I'm welcoming this new year with open arms, and wanted to take a quick look back at 2017 to celebrate all of the beauty and fun it brought our way. So...a year in review: starting with the launch of our very first
original art collection (above) for Elva Fields. I hope to continue to grow this assortment of drawings, paintings, and collages...but putting these watercolors on the site was a major (read: took A LOT of courage) first step for me.
In February, I attended my first-ever conference called
The Summit, beautifully created, coordinated, and planned by
The Southern Coterie, and I jumped for joy (
and with Joy Robyn!) at the fun had by all. Between the stunning setting at
Sea Island, the uplifting and encouraging attitude of all involved, the inspiring and wonderful speakers, and the insightful take-aways from each presentation and small-group session, I can't wait for the next one. (Just a few weeks away--and just a few tickets left if you want in on the fun, too!)
This past spring,
scarves were introduced to the Elva Fields collections, and I couldn't be happier about the way our necklaces look paired with these gorgeous vintage designs. From Gucci to Hermès, YSL to Liberty of London, I hand-select the assortment of styles with color, pattern, and condition in mind, and I LOVE seeing how you gals are styling them all!
We made it through another Derby season! Trunk shows, fashion shows, custom designs, pop-ups, and even a day at the track in our own jewelry! After all that, I needed a julep. Or four.
The surprise of the year came late summer when
an interview I had done for Julie Sygiel, the contributing author of the "Coffee With..." series for
Forbes, was published. What an incredible honor to be given the opportunity to speak so candidly about my experience as a business owner; to share my story in a way that I really hadn't before. I still find myself a bit incredulous at the article (Forbes, you guys!) and profoundly grateful for Julie's kindness and interest.
In 2017, I hit up many a flea market, always on the hunt for the next undiscovered treasure...and I even shared a bit about our vintage adventures
on the blog (and on Instagram stories, too!)
Our
Little Ladies collection celebrated its first birthday in the fall! One whole year of making a difference, bringing a bit of beauty one bead at a time to underprivileged kiddos in our community. We love the brightness these colorful designs bring to all of us!
A project in the works for a few years,
What's In Your Jewelry Box? finally debuted in the fall. Now, those of you at home with unworn vintage heirloom jewelry can safely send the pieces our way for a re-design through this mail-in custom kit. It's a blast seeing (literally) what's in your jewelry box.
I'm still loving our
quote collaboration with
The Southern C, and nearly every Sunday morning brings another round of insight to (hopefully) inspire and encourage readers to start the week with a smile.
Another beloved collaboration of the past year was the re-launch (five years later!) of our
Leading Ladies series, and re-working each gal's treasured jewels into a new design inspired by their signature taste and style has brought some seriously fun necklaces to life.
We definitely upped our selfie game in 2017. And not always with jewelry. (Sometimes with cute kiddos!)
It is with deep gratitude that we walk into 2018, with appreciation for all behind us, those of you alongside us, and much to which to look forward ahead. Happy New Year, friends!