Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrienne Joe.
Hi Adrienne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started making jewelry 12 years ago for myself and then for my sisters and friends. Over the years, people would tell me I should sell my jewelry but I said “No” I do not want it to feel like a job so I put it off for several years. During COVID, I decided to create an Etsy page and open up a booth at Painted Tree Marketplace in Sugarland. My original concept for making my jewelry was to find antique sterling silver pendants and then create a necklace using real pearls, gemstones and a sterling silver clasp. I have expanded that now to include earrings, bracelets and necklaces that do not have any pendants at all. Also, I was asked by a friend to create a custom necklace with a Family Heirloom that had just been sitting in her jewelry box for years. I love the thought of taking sometime old and making something new and beautiful that can be worn again today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I thought it would be a lot easier. I thought if I just had a place where people could see my jewelry, they would buy it all up. But, I have found that my jewelry may not appeal to everyone however, I have found many that really do like it. In the end, I make the jewelry that I like and enjoy making. I want to continue making higher-end jewelry that will last over time and not compromise the materials that I like to use. I get really excited when someone buys my jewelry because I see it as the greatest complement to me and what I am creating. This is something that I hope to do well into my retirement, not because I have to but because I want to.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I just started a new career at Edward Jones in April of this year. Previously, I was a Senior Manager in Technology at Invesco (Investment Company) in Houston at Greenway Plaza. I have been in the Financial Industry twenty plus years and really enjoy knowing and learning about the Financial Markets Globally. I specialize in Technology and bringing in new solutions for financial systems. I think what has set me apart from others is that I come from a large family in Louisiana and learned pretty early on how important it is to get along with other people. I have five sisters and six brothers. I am the eleventh of twelve. Being at the end has taught me a lot of things including how to stand out of a crowd if I needed to and/or want to. Also, I can be a little bossy at times and do not have a problem standing out as a leader when needed.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My family has always been my best supporters. All my sisters and sister-in-laws have purchased and wear my jewelry today. Both of my sons (Will and Zach), have sat down and helped me make bracelets for inventory for my store at Christmas. Both of their designs were huge successes. My daughter (Amber) creates and designs all of my marketing. My Daughter-in-Law (Erika) makes seed bead bracelets for Madeline’s Armoire. My youngest son’s girlfriend (Mehnaz) gives me jewelry design inspirations. My sister (Angie) makes embroidery hand towels for Madeline’s Armoire. My husband, Chris, is my biggest supporter. When I am doubtful and question what I am doing, he is the one that encourages me to keep going because he knows I love it. He helped me design and setup my booth at Painted Tree and he hauls tables and equipment for me at trade fairs. I could not continuing doing this without the support of my family.
Contact Info:
- Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/MadelineArmoire
- Instagram: @MadelineArmoire
- Facebook: @MadelineArmoire
