Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Alanoori.
Hi Elizabeth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story starts way back when, however, the real meat and potatoes was in High School. My freshman year ( 14 ) I attended a new school in a new city with absolutely zero friends. Sounds like a movie, right? At this point, I had already binge-watched Mean Girls over 100x and thought I would be Katie sitting on the toilet eating lunch on her own. Given I was a new student, I was SO SHY. Actually, I was shy throughout most of High School, but specifically my freshman year. I signed up for Theater because it was something I always loved to watch and thought it would help me get out of my shell. Drama was the class where I actually made cool friends. Friends that loved to be goofy, had humility and also just loved having fun.
The more into class I got the more I felt comfortable at this new school. I loved it so much that when I got home, I MISSED school. Odd, right? At home, I always sought out ways to be creative and express myself. That’s when Jewelry came into my life. I loved watching my mom put statement Jewelry on because it would be so bold yet so elegant. I thought to myself, I want to do that – I want to make something that can really bring a smile to someone’s face and complete their outfit! After watching hundreds of YouTube videos, I purchased all of my tools and materials and THAT is where my story begins! Fast forward another 12 years and I am still here, making jewelry and loving it more and more every day (with way better materials of course). It wasn’t until 2020 that I took this really seriously.
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?
I think anyone that is trying to build a brand will typically say the first few years are the hardest. Trying to establish myself, trying to grow an audience, and the hardest one yet, trying to stay positive and not get discouraged when you see days with zero sales. That has been the last year for me – up & down! Making jewelry can be really discouraging if you aren’t financially stable from the start. When buying quality items & beads, it can get pricey. I am talking about $600 – $1k upfront and hoping it sells for you to see some ROI. That doesn’t even factor in the amount of time it takes for you to make items, come up with designs and all the times you had to stop because your hands start to hurt. In conclusion, I will say this – MIND OVER MATTER. Learning to stop looking at these daily thoughts as problems/struggles and think of them as stepping stones to get me to my goals has changed me completely.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My brand Noori Jewelry is a Manhattan Beach-based Jewelry brand that specializes in handmade pieces for everyday wear. I am inspired by the bright colours of my cultures, by my love of & connection to the ocean, and also pieces that spark conversations. Pieces that bring smiles. I believe in Fluidity and that everyone can and should be able to wear anything they feel drawn to. My pieces vary from vibrant beaded work necklaces & bracelets to elegant gold necklaces, bracelets and earrings that compliment any mood. I am most proud of my beaded necklaces as I really feel like I poured every bit of me into the design. The vibrance, the warmth, the humor and smile that comes when looking at it, well, is very me. At this point, is there really anything that separates one from another these days? Aren’t we all inspirations of one another with a slight twist? My brand is inspired by life while trying to be as eco friendly as possible. Things I have seen, places I have been to, and feelings I have felt. I will say this when shopping from my brand, you are shopping versions of myself & let me tell you, there is only one me.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If I am being fully transparent, the biggest way you can support a small brand is by purchasing items you feel connected to. A Facebook/Instagram share, a social follow, a TikTok like and everything in between is beyond helpful as well. I am always seeking collaborations not only for brand purposes but mainly to seek other artists and creatives. If you aren’t surrounding yourself & learning from like-minded people, you will never grow. That’s my motto.
Pricing:
- $40
- $100
- $200
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.noorijewelry.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/shopnoorijewelry
Image Credits
Photos by Elizabeth Alanoori Photos by Sarah Bosworth
