be you conversations: eliza sloane
Be You Conversations: Eliza Sloane
By: Nicki Patel | 10.12.18
Her Courage and Kindness Shine Brighter than Her Jewels
"she is not what has happened to her; she is what she chose to become.” ~unknown
I am so excited to introduce (or re-introduce) yall to this beautiful soul I have had the pleasure to collide worlds with. Her name is Eliza Sloane, but she goes by Sloane. She is an amazing virtual friend, a super talented jewelry designer (btw she makes everything by hand, I repeat all by HAND!), and she is the kindest, dog-loving, constantly creating and always hustling soul I have met thus far. I am so grateful that Kestrel connected us through our Bandhani Collection photo shoot, and we were able to collaborate. Her pieces are not only one-of-a-kind and beautiful, to me, each carry a piece of the ocean - the sound, the air, the breeze, and the feeling of being close to the water. Oh and she is a surfer! This lady can do it all, and has done it/been through it all. I am honored to share a piece of her journey with yall, and hope yall are as inspired by her as I am. <3
“The women who I admire for their strength and grace did not get that way because shit worked out. They got that way because shit went wrong, and they handled it. They handled it in a thousand different ways on a thousand different days, but they handled it. These women are superheroes.” ~ Elizabeth Gilbert
Her Story
I am originally from a small beach town on the east coast but found my way out to California about 6 years ago in search of waves and more opportunities. I always knew I belonged out here. The town I grew up in is tiny and everyone knows everyone and I just did not want to see myself get stuck there. I actually was never that happy there. I thought by coming out here, life would change, and it did, but I have also learned that we take our darkness everywhere we go and the only way out is through. I have found so much clarity and heaIing in yoga and therapy. In a nutshell, I am a jewelry artisan who loves saltwater, plants, alchemy, mindfulness, authentic human connection, traveling, and most importantly, I love animals. My rescue dog Rishi (named after Rishikesh in India) constantly amuses me, keeps me present, grounded, silly, patient, and playful. Growing up in a small beach town, the ocean has shaped me in every way possible. It has brought me my greatest joys, my life partner, my biggest lessons and exposed to me some of my biggest fears. It is my constant source of replenishment, confidence, and growth. I never thought I would say this, but after spending a ton of time in Costa Rica this past winter, I am finally learning to love bigger waves and all of the challenges they present.
Follow along Sloane’s journey via her Insta @elizasloanejewelry, or shop her beautiful pieces on her online shop.
What is your favorite food/dish (because I love FOOD)?
Well this is the easiest question ever. I LOVE FOOD. My favorites are Pad Thai and spring rolls from our secret hole in the wall spot, and sushi. I also love a delicious curry. Sri Lankan curries have proven to be my favorite. I also love a good home cooked meal with loved ones. For me, food equals connection.
What does it mean to you to be you in a world of others?
To not worry so much about people pleasing and being liked. I have always been the kind of person to crave fewer, but deeper relationships. It means to embrace myself as I am.
Luna Earrings handmade by Sloane <3
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self – about life, career, hopes/dreams, anything?
Protect your energy. Set loving boundaries. Learn to say no. Learn to say yes when you want to and to ask for what you want without feeling guilty. Find healthy, creative outlets. Love hard.
What would you tell someone who is trying/struggling to find themselves in the chaos/noise of the world?
Accept the struggle. Surrender. Get help and talk to someone. You're not alone. Hell, I am still "finding" myself. I would rather say learning about myself. Some days I am not even sure it is jewelry I want to be creating. Those are the really hard days. There is no timeline or no rule book we must follow to pursue our passions. Move at whatever pace feels best to you. We change every day and that is OK. Our interests change, our mindsets change, our bodies change. Therapy is amazing. Move your body every day. Get outside. Learn to be still and just breathe.