These Hands
These Hands | El
These hands belong to El, our multi-task queen. El works closely alongside Natalie and Daniel across all things wholesale and marketing, and if we had an "Employee of the Month" she'd win it hands down every time! She's hard working, dedicated, and spreads joy throughout the studio with tales of her cheeky fur-baby, Moon. Find out more about El below...
Who do these hands belong to?
El (Ella), Wholesale Account Manager/Marketing Coordinator. There are two Ella's in the studio, so I have adopted my nickname of El to try and minimise the confusion!
What is your role at Natalie Marie Jewellery and how long have you been on the team?
I have been with the company for 1.5 years and it has been a wonderful whirlwind! As with most small companies, my role is varied and I am spread across a couple of different departments and I love it! I get to use both my right and left side of my brain with looking after marketing and wholesale, with a sprinkle of accounting mixed in for good measure. I manage the smooth running of wholesale along with Daniel & Bek. I work closely with Natalie and Daniel on all of our marketing plans, running social and working on the bigger picture.
Has your role changed since you first started?
Yes it has definitely evolved along the way, when I first joined we were in our old studio, with about half the amount of employees, I started my role as the Studio Manager - taking over from the lovely Bek whilst she was on maternity leave. It has since evolved to looking after all things wholesale working closely with our sales agency and being the main point of contact between us and our stockists. I also work closely with Natalie and Daniel on our marketing strategy, and implement that across all channels.
Describe a typical day for you?
Each day is so varied! I like to start my day early, I get in the office at around 8ish, when the studio is quiet and I can dedicate some time to planning my day out, prioritising what needs to be done and then running through my emails. From there I normally get stuck in ticking off my ever evolving to-do list, whether that be organising logistics around a pending wholesale order, creating a blog post or an EDM, or hassling Em to take photos with me for Intstagram. I like to start off with the the tricky stuff in the AM, and leave the afternoon free for fun creative stuff, but it all depends on what arrives in my inbox that day! I am a bit of a stickler for structure, so I like to keep my head down and crack on, so much to do, so little time.
What is your most treasured piece of jewellery?
I have a bad track record with losing jewellery and unfortunately I have managed to misplace a fair few precious pieces over the years. I am now much more careful and I do have quite a few special pieces to me. A gold anklet that my Gran bought me from Dubai would be one piece, along with a few recent pieces that I was gifted for my birthday.
What is your favourite Natalie Marie piece?
Oooh, so many! But one of my most recent favourite is the Kaha Necklace. I was also gifted a beautiful bangle from our yet to be released collection from the team here at NMJ for my birthday, which is so beautiful. Look out for it!
When did you first come across Natalie Marie Jewellery?
I first met Natalie through a mutual friend of ours, around 6 or 7 years ago! Natalie had just released her first collection and was working from her garage back then. I had just taken a short course in jewellery making, and helped Natalie out one evening polishing…(hopefully I was a help!). Fast forward 5 years and I was ready to move on from my job in the city, I already felt so connected to the brand and what Natalie & Dan had created, I was fortunate that a job popped up at the right time for me, and took a leap of faith. I am so glad that I did.
Where would we find you on the weekend, and how do you like to unwind?
I am a massive homebody, always have been, so you will likely find me around Avalon, first up is a coffee and then a surf, maybe yoga if the surf is no good. Then I love pottering around at home, trying out new recipes, chasing my cat around, annoying my boyfriend. Or meeting up with a friend for a coffee/lunch/dinner. I love reading & expanding my knowledge. I recently acquired an old film camera, so that is my hobby of the month currently, developing loads of blurry photos.
Beach, City or Mountains?
Beach, there is something so hypnotic and relaxing about being near or in the ocean. Saying that I also love the mountains! The city would be my last choice, but I do love a city explore every now and then.
What inspires you?
I am mainly inspired by other people, seeing people achieve their dreams, or working hard towards something that they believe in. People that are making a positive impact in this crazy world and are humble and kind hearted. Those that are helping others or are making time to explore their passions in life, it fires me up to chase mine.
If you could live anywhere else apart from Sydney, where would you be living?
At home, back in England, on the North Devon coast. I have left a large part of my heart there.
If you were not working at NMJ, what would you be doing?
Very tough question, but I feel like it would involve helping people/animals in some form.
What are you currently reading?
I am diving in and out of a few books at the moment, I have just finished Education by Tara Westover. I can highly recommend it, it is an Autobiography and sheds a crazy light over a completely different upbringing that the vast majority of us would not have experienced. It is eye opening.
Where do you consider home to be?
I am lucky to call two places my home, England - UK and Avalon - Australia. Both wonderful and beautiful in their own ways.
What kind of challenges do you set yourself in life?
Pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I believe this is a great way to grow as an individual. These days I love a good physical challenge too, half marathon is the goal this year. Marathon in Scotland next year! I find running super tough, so there is a classic example of pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Anything that builds resilience and pushes myself mentally, sign me up.
What is your favourite daily ritual?
I have a lot of favourite rituals, many involve food. On the weekdays, my boyfriend disappears out the door at around 5.30am, I drag myself out of bed at 6ish. Waking up to my little mate Moon (crazy cat lady here), having a cuddle and giving him breakfast. My morning mediation followed by a coffee at work. I have been trying for over 2 years to get to the gym before work, but I find it impossible, I like getting up early, but not for exercise. It is getting a bit ridiculous now and a running joke. This year will be my year...
What are you most grateful for?
My family and friends, my partner and my cat, Moon. I am grateful to be healthy and able. So may things to be grateful for, but I cannot thank my parents enough for giving me the best start in life, for being supportive and loving, for letting me live on the other side of the world and always giving me the best advice. My partner for putting up with my typical Aries temperament, the list goes on!
What is your least known talent?
Orange picking, I did a stint when I first arrived in Australia, it turns out I make quite a good labourer, I am really good at menial and repetitive tasks!
If you could share a pot of tea with anyone, who would it be?
My entire family! I might chuck Leonardo DiCaprio in the mix too, I feel like he would have some interesting stories to tell.
What is on your wishlist right now?
A good pair of winter boots, surprisingly hard to find.
What is your favourite gemstone?
Diamonds, for their timeless and classic appeal. Moonstone and Labradorite for their sheer beauty, how incredible that Mother Nature produces such beautiful gems?!