Today we’d like to introduce you to Estie Ott.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As an only child, being creative was a form of entertainment. I think this experience shaped a motivation for design that has continued to evolve throughout my life. I started making jewelry with a curiosity and desire to make my own pieces. I took classes with great teachers and still rely on these masters to acquire new skills. As a full-time high school teacher, making jewelry began as a hobby to exercise another part of my brain and perhaps metabolize some of the stress that accumulates in the “day” job. The unexpected outcome of having it evolve into a small business came to a surprise when friends, friends of friends and eventually local boutiques began to place orders. Today, I strive to balance the day job and the jewelry business, with a handful of local boutiques that carry my work, a website, and folks who like to pop over and shop the wall of my studio.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
TIME… it falls away when I’m working and I can always use more of it! Another internal challenge or maybe asset… is the vulnerability that putting yourself and ideas out there brings. Both welcome challenges in the big scope of things.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Estie Ott is a small line of handcrafted jewelry that is known for simple and modern designs. All pieces are handmade by me, in my studio in Kittery, Maine. I try not to make too many of one design because I like the idea of people having pieces that provide them with their own sense of unique style. There is some continual demand for certain designs, like the art deco inspired “Ollie” hoop or the classic “Maine paddle” earrings, but even these get an occasional twist to be slightly different from the rest. I can’t help myself.
What were you like growing up?
I was an only child of artistic parents who were also educators. I learned to self-entertain and this was often doing some form of art. I also knew how to draw attention! My father recently reminded me of some of my earliest manifestations as a designer, which were largely confined to wardrobe. When my parents allowed me to select my own school clothes, he said that I adopted styles ranging from Pippi Longstocking to Woodland Elf.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.estieottdesign.com
- Email: estieottdesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estieottdesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estieottdesign/
Image Credit:
L. Rakaseder
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