Our first Business Women’s Spotlight is on North Carolina’s own E. Liles, owner and founder of E Liles Elegance, a jewelry and accessories line for women (and soon men!). Mrs. Liles makes all of her designs with her two hands and also can create specialized pieces if you are in need.
How are you doing today LaVerne?
I’m doing well, Danyelle. Thank you for featuring me. I’m very honored!
No sweat Lady! I’m a fan of your work! I have been since you started. Speaking of which, how did you get started with E Liles Elegance?
I actually started making jewelry, primarily earrings, as a hobby. I love working with different types of lead crystal and glass beads. Then I would wear them and I started to get compliments. Then I started making items and gifting them to family members, friends, and co-workers, One day, I decided to post some pictures of some my original pieces on my Myspace page. The response prompted was great. E. Liles Elegance was born shortly after.
When did you officially start your company? How long have you been in business?
I officially started my online company in October of 2008. For the last year I’ve been taking online orders for jewelry items.
Describe your business philosophy.
Basically I want ladies to feel beautiful and be able to do so on budget. I say it all the time…. “celebrated beauty”! I work very hard to create pieces that I feel will compliment one’s beauty.
What advice would you give to others starting their own businesses?
I would tell them to go for it, especially when it’s something you love doing. I can’t think of anything better than doing something you love and getting paid to do it!
How much time a week do you spend on your business?
I spend about thirty-two hours a week on my business….physically. Mentally, I’m working on it constantly. I’m always thinking of new designs and how I want to arrange certain pieces.
Do you have a business plan? If so, how did you compile it?
I actually turned a several online sources to develop my business plan. I started out with just a small scale plan and I am constantly adding it as I go. When I first posted my website, I only had ladies earrings in mind. Now I’m starting to come up with more items. I’m actually working on some pieces for men, so that will definitely change my original plans.
Do you have any partners in your business?
My husband, Markus, helps me get the orders out. I like for my customers to get their items within three days.
What are the goals for your business in the next five years?
In the next five years in addition to increasing my online sales, I would love to have a small scale local jewelry boutique here in my hometown boutique in North Carolina.
Where/how can people purchase your items?
Items can be purchased at E. Liles Elegance www.elileselegance.com. I can contacted from the site also.
Here are some items you are sure to love CubicleChicks! Mosey on over to E Liles Elegance and support!
Leave a Reply