Who is Jasper & Elm in 2024?
Whew! If you are new here, welcome. If you are not new, welcome again! Jasper & Elm has been growing like crazy this year, and I have some more things in store for next year.
My name is Alise and I am the creative behind Jasper & Elm. When I first started this business in 2020, I was navigating grad school, multiple part time gigs, and a deployment.
Now, I am chasing a rambunctious toddler all day and making jewelry at night (and during naptime!).
Where did Jasper & Elm start?
Jasper & Elm is a concept I originally created with my mom and her small business in Indianapolis, Flower Mama.
We started brainstorming names for a candle business we could collaborate on. We both love the name Jasper (and it is one of my favorite stones!) and knew the second half of the name needed to also evoke ideas of nature.
Eventually, Jasper & Elm seemed to match perfectly.
However, I quickly learned something very important: I HATE MAKING CANDLES. It was weirdly scientific, and while I enjoyed some of the relaxing aspects of creating, it was not a process I found myself eager to do a lot.
Around the same time, I had purchased a set of clay from Amazon and started dabbling in polymer clay earrings. Now that was FUN.
I discovered I had an aptitude for it, and began selling to friends and family (and, let's be real, giving away some of those pairs!).
I got my LLC set up, opened an Etsy shop, and started getting serious about creating.
Why the Change in Mediums?
This year, I am sure you noticed one huge change - a significant increase in the number of non-clay items! From silicone wristlets to pearl earrings to gemstone necklaces, I have been playing around with new ways of jewelry-making.
I am not leaving polymer clay behind, but as I have tried new things I have discovered a pull to other items. I love clay, but I also am a gemstone girl - and I absolutely adore beaded necklaces!
Where is Jasper & Elm Headed Next?
We are a military family, and sadly we are nearing the end of our time in Jacksonville. Our next location is not for sure yet, so I can't say where we are going, but we are excited for adventure.
As an online business that does markets and pop-ups, J&E will not truly be going anywhere - I'll still be doing regular drops and working on custom orders!
PS: All photos in this blog are by the talented Iliana Ingram