Every Thursday during the pandemic, we’ll be checking in on members of the jewelry trade in an attempt glean shareable tips and tricks for a better and more productive quarantine.
Today we hear from Erin Sachse, founder and designer of up-and-coming fine jewelry brand Eriness—a collection that’s crept onto Hollywood red carpets this past year—who’s currently quarantined in her native Los Angeles.
JCK: Hi, Erin—where do you live in L.A.?
Erin Sachse: In West Hollywood, just 30 minutes from where I grew up. Feeling so lucky to have a healthy dose of sunshine and family during this time.
When did you launch your business?
I launched the first iteration of Eriness fresh out of high school and continued making jewelry in my college dorm room at Boston University. As soon as I graduated in 2015, I transitioned into fine jewelry and relaunched Eriness, combining diamonds and colorful gemstones.
How has quarantine been for you personally?
Although some days are more difficult than others, I’m doing my best to remain as sane as possible by finding new ways to seek out inspiration. I’ve been going on walks, reading, going through those pretty coffee-table books I’d never opened, and, most importantly, channeling that inspiration into designing new [pieces].
What does your day-to-day look like now?
Creating and maintaining routine has been essential in keeping my morale high and my business ongoing. I’m so fortunate to be quarantining with my incredible boyfriend Jack, who’s also now working from home. Being a morning person, I try to begin each day with a quick workout and shower. I get dressed as if someone is coming over and do my best to work from our designated office—however tempting my laptop and pj’s in bed may seem. Each morning we have a team phone call to discuss the agenda for the day, and then we work from our respective homes to execute those tasks. We’ve been doing our best to maintain our standard office hours while also carving out time for daily walks and substantial lunch breaks.
What do you do to relieve stress during this time?
To relieve stress, I carve out time to sketch, knit, go on walks, and FaceTime with my friends and family.
What things have you been doing to boost business during the retail closures?
During quarantine, we have had the opportunity to reconnect with our customers and find out what it is that they want to see during this time. Many of them said new jewels, some said sales, some said more pretty photos, so we decided to launch #SparklySundaySurprise: Every Sunday our newsletter subscribers receive exclusive promotions and updates. Our customers are the reason we’re able to keep going, so I want to let them know we’re listening and show them our gratitude.
How do you think the pandemic will change how you do (or view) your business, even after it’s over?
Given the opportunity to pause and reflect, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to be able to do what I love and have an audience that supports it. Before isolation, we were so busy executing our daily tasks. Now we’re able to prioritize [elements such as] evolving the brand to keep it exciting and fresh for our customers.
Top: Eriness founder and designer Erin Sachse (all photos courtesy of Eriness)
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