Coffee With Elise Compson
of By Elise

Elise Compson is the founder and designer of jewellery boutique By Elise which has both a show room in North Yorkshire and a flourishing online store. Pearls are By Elise's signature, the majority of which are sourced by Elise herself, and are combined with a variety of gemstones to create modern, wearable designs.

Elise lives in North Yorkshire with her husband.

We had a coffee with Elise to find out what inspires her jewellery collections, what makes her tick, and of course, her favourite places to shop online.

What inspired you to create By Elise?
I’ve always had a passion for jewellery and as my mother was an artist I was encouraged to make pieces from a young age. It all started as a hobby really but as people saw it and liked it, I started selling it from my desk. I quickly decided I really wanted to make a go of it, so I did a couple of shows and opened the By Elise shop in 2004.

What were you doing career wise before you set up?
I was a PA at the ABC News network which was great – I met loads of fantastic people, and it allowed me to pursue my jewellery business too.

What makes your product unique?
Firstly, I design everything myself and it’s all knotted and strung in England, which is a rare thing these days. We also use unusual baroque pearls and set them with gemstones to get a really individual and unique combination of colours and textures.

How do you get a good work/life balance?
As I don’t have any small children and my husband works with me, I don't really have that struggle to balance home and work life. By Elise is a real passion for both of us so it's easy working together, and I love being in the shop and speaking to our customers - it gives me a real buzz.

Away from the shop I de-stress by cycling everyday. In Yorkshire we’re surrounded by huge fields and windy lanes, so I get up early go for a bike ride for an hour before I start work.

What’s your best selling range / product?
Our baroque pearls are hugely popular.

How would you characterise your fashion style?
Easy elegance with a bit of glamour.

Do you follow any style rules?
I like to follow fashion but adapt it to suit my style. That’s the real beauty of the high street - you can easily experiment with new looks and styles without worrying that something is going to look dated in a couple of months.

Who do you think dresses well in the public eye?
Michelle Obama always looks amazing – she’s a strong woman and has her own style sorted. Catherina Zeta Jones always looks polished too, and I think Dannii Minogue looks stunning at the moment.

Who is your favourite designer?
Valentino for pure femininity and style.

Where do you shop on the high street?
Zara, Topshop, Whistles, and Jaeger London is doing some fantastic things at the moment.

Heels or flats and where do you buy them?
Flats and wedges – I’m no good at tottering around! Russell and Bromley are great for both.

What piece in your wardrobe could you not live without?
My Russell & Bromley over-the-knee boots – I couldn’t have got through this long winter without them. I’ve actually bought the same pair in red since.

What are you lusting after this season?
If I had all the money in the world I'd buy the entire Stella McCartney collection for Spring/Summer.

What beauty products are currently in your bathroom?
Dermalogica and Elizabeth Arden.

What’s your signature fragrance?
I don’t really have one in particular; I like to wear different scents for different moods. I like lighter fragrances so Chloé, Bvlgari and DKNY are a few of my favourites.

What are your three must-have make up products?
Trish McAvoy eyeshadow, Dermalogica tinted moisturiser and Guerlain lipstick.

How would you describe the style of your home?
Traditional comfort; I like to be able to come home and relax. It's a real mix of neutral walls and colourful accessories.

What did you last put on your credit card?
Some cream brogues from Topshop – I already have the black patent ones, and I was mad that I missed the silver and white ones!

And finally, anywhere else you love to indulge?
The White Company for all my linen – the quality really is fantastic!

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