Meet Elise Renn

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elise Renn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Elise , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I spent much of my life denying my truest essence and purpose. Purpose to me is about living in one’s fullest authenticity, whatever gifts have been bestowed upon a person since birth and childhood- this is when we see most people living in their “purpose” – it has been a process for me as an adult to peel back the layers of conditioning and external voices, in order to be able to witness and embrace my own true purpose.

I never felt that I fit into the stereotypes of what it looks like to be “successful” and “important”, my natural gifts are intuitive, creative and energetic based. I never thrived in school – although I tried REALLY hard. I did not do well in corporate, although I held many jobs – always trying my best to impress. I was not the “cool” girl and struggled to be a part of any click or circle at school, somehow I have always felt like an outsider.

The only truth I have always known about my purpose is that when i create, when i connect, and when I express from my heart is when I feel the most aligned, lit up, and motivated to live as exactly who i am. Expressing myself through jewelry and art is simply an avenue I have chosen to focus on for the moment, I get to play with gemstones and metals which to me represent the energetic and metaphysical world- one where i feel i belong. Connecting to my clients allows me to lean into my intuitive and emotional gifts, and I find so much fulfillment in being a witness to their love stories while creating objects (jewelry) that carry those stories into eternity. Being in my studio, I have much time in solitude where I can be exactly who I am – dreaming up ideas and alchemizing them through my hands and into reality. I feel I could live out my purpose in many different ways, and I know this will only evolve over time.

When people ask me how to find their purpose, I always remind them that they can start LIVING their purpose today. They don’t have to wait for a job, relationship, or external factor to solidify and validate it, although those things can help reinforce one’s purpose, living out your purpose is an act of being true to you in your essence, thoughts, actions, and the energy you share with the world.

for the practical readers, the tools I have used that have helped me in stripping away unaligned identities and actually living in my purpose include: Yoga, meditation, journaling, creating the messiest most unimpressive art, experimenting with all art, failing at all the things that were not aligned for me (and letting those failures be lessons), walking away from things that did not light me up, saying “No”, being honest with myself about what a life of living out my purpose would look and feel like, doing MORE of what lit me up, being willing to invest in things that I would ultimately decide were not for me, being vulnerable, sharing with the world, expressing my desires out loud, starting from nothing, building relationships with people living the life I imagine for myself —

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’ve always been a deeply feeling person — drawn to texture, beauty, and the stories that live in between. Raised between the contrasting cultures of my French-Algerian mother and Midwestern American father, I spent much of my childhood navigating extremes. I found refuge in creativity: painting, sculpting, writing music, and collecting relics of the natural world. These early rituals became the foundation of my artistic voice.

After years of trying to fit into more conventional roles — from Neuroscience research with plans to become a Doctor — I reached a breaking point. Though I was close to achieving the outward markers of success, I felt spiritually and emotionally depleted. So I walked away from it all and in 2016 I took a one-way flight to South Africa. That journey became a deep unlearning. I released my titles and instead followed instinct, connection, and curiosity.

Eventually, I returned to metal — the medium that had always whispered to me. With a background in sculpture and a deep love for adornment, I began sharing pieces I made through the ancient art of lost wax casting. In 2023, I officially launched Elise Estelle Jewelry: a fine jewelry brand rooted in soul, legacy, and hand-crafted beauty. Each piece is made by hand using solid gold, silver, and ethically sourced or heirloom gemstones, designed to carry story and spirit. I also carry a collection of semi-precious pieces in solid sterling silver — an accessible, sculptural line that still reflects the intention and depth of my fine jewelry.

Today, I work primarily on custom projects, translating clients’ memories and milestones into meaningful objects. I currently run a brick-and-mortar space in Denver and envision growing Elise Estelle into a house of design — integrating jewelry with sculpture, clothing, and fragrance.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been intuition, hands-on creation, and the courage to redefine success.

I’ve always been highly intuitive — emotionally attuned and sensitive to energy, people, and the world around me. For a long time, I saw that as something to hide or overcome. But over time, I learned that my intuition is actually one of my greatest tools. It’s what guides me creatively, helps me connect with clients, and leads me toward what’s true for me — even when it doesn’t make logical sense on paper. My advice: learn to trust that quiet voice. It might not always be the loudest, but it’s usually the wisest.

The second has been working with my hands. Creativity has always been my way of making sense of the world — from painting and songwriting as a child to metalwork and sculpture as an adult. My jewelry practice is an extension of that. There’s something powerful about turning raw material into something meaningful and lasting. For anyone exploring a creative path: don’t wait to feel “ready” — start making, start practicing, get messy and let the work shape you.

And lastly, walking away from the traditional version of success took a lot of courage, but it was the most pivotal choice I’ve made. I was on a path toward becoming a doctor and scientist, and it looked impressive from the outside — but it wasn’t aligned with my spirit. Leaving it behind gave me the chance to rebuild a life that feels true. My advice to anyone early in their journey: question what success actually means to you. Sometimes the most “successful” thing you can do is simply live in alignment with your truth.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely — I’m always open to collaborations, especially with people who are living boldly and creating from an authentic place.

I’m most inspired by artists, musicians, and creatives who are carving out their own path — people who live outside the lines, break stereotypes, and defy the odds. I’m drawn to collaborators who carry a sense of depth, style, and intention — whether that’s in fashion, performance, visual art, or storytelling. I’m especially interested in working with those who are using their voice or platform to shift culture and create impact.

I’m especially drawn to artists and makers who have a strong sense of personal style — people who use clothing and adornment as an extension of their story. I dream of seeing my work worn by musicians, painters, illustrators, public speakers, and artists of all kinds — individuals whose presence and creative voice carry meaning. Whether it’s for a performance, a project, or personal ritual, I love the idea of my jewelry living on those who move through the world with intention and soul.

If you’re someone who feels aligned with that — whether you’re a stylist, editorial photographer, artist, musician, brand visionary, or simply someone dreaming up something unique — I’d love to hear from you. You can reach out through my website or DM me on Instagram @eliseestelleofficial .

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eliseestelle.com
• Instagram: @eliseestelleofficial

Image Credits

I am the photographer and stylist/creative director for all of these images