When I first met Meg from Margaret Elizabeth four years ago we had tons in common. One major connection was trying to brainstorm how both of us could follow our dreams and take that leap into having our own businesses. We’d meet for lunches every month to discuss our plans, dreams and exit strategies. Now, both of us are on our own and we haven’t looked back. It’s amazing how your dreams can turn into a reality. That’s why today I’m honored to have her here today sharing her brand new workspace – it’s a beautiful shop here in San Francisco on Union Street. Her jewelry can be found across the country at tops stores, but seeing it all together in her new brick and mortar shop feels like a girls dream jewelry box.
I’m so proud of how Meg has built her business from her dorm room to now. She has successfully shown that following your gut and passion while staying true to her own style can build a brand women love and wear on a daily basis.
Read on for wonderful interview with the every so lovely Meg.
Tell us about Margaret Elizabeth Jewelry.
Margaret Elizabeth is wearable jewelry for the every woman. We aim to design pieces that are simple but chic…classic with a modern twist.
You worked at Google before deciding to take the leap and go full-time Margaret Elizabeth. Was it a hard decision to make?
It was a hard decision. It’s scary going from something so safe and corporate to something that doesn’t have much structure around it. I knew it was the right decision, but it’s nerve wracking taking the leap, becoming your own boss, and leaving something so secure. I love what I’m doing now and can’t imagine it any other way.
What inspires the pieces you design?
I’m so inspired by the sea, traveling, the intermix of unexpected shapes and textures, and the amazing stones we use in our pieces.
I love that travel plays a key role in your inspiration. When you travel where do you look for inspiration?
Travel is probably my greatest source of inspiration. I love seeing the way things are done in other cultures – the way women dress, the role of certain objects and stylistic elements in home decor or customs. One of my favorite things about visiting other countries is taking in the colors of the place. Those colors often spill into my collections.
If you could pick one or a few Margaret Elizabeth essentials that you couldn’t live without, what would they be?
I love my Mira earrings and emerald cluster ring. I wear the ring almost every day and the Mira’s have become my go-to earring!
Let’s talk about your new workspace – you must be thrilled to have grown so much to have a brick and mortar on Union Street. What inspired you when dreaming up the space?
It has been so much fun designing and settling into our new space! I fell in love with how bright the studio is. We have this giant skylight that lets in the most lovely, warm light every day. I wanted it to feel bright, airy and crisp. The studio is just one big open room, which made hiding all of our back inventory and shipping supplies tricky. We ended up sectioning off the back corner with linen drapes, which has created a nice separation.
Did you always dream of having your own store?
I have! I’ve always thought it would be so much fun to have a space to sell our pieces and meet our customers. It’s been amazing getting to see the women who wear our jewelry on a daily basis! Totally beats meeting them via email.
I know you’ve just opened the store but what’s next for Margaret Elizabeth? Any collaborations? New stores we can find you in?
We have so much in the works! We’re working on a few fun collaborations that we have to stay hush-hush on for now – but we will be sure to let you know when we can! We’re also going to be starting a monthly event series with other local designers. We’ve got a flower arranging class coming up in November with Sacramento Street’s “Blooms in Season” contributor, Natalie Bowen that I think is going to be a blast!
One last note, if you could give a piece of advice to others starting their own business or jewelry line what would it be?
It sounds so cliché, but I think if you follow your passion and do what you love, great things will happen. My biggest piece of advice would be to stay true to yourself and your aesthetic.
A HUGE thank you to Meg for letting us tour her workspace today. It’s quite an inspiration for all of our own offices!
Photos by Caitlin Flemming