We recently connected with Jennifer Young and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
I believe it started in the first grade when I had my first back surgery due to scoliosis. I grew up going to the hospital for checkups and lengthy stays regularly until I was 18. I got to know the nurses and doctors very well. From the moment I was in the hospital, staying there for weeks in recovery, learning how to walk again, and making friends, I knew I wanted to be a nurse and take care of other people.
As I grew older, I began my journey down that path. From 8th grade through my senior year of high school, I volunteered at our local hospital, doing various jobs as a candy striper. I worked with patients on the hospital floors, doing rounds, cleaning bedpans, changing sheets, and washing floors. I also worked in adult daycare with patients who had Alzheimer’s. It was the most rewarding and fulfilling role, where I felt an immense sense of purpose. I received a service leadership award in my senior year of high school, and from there, I started going to school for nursing.
Fast forward, I was working full-time, paying for college, and realized that nursing was not what I wanted. I turned to early childhood education because I wanted to work with people and kids in general, but soon realized that was also not for me. I finally shifted focus to business, where everything came together. This is when I started working for Nordstrom while also attending college. I started to get promoted and made a career in buying, merchandising, and leadership with Nordstrom. My career there spanned over 18 years.
Because I was on my own and climbing the so-called corporate ladder, I sort of lost the side of me that was such a big part of me. It wasn’t until I had my child that I started to yearn for my roots and fall back into some sort of caretaker role. I began volunteering again in my 40s, and at this stage of life, I realized I could incorporate my career with a passion for caring for others and giving my time to the causes I believed in.
At an early age, I was surrounded by generous people who gave of themselves to provide and care for others. I truly believe being in an environment like that at an early age, with so much impact on me, is what developed my generosity for others. I’m lucky enough to find that part of me again and incorporate it into my other passion for jewelry designing and my business.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
ELLIOT YOUNG stands out not only for our unique designs but also for our powerful mission. We are two female founders with over 20+ years of experience in the jewelry industry, ELLIOT YOUNG is more than just a name – it’s a mission dedicated to making a difference.
What sets ELLIOT YOUNG apart is our unwavering commitment to supporting youth in crises. Recognizing the urgent needs in our communities, we partner with nonprofits and organizations that focus on crucial issues such as hunger, homelessness, physical and mental health, and trafficking. A portion of every sale is dedicated to these impact partners, ensuring that each piece of jewelry sold contributes to a brighter future for young people in need.
Our jewelry is proudly crafted in the USA, reflecting our commitment to quality and sustainability. We believe in creating beautiful pieces that not only enhance your style but also respect our planet. Sustainability is at the heart of our manufacturing processes, ensuring that our impact on the environment is as gentle as possible.
As we continue our journey of blending artistry with advocacy, we are thrilled to introduce our latest products: the Two-Tone 14k yellow gold and white gold Dragon pendant, and the 14k Feng Shui pendant, symbolizing prosperity. This year, celebrated as the Year of the Dragon, is the perfect time to showcase these unique pieces. The dragon pendant is a testament to strength and courage, while the Feng Shui pendant invites prosperity and good fortune into our lives.
At ELLIOT YOUNG, every piece of jewelry tells a story – a story of beauty, empowerment, and hope. We invite you to join us on this journey, knowing that with every purchase, you are helping to support and uplift the youth who need it the most.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey include:
Analytics and Forecasting: Understanding data, recognizing patterns, and making predictions based on historical and real-time data are invaluable skills. In the fashion industry, this means being able to anticipate trends and consumer preferences accurately, which can significantly influence the success of a brand or product line.
Ability to Connect the Dots: This skill involves seeing the bigger picture and making connections between seemingly unrelated pieces of information. In fashion, it’s about understanding how various elements—such as cultural trends, consumer behavior, and technological advancements—interrelate and can be leveraged to create innovative solutions or strategies.
Creativity and a Fashion Background: Creativity is the heart of fashion, driving innovation and aesthetic appeal. A strong foundation in fashion—understanding design principles, textiles, history, and current trends—is essential for creating relevant and appealing pieces.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey:
Focus on Today to Get to Where You Want to Go Tomorrow:
Short-term Goals: Concentrate on what you can learn and achieve today. Set clear, achievable goals for your current role or studies.
Daily Improvement: Every small step you take today builds the foundation for tomorrow. Consistent, daily efforts accumulate to significant progress over time.
Gain Experience in the Industry: Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Seek out opportunities in fashion companies, even if they are entry-level or internships. Practical experience is invaluable.
Networking: Build relationships with professionals in the industry. Attend fashion events, join relevant groups, and seek mentors who can guide you.
Take Classes or Certification Courses:
Formal Education: Consider enrolling in fashion design, fashion marketing, or textile courses. These provide foundational knowledge and can help you specialize.
Continuous Learning:
Stay Updated: Fashion is a fast-evolving industry. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and consumer preferences.
Online Resources: Use online resources such as fashion blogs, industry reports, and webinars to keep learning and adapting.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Maintaining US-Based Manufacturing Amid Rising Costs
As a fine jewelry business committed to keeping manufacturing in the USA, we are currently facing significant challenges due to the rising costs of gold and US labor. The price of gold has increased by at least 40% since we started the business a few years ago, necessitating continual revisions to our pricing structure. Additionally, the cost of US labor continues to climb, further squeezing our margins and making it difficult to compete in an oversaturated market. Despite these challenges, we are determined to uphold our commitment to US-based manufacturing and maintain our core values.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elliotyoungla.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliotyoungjewelry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliotyoungjewelry
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