquoise American Gem Trade Association, promotes the highest ethical standards for gemstones "I don't know, it's just really hard to gracefully scale up, with keeping to your morals and your beliefs and your style." EcoEnclose, sustainable packaging Sloane uses Trader Joe's produce bags are actually compostable (more on their sustainability efforts in Food and Wine + Real Simple) Sloane's Instagram >