We had the good fortune of connecting with Adrienne Ebrahim and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Adrienne, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started making my own jewelry about eleven years ago after taking a class. For ten years, I made unique pieces for myself and for my sisters. I like unique jewelry and do not want what everyone else has. I started out by buying antique sterling silver pendants and creating necklaces to complement the piece. After being asked if I sold my pieces over the years, I finally decided to put together an Esty page in March of 2020. I also did a few trade shows around the holidays and found out about Painted Tree Marketplace in Sugar Land Texas and decided to rent a booth for Madeline’s Armoire in November 2020.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My day job is in Technology. I am a Manager of a group of technology professionals that support a Global business unit at an Investment company here in Houston. I believe that is why I enjoy making jewelry because it is completely different from what I do in my career. It allows me to use the other side of my brain that is more creative. I moved to Houston in 1991 after graduating from College with a BS in Computer Science. I was a single mom with a five year old son that moved away from her family in Louisiana for a job in Houston. Needless to say I was very scared. I remember walking past the television and hearing the news say “HOUSTON EYEWITENESS NEWS” and I would cry. I kept thinking that I would get my experience and then move back home but, somewhere along the way Houston became home for me and my son. Now that I have been working for 30 years, I am looking forward to retirement and that is why I created Madeline’s Armoire. I would love for it to be something I continue to do in my retirement. My Mom was an art teacher and she taught up until she passed away at 84. That is what I am hoping for with Madeline’s Armoire.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would go antiquing in Rosenberg Texas and then lunch at one of the many restaurants at Town Center in Sugar Land, like Rourpour.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have to say my sister Angie. She has been my biggest cheerleader over the years and absolutely loves every piece of jewelry I have created over the years. In fact, I believe she owns at least 15 of my necklaces that I have created. Even today, she helps me out with my booth at Painted Tree by sewing embroidery hand towels to add more inventory.
Website: www.etsy.com/shop/MadelineArmoire
Instagram: @MadelineArmoire
Facebook: @MadelineArmoire
Other: Painted Tree Market Place Sugar Land, Booth B1, Butternut Lane