Earlier this year, when the weather was cold and dreary I met a sharply-dressed entrepreneur at casual vendor’s social at Silo Restaurant in Northwest D.C., and exchanged the per-usual introductions. What I noticed aside from being well-dressed was that there was something about her appearance that gave it all little pop.
What was it? The answer came from her, “I sell customized jewelry pieces and arrangements like this,” she said as she pointed to her necklace. DUH! Now, it all made sense and it was much like a big reveal because that was the je ne sais quoi of why she was able to look so snappy without overkill. She didn’t just wear the jewelry or sell the jewelry, but she also showed me the different ways the necklace could be worn to suit the occasion or how you want to express yourself. I nodded in a reserved-yet-impressed fashion, but I was clearly interested in learning more about how jewelry fits into a woman’s life from her.
“Jewelry is both a way to express your creativity and style, but also a way to feel more confident.” (Elizabeth Dang)
I had her over for a light brunch-photoshoot-interview so that I could learn about this female entrepreneur and the stylish pieces from Chloe + Isabel, Inc. she provides. She showed up ready to roll with a wide variety of pieces, the 2015 Spring catalog, and a wealth of stylish-practical solutions. My wife was ooh-ing and aah-ing while I prepped brunch.
So, without further ado, I want to introduce you to Elizabeth Dang, purveyor of Chloe + Isabel jewelry and all around astute professional. I like astute professionals. A lot.
Q: Elizabeth, tell me a little about yourself.
I’m 25 years old and grew up in Roanoke, VA. I’m also a University of Virginia (Go Hoos! Go!) with a Math/Science degree. Right now, I’m a financial analyst for the U.S. Navy and a merchandiser for Chloe + Isabel.
Q: What’s your Achilles heel with food? Mine is Entenmann’s rich frosted doughnuts.
I really like eating and trying new foods, but my favorite thing in the world is when you get an egg with runny yolk on something. The yolk becomes a sauce for the dish and I love it. I think Anthony Bourdrain said, “Put a runny egg on anything and it tastes better.” — I can’t agree more.
Q: Is there anything that not everyone knows about you?
Because I work in finance and have a Math/Science degree, it’s assumed that I’m very analytical. That’s true, but I’m also really creative and have a deep appreciation for the Arts and Humanities. I spend my free time volunteering as a visitor information specialist primarily at the National Gallery of Art but I occasion the Freer, Sackler, and African Art museums, too. If you walked through my home, you’d see all sorts of art displayed. 90% of it is stuff I created in middle school and high school.
I also love to play tennis, in fact, I have a game with friends later.
Q: What makes tennis so fun and challenging?
Not only is it a fun and great workout, but it’s a sport that requires a lot of strategy and an all-around athleticism. To play tennis you have to master technique, speed, strength, and strategy to win. Also there is no coaching during matches, so it’s literally only you and your opponent alone on the court battling, like a duel between knights. Now normally I’m not very intense when I play with my friends for fun, but that doesn’t mean I don’t also concentrate on all these aspects of tennis to reach perfection in my own game.
Q: Why are you pursuing jewelry design and not something else?
I discovered Chloe + Isabel because I was looking for a creative outlet where I could make some extra money. Plus, I really like jewelry!
I’ll be starting an MBA in August and Chloe + Isabel gives me the flexibility to earn additional income and be creative with something I love to do. I also support their mission to encourage young entrepreneurs, like myself, to be financially independent and gain valuable experience through retail. It’s a great fit for me because it lets me be creative in ways finance doesn’t.
Q: Why is jewelry important and what are you bringing to your clients?
Jewelry is both a way to express your creativity and style, but also a way to feel more confident. In the DC-area, many women have to wear suits and be more conservative and professional in their style. However, I love that a simple pair of earrings or a necklace can make a statement, transforming that business suit into your own identity. You feel bolder and more expressive.
Cool bracelets, earrings, or necklaces are great ways to dress up when you’re running errands, like the grocery store, in sweats with no make-up. You can go out and still look and feel great even at your most casual or working out.
Tennis players like Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova wear jewelry when they play, so I think jewelry, sweats, and workout gear is a new trend to make you feel awesome.
Q: Got any ideas and tips for brides and bridesmaids?
Brides love big statement necklaces for their special day. But, bridesmaids need jewelry too!
Matching jewelry are really great gifts for bridesmaids. Not only can they wear it on the wedding date, but they can keep it and wear it for other occasions. It really shows that they’re appreciated and not just for the wedding day because jewelry can be — and should be — worn again and again. No need to feel special for just one day.
A new trend is having a charm wrapping around the bridemaid’s bouquet with their initial on it. Not only does it look cute but it also helps differentiate the bouquets. Pair that up with a charm bracelet and you’ve got the perfect gift.
Chloe + Isabel offers a lifetime replacement guarantee. So, if it ever breaks in the future it will get replaced for free.
Q: What trends are coming out of Chloe + Isabel this year?
For Spring 2015, we’re featuring a lot of semi-precious stones and floral elements. The coral, sodalite, howlite, and turquoise along with the floral and organic arrangements are a great way to get in a happier mood with the winter being so cold and snowy around here. The bright, warm colors are fantastic after some dreary times.
On the right, is a full view of the Meridian Statement Necklace.
Q: Elizabeth, what do you appreciate and hope for with being an entrepreneur through Chloe + Isabel?
I really appreciate the support of family and friends as I expand my network. My most recent foray is into the wedding industry where I think brides will love the collections and pieces that Chloe + Isabel offers. So far, the response has been great and I hope to bring the confidence, beauty, and happiness that jewelry brings to people. I really enjoy finding creative, artful ways to bring a smile to their faces and confidence in their step.
I really enjoyed photographing Elizabeth and learning more about her and the jewelry she enjoys. She knows her tennis, loves eggs, and knows jewelry. She’s very good at it and was able to not only educate me on some jewelry concepts and trends, but also able to guide my wife into finding some arrangements that can work for a variety of occasions. All in the time it took me to make some sunny-side up eggs.
“Anyone can wear jewelry. It doesn’t matter your height, size, body type, or shape of your head. There is something that will work for you and I want to help you realize that yes, you can wear that,” she said.
Reach out to Elizabeth and find something that will give you that je ne sais quoi “pop” to your style: Elizabeth Dang – C+I Boutique
[…] the production of the last collaborative blog post with Elizabeth Dang, we talked about doing another shoot showcasing real women in everyday attire wearing the Chloe + […]