Once upon a time… Erin wore a pair of earrings that she made to work. Within a week, she had more than 20 orders for those earrings! And with that… iCrave Jewels was born! Since that day 7 years ago, Erin has specialized in custom, handmade jewelry. She makes every piece with her own two hands and iCrave Jewels has even become home to the #1 Selling Necklace on Etsy with the Mint to Be Necklace. More than 3,000 were sold in 2018 alone!
In addition to beautiful beaded necklaces, iCrave Jewels also designs beaded bracelets and earrings. Erin says her goal is to create pieces of jewelry you can’t find anywhere else! Her pieces have been featured in various publications including People Style Watch and the 2018 Spring issue of The Pioneer Woman Magazine!
Erin is originally from Boston, but moved to Stamford six months ago and that’s when The City That Works became home base for her beautiful jewelry business! So, we did an interview with her to talk about her company, what goes into creating a successful small business and how she’s liking life in Stamford!
Where did you get the idea to start iCrave Jewels?
I have always loved fashion & when I couldn’t find the type of costume jewelry I wanted to wear I decided to create it myself.
What makes iCrave Jewels unique?
I create jewels to make a statement. Working with suppliers I am able to find unique beads, which allows me to create one of a kind pieces that we call Our Rare Bird Collection. It has been really fun sourcing beads and creating one of a kind eye catching pieces that no one else owns, for that collection!
You have new collections launching all the time! Where do you find the inspiration for them?
Crave Girls inspire me to create fun and unique pieces. I work with many influencers and they inspire me on a daily basis. They are all so creative with their outfits.
Tell us about the Mint To Be Necklace… what do you think made it the #1 selling necklace on Etsy?
I fell in love with the color of the beads! They are a gorgeous mint. My friend Erin with the very popular blog Living In Yellow wore it often and gave it a ton of exposure!
Your pieces have also been featured in People Style Watch, The Pioneer Woman magazine and some of the Real Housewives are Crave Girls… how does that feel?
When The Editors of The Pioneer Woman Magazine reached out to me I was so excited. I have always been a fan of hers. Then when Kameron Wectcott of the RHOD wore iCrave Jewels, it really made me feel like I had made it.
Let’s talk a little about your style… what are your favorite ways to use jewelry to dress up an outfit?
That’s what I love about iCrave Jewels. You can wear a basic white tee and your favorite denim & one of our necklaces or earrings will take it to the next level.
What has it like being a small business owner? What is your advice to other ladies looking to start their own businesses?
Just do it. The first necklace I ever created a woman bought it off my neck. I thought to myself if one woman will do that then there are thousands of women who would love it as well.
What do you like about living in Stamford?
We love the city. It’s proximity to beaches, NYC and just great people! My favorite restaurant is Fish on Bedford Street. The owners are fantastic and the food is the freshest seafood in town.
What’s next for iCrave Jewels?
The Fruit Extravaganza Collection goes live on April 5! And the new Summer Collection will be coming out soon! Neon is going to be huge for spring and summer and I have so many ideas for designs.
Check out iCrave Jewels’ blog and Instagram!