Emilie Costechareyre – owner of Elvis et Moi.
Businesses we love: Elvis et Moi
Today's post is about a business owner I've admired for a long time – Emilie Costechareyre, the beautiful and stylish owner and designer of jewellery label, Elvis et Moi. I've known Emilie for many years, and I've kept an eye on her business ever since she started up in 2010: partly because I always admire anyone who makes the brave step to become a business owner, but also because I absolutely love her work!
I've always thought Emilie has a really distinctive style, which in my opinion is edgy and urban, but with a soulful, bohemian look to it as well. And, I think she's managed to transfer her natural style into every part of her business – from her jewellery designs, right through to the beautiful Lookbooks she produces, and her inspiring Instagram feed.
The other thing I love about Emilie's business is that she makes every single piece of jewellery by hand. There's no corners being cut, and lots of love and attention is put into every item she crafts. As her business has grown, it's no small achievement to continue to make everything by hand, but, to me, that's why her business is so special.
Meet Emilie Costechareyre – owner of Elvis et Moi.
What is Elvis et Moi and what do you do?
I make little shiny things to make people smile and remember things. In other words: I make jewellery.
What path led you to what you do today?
Freedom. I wanted to be my own boss, and to find a way to share my creativity with people.
Has marketing Elvis et Moi come easy to you?
Not really, I suck at it! I am just a true believer that if you do what you like, people will feel it. I put so much love and effort into each piece that I do. I am proud to say that every single piece comes from my hands.
What skills have you had to master to get your business out there?
The skills of learning quickly, of being fearless and also being very organised.
What’s the hardest part of owning your own business?
The hardest part it is to do everything: accounting, graphic design, design, sales, making. When I would just like to design and make…
Elvis Et Moi angel wings ring
Do you follow rituals, routines or do you fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants?
I am a single mum, so I need to have a routine. I get up in the morning, prepare the lunch box, and my little one breakfast. Then, we are off to the gym and then I drop my princess to school. Then, the working day begins. I try to exercise every day. If I don’t, I do not function right!
Tips on how to stay on top of everything?
To do lists! Everywhere!!! They’re near my computer, near my bed, on my phone. I use notes on my iPhone and the calendar a lot. Meditation helps me to stay on top of everything. I use an app for it, and will sometimes do 10 minutes during the day to give me energy and focus.
Career highlight so far?
They have been a few: A mother who asked me to do a ring for her son that she wanted to give to him before she passed away. To see my body harness used in a Seafolly campaign last year, which I only discovering after walking past one of their shops. And, every time someone I don’t know tells me that what I do is beautiful.
What advice would you give to yourself if you were starting out again?
Don’t be scared of asking for help. Do not try to do everything yourself, and surround yourself by people who’ve got experience.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day starts at 5.30am, and it’s a mix between being a mum, a cook, a designer, an accountant, and a photographer. I love my days because they never look the same. I can work on creating new pieces, or spend my day shooting, or on a front of my computer. It depends on the orders, but I try to go to bed quite early – around 9.30. But, sometimes it's more like 1am….
Name 3 businesses that inspire you?
Isabel Marant, because she created a trend. Her designs are amazing and I admire her very much.
Samantha Wills because, for me, she is the example that you can make your dream come true. She started off selling her jewellery at Bondi markets, and it ended up being used in Sex And The City 2! She is a very driven, down-to-earth person.
My boyfriend, because he is great source of inspiration and support. I am very lucky to have him in my life.
How do you fight the fear?
I fight the fear by continuously repeating to myself that you can achieve everything you want in your life, if you have the motivation. I’d rather fail and die than live without working for it. I also once saw a very good YouTube video of Jim Carrey doing a speech to graduated students. The whole speech was about fear and love.
One piece of advice for other business owners?
Do it! Don’t be scared, just do it. It’s going to be hard: you won’t sleep and you will ask yourself why on earth you started, but it will be all worth it. At least that’s what I say to myself every day: it will be all worth it!!
