A Day in the Life of Ella May
Danielle Kiersz co-owner of ELLA MAY gives us her daily routine and beauty secrets while running a fast growing business with a little one.
When did you realize you wanted to become a jewelry designer?
Danielle Kiersz: My mama and I started making jewelry together when I was a little girl. In the 80s Deanna made sunrise shell jewelry. She was one of first people to bring them to Maui. Later she started making wrap bracelets and that was when we came up with the name Ella May. My mom always called me Ella May so that’s how we came up with the name.
What inspired you to become a jewelry designer:
Danielle Kiersz: On my first trip to Tahiti when I was pregnant with my son Leo in 2013 I brought back some Tahitian pearls. Deanna added Tahitian pearls in the wrap bracelets. Once Leo was teething I thought it would be cute to add a Tahitian pearl with his amber necklace. Soon many mamas wanted them for their child. After that I started incorporating leather and chains. That’s when we got our collection in boutiques.
Where do you go for inspiration when working on a new line?
Danielle Kiersz: When working on a new line I usually make what I want to make for myself. I also get inspiration from my travels. Tahiti is the land of the pearls is always very inspiring!
What is your favorite part of being a designer?
Danielle Kiersz: My favorite part of being a designer is making people feel beautiful and confident! It makes me so happy to see people wearing my jewelry! One of my favorite things ever is giving a girl her first pearl. I love every time someone tells me there first pearl was an Ella May.
How do you want women to feel when wearing your pearls?
Danielle Kiersz: I want women to feel beautiful, confident, sexy and sophisticated when they wear my pearls!
You seem to draw so much inspiration from the ocean, what draws you to this?
Danielle Kiersz: The ocean is my inspiration for sure! I’ve been drawn to the ocean since forever. I’m my happiest when I’m in the ocean surfing. Pearls come from the clearest cleanest lagoons in the world so maybe that’s another reason I’m so drawn to them.
What is your favorite beauty secret?
Danielle Kiersz: My favorite beauty secret is moisturizer moisturizer moisturizer!!! From head to toe gotta stay super hydrated!
What is your favorite workout routine?
Danielle Kiersz: My favorite quick work out routine is jumping on the trampoline! Either that or a bunch of squats and dancing around the house with my son. I have a lot of energy so I have to get it out and its best to be having fun while doing it!
How do you juggle being a mom, owning a business and have time to be in a relationship?
Danielle Kiersz: It’s sometimes hard to get everything done being a mom and owning a buisness and being in a relationship. I’m so lucky I have my mom and dad to help, I couldn’t do it with out them! What I really need to do is get a calendar because it’s hard to remember everything!
Are there any new baby plans in the future?
Danielle Kiersz: No plans for another baby yet. I know that Leo would love to be a big brother and it would be so good for him.
