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Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir: Jewelry Designer Behind “Mint Lilly”

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Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir, the powerhouse maker behind the jewelry and accessory line, Mint Lilly. What started as a way to beat her boredom, Mint Lilly has grown into a passion-filled small business, spreading lovely handmade goods across the country through Etsy, frequent pop-up shows and market days.

From jewelry to headbands and scarves, her creations are intriguingly minimalist with a Southwestern flair. However you choose to accessorize, their beauty truly takes the spotlight. We caught up with Elisa at a recent pop-up show to get the scoop on Mint Lilly and the beautiful brains behind it.

Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir: Jewelry Designer Behind "Mint Lilly" - the Lala

the Lala :  When did you start designing jewelry and how did you get your start?

Elisa :  I started designing & making jewelry in the autumn of 2011. I had just moved to Lafayette, IN, with my husband, who started attending Purdue University that same fall. I was waiting for my work visa & green card, and in order to keep myself occupied, I started learning how to make jewelry by watching Youtube videos.

Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir: Jewelry Designer Behind "Mint Lilly" - the Lala

the Lala :  What do you love most about creating and being a small business owner?

Elisa :  I really enjoy the versatility in what I do. I enjoy being able to design and play around with new ideas some days, have production days, and then market days where I get to meet customers. There are obviously some things that come along with running your own small business that aren’t fun, but thankfully for me they get outweighed with the good!

Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir: Jewelry Designer Behind "Mint Lilly" - the Lala

the Lala :  Any story behind the name “Mint Lilly”?

Elisa :  I just wanted to come up with something simple and sweet, and I hoped it would be easy for people to remember and pronounce!

Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir: Jewelry Designer Behind "Mint Lilly" - the Lala

the Lala :  What inspires your designs?

Elisa :  I believe my own style influences my designs a lot. Like most Icelanders, I wear a lot of black, and it just so happens to be the perfect ‘plain canvas’ for jewelry. As of recently (the last 6 months) I have noticed my designs becoming more minimalist, which excites me. It challenges me to be creative amd challenge myself with less materials – so we’ll see what happens this upcoming year!

Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir: Jewelry Designer Behind "Mint Lilly" - the Lala

the Lala :  I recall you saying you have family in the Netherlands; What brought you to the states?

Elisa :  I am from Iceland actually, and most of my family still lives there. My husband is from the States, and so that’s how I ended up here. We try to visit my family once a year, it means a lot to me to be able to still spend time with them even though I live far away. Skype is also very helpful!

Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir: Jewelry Designer Behind "Mint Lilly" - the Lala

the Lala :  Any advice for fellow creatives or aspiring entrepreneurs?

Elisa :  Being creative and being a maker can be so fulfilling. I would encourage anyone who has a desire to tap into their creative side to go for it! Whether it is just for your own enjoyment, for friends and family to enjoy it with you or to potentially become a business – it really is rewarding to learn along the way, you never know where it may take you!

Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir: Jewelry Designer Behind "Mint Lilly" - the Lala

For those aspiring to become entrepreneurs, starting small can be the best way to start out. I often get asked how I started and how I have been able to become successful with what I do. I believe it is because I started very small in my tiny home studio with very few tools & supplies and just kept going, adding tools & supplies along the way.

Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir: Jewelry Designer Behind "Mint Lilly" - the Lala

the Lala :  Where can we find you this winter? Any upcoming shows?

Elisa :  I plan to be at markets in Indianapolis, Chicago and Cincinnati at some point this winter and into the spring and summer. However, I don’t have specific dates & locations yet. The best way for people to follow up on where and when Mint Lilly will be at markets and/or pop-up shops is to follow me on Instagram & Facebook.

Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir: Jewelry Designer Behind "Mint Lilly" - the Lala

Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir: Jewelry Designer Behind "Mint Lilly" - the Lala

Find your own unique piece of Mint Lilly here!

The post Meet Elisa Gudsteinsdottir: Jewelry Designer Behind “Mint Lilly” appeared first on the Lala.


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