Life & Work with Elle of Montecito, California (Santa Barbara)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elle

Hi Elle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have lived in Santa Barbara off and on since 1996, and permanently since 2014 with two wonderful daughters in tow and my partner.

Born and raised in Los Angeles and being raised by wonderful immigrant parents, I have not had it easy to find roots. The only time I felt myself was while I was abroad working and volunteering. My last major trip was volunteering in Morocco for the Peace Corps. There I discovered who I was. I am a maker and designer.

Over the past decade as a stay-at-home mom, I have invested in my craft wholeheartedly. It’s what I love and it’s where I want to be. I’m all in, and I feel very close to achieving the business-based fundamentals I need to work and grow independently and successfully.

I design and craft fashion accessories, such as handbags, wallets, and jewelry. Each item is handmade. All of my materials, techniques, and styles comprise the melting pot of cultures I have studied and visited around the world. As a culture-forward maker, my craft is not simply about creating cool handmade products; it’s about a constantly evolving self-expression. Being a maker has also influenced those around me, like my daughters. I believe that one’s success is an outward form of positive energy. I feel proud when my daughters craft birthday gifts for their friends and alter their clothes on my sewing machines.

As a maker and entrepreneur, I work in an inspired and constant cycle of learning from the styles, techniques, and materials I encountered during my travels and studies. From Japan to Morocco to Mexico, I recognize and honor similarities in craft but also each culture’s unique technique and artistic contribution, and I attempt to incorporate that into my work. Further to expand this culture-forward thinking to include the materials and traditions of countries I’ve yet to study or visit.

I am and have always been a one-woman show, from designing my own website to landing a scholarship, in 2022, from Facebook Meta Blueprint for Marketing. This spring I was honored to receive the designation of “Top Shop” at Faire: “Best Of Faire”.
Always moving forward is my motto.

The Two Pillars I go by as a creative:

Design with Purpose:

My design philosophy revolves around merging aesthetics with functionality. Whether it’s a handcrafted bag, wallet, or accessory, I believe that every item should not only look visually appealing but also serve its intended purpose effortlessly. I pay meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each piece is not only visually pleasing but also practical and durable.

Sustainable and Ethical Approach:

I strongly believe in promoting sustainability and ethical practices in my work. I source high-quality, ethically produced leather and materials, and strive to reduce waste by repurposing scraps into smaller accessories or embellishments. By embracing a sustainable approach, I ensure that my creations not only align with my values but also contribute to a positive impact on the environment.

Future:

Establishing a brick and mortar in Santa Barbara hosting simple yet useful supplies is a goal. The store idea comes from a place of passion for the home and a deep desire to offer well made, sustainable, eco-products from ethical companies. Items we would stock would be German brooms, brushes from Hanover, baskets from Mexico. Items would include collaborations with local potters, designers and artist. Our products will be biodegradable and eco-friendly.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing is a smooth road. There will always be challenges in any endeavor. But there are two obvious struggles are/ is cracking the Social Media wall, which is not something I particularly enjoy and money. Those two factors into success go hand in hand. The making, the designing, the learning, is the fun part but without social media and money? There is the struggle.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I began wanting to work with leather and I did, I achieved that goal but as any creative will tell you – there is always more to learn. Now I am branching out into textiles. I took a pay cut to work at a sewing house where we sell fabrics and sewing machines. I knew that there was so much more I wanted to learn and that being immersed in that world was the way to achieve that. And it has been a game changer. I am proud that in the second part of my life, that somehow, I still have that itch, that I feel more inspired than ever. I am curious on what yet is to come in this creative journey.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
That is a tough one to answer. What I have seen first hand is the younger generations are looking to the past, pre-phones. That there seems to be a greater interested in thrift stores, and reworking clothes to work for there body types. I am happy to see less lulu lemon out there. That Brands like Ralph Lauren is working with Indigenous artist like Naomi Glass instead of cultural appropriating. Those are hopeful signs. What I would like to see is for fast fashion to go away and slow made, sustainable goods, to take the lead on how we dress, accessorize our style and self-expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chaioleathergoods.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_merchant_studio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themerchantstudio/shop
• Other: https://pinterest.com/merchantstudio