Meet Elizabeth Dansby | Owner/Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Dansby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, what are you inspired by?
I am deeply inspired by those who work hard to achieve their dreams, but especially women. Women work HARD to defy odds and I never actually believed this was a thing until I became a mom. Don’t get me wrong I worked hard before I was a mom and there are many women who aren’t mothers who work hard, but being a mom is truly what opened my eyes to this. I feel like I owe it to all of the strong and hard working women who came before me to be successful. I also want to inspire women to achieve their dreams. Everyone needs someone to believe in and to believe in them and I want to have that small piece of someone’s life. When people buy a piece of Jolie Ami, I want them to know that I am cheering for them and I want to inspire and support them to be the best version of them they can be, just like they have inspired and supported me.

What should our readers know about your business?
Jolie Ami Accessories is an accessories brand that is inspired by women’s everyday life. I’ve really worked to give women a space to feel elevated everyday. That may look like adding accessories to a casual outfit, or highlighting a look for a night out. I’ve been very intentional about sourcing quality and genuine gemstones to ensure long term wear. The idea came from my love for accessories and how confident I feel adding fun pieces to my wardrobe that really show my personality. I’ve always had a strong draw towards pearls and southern style, so I really wanted to incorporate that into this line and try to “bottle” the same level of confidence I feel when wearing pieces that, just make me happy, and deliver that to other women. I’ve worked hard to network and stay consistent in brand growth and development. I’ve taken contacts that I’ve known, gotten vulnerable and asked for help, I’ve worked hard to give an authentic voice to the brand…. I think I’ve done a good job! I’m still in the first 90 days of business development and I’ve landed a huge national collaboration deal. It hasn’t been easy, but every step has been so worth it. I know growing this business is going to challenge me in ways I’ve never been challenged and I’m looking so forward to growing as a brand and as a person. I hope one day my daughter looks back and says ‘I remember those days’. It’s so easy to get lost in the “what ifs”, it’s so hard to stay the course and keep evaluating trends and analytics – especially when you’re a one woman show. My time in the corporate world as a business development executive has given me tools and a knowledge base to navigate this time and know what it looks like to hit the milestones, and I know that taking the days one day at a time is key to keeping this steady growth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
ok, so my life looks a lot different than it did about 7(ish) years ago, BUT!! I really love a great shopping day and some vino, I’d probably hit the River Oaks Shopping Center and maybe chase down the Curated Cellar and see if she’s out and about on a shopping event. If I was lucky TidBits would have a market going on that could really highlight some of Houston’s best small businesses. Definitely a trip to Tiny’s for a cookie (or two!) as far as food, I’d look at something like Barnaby’s or El T and for dinner I’d go all out and have reservations at Chimichurri in Kingwood – let me tell ya, there is nothing like their champagne risotto! If we’re talking week long, I’d take a little roadtrip out of the city to Roundtop. Even on the off season it is such a quaint place to get away. I love the water so I would capitalize on a day or two on the coast and make reservations for Gaido’s and a little brunch at the Grand Galvez Monarch restaurant and squeeze in some time on the Strand to explore the fun gems that Galveston has to offer. Honestly, that sounds like a great week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Gosh, so many people come to mind. My mom being the first person. When I tell her my plans she usually shakes her head and says how?! and then I’ll say come on we’re going to do it, and she’s all in. No questions asked. She has helped me keep going through some of the most difficult times – especially in the past year, and I simply couldn’t have done it without her. I laugh because I think of times where she has said “what are we going to do” and I’ve responded “we’re going to figure it out” and she just says ok and then we do! I’ve also had very many strong women in my life who have been there to hold me when I cry and tell me it’s going to be ok, and then it just was. Laura Whitmire and Hannah Fouts. I have to shout them out because they’re two of my best friends who have given me SOUND advice when I wanted to follow my heart over my head. Stephanie Tsuru, owner of SHEspace. She once told me “it’s ok to cry, but then you have to stop and keep going” I remind myself of that often. While there have been so many people, numerous friends, my dad, my husband, my daughter… she inspires me daily, the very first person to kick me into high gear was my mentor at my first corporate job, Terin Tate. She truly taught me that no one owes you anything and success only happens if you put in the hard work. I am forever thankful for my people.

Website: www.jolieami.com

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