Q&A with Emily Elizabeth & GIVEAWAY :: Fourth of July Edition {Closed}

After receiving her degree from Hunter College in 2006, Emily Elizabeth Kolins, like so many other graduates, was uncertain of where her career path would lead her. She convinced her parents to give her the summer after graduation to explore her professional calling, and soon realized her passion for accessories while working at a fine jewelry label. With a desire to create a luxury line at modest price points she handcrafted a small selection of jewelry that launched that fall. Working with goldplated brass charms, chains and wire, Emily has carved a niche for herself in the fashion industry. Her jewelry line has amassed a lengthy list of celebrity clientele and is a favorite among fashion magazines. {Congratulations Erin B.!}
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Haute Americana: Where in New York City is your jewelry line produced and how many employees do you staff?
Emily Elizabeth: I’m in Brooklyn, my gold platers are in NYC and Rhode Island and my jewelry is produced in Queens, New York. I don’t employ anyone but I do have freelance customer service help from a woman named Donna and she lives in PA.

HA: What inspired you to create a jewelry line in the U.S.? What are the biggest benefits you’ve experienced by keeping production local?
EE: While producing items overseas would save me a lot of money I know the quality isn’t there. Items made overseas are not only inferior in quality but also come with risks. I have no interest in having to worry about sketchy business practices like having my pieces made with lead. Also good communication is key and that’s hard to do with someone who is 1000′s of miles away and may not speak English well.

HA: What does the Fourth of July mean to you?
EE: July 4th is important to me because ( I know that sounds cheesy), the day celebrates our independence, our freedom and as an American, I know how important liberty is. I am grateful for being born and living in a country whose foundation is born on such a principle. A sweet little fact about me on July 4th is that I actually had my first kiss on that day. Yes I was only three and it was only a peck on the cheek, but it still counts! (And it was caught on camera! See the photo above.)

HA: What are your plans for the Fourth?
EE: No idea yet! Usually it’s a BBQ and I allow myself to eat as many hot dogs as I want which is usually four or five!

HA: Finish this sentence: It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without… 
EE: HOT DOGS!

Emily has graciously offered to give one lucky reader the Star Bobby Pin Set (a $28 value)! The winner will be announced on the Fourth of July, to get your celebration started off right. Enter below for your chance to win!

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry will also be selling the “Shimmer Star” pieces at 44% off July 2nd-6th, including numbers 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 above.

Good luck!

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