Elisa Solomon Kaplicer
Elisa Solomon Kaplicer
Jewelry designer and owner of Elisa Solomon Jewelry
Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/elisasolomon/
Website: Elisa Solomon Jewelry https://www.elisasolomon.com
Who is Elisa Solomon Kaplicer?
Elisa Solomon Kaplicer is a jewelry designer and owner of Elisa Solomon Jewelry. She studied metalsmithing at the University of Michigan and created her first formal collection in 2004. Her designs often reflect the peace, love, and freedom of the 60s, incorporating symbols such as peace signs, daisies, moons, feathers, and butterflies. Her children, Asher and Layla, inspire many customizable designs, and her German Shepherd, Bear, has also sparked the creation of jewelry for pet owners. Elisa believes that great jewelry is not only beautiful but also evokes feeling. She designs and creates her jewelry in New York City and New Jersey, where she lives with her family.
Please briefly summarize your life's journey, highlighting the significant chapters and pivotal moments.
I grew up in New Jersey and Ohio. I have always been very close with my parents and younger brother since birth. As a child, I loved art and animals, so not much has changed in that respect! I was very skilled at drawing and had my heart set on the University of Michigan because my mom was an alumni. I enrolled in U of M's School of Art and Design in 2001 and majored in Jewelry and Metalsmithing. During my college summer breaks, I had amazing internships in New York City, where I learned all about the business side of the jewelry world. As a senior at U of M, my first jewelry collection was sold at Steven Alan in Tribeca, and I did extremely well. One high moment was learning that Ashley Olsen bought my necklace! After graduating in 2005, I worked for other jewelry companies for about three years before focusing full-time on my very own collection.
I was lucky during the first few months of my launch in 2008. I landed a Lucky magazine cover with my necklace on Leighton Meester. I also had press in WWD, W, Glamour, In Style, and many major publications. My jewelry was picked up by incredible stores of the time, including Fred Segal and Louis Boston. It was an exciting time made even more special by living in the Greenwich Village area of Manhattan. I married my husband in 2013, and we moved to New Jersey for more space. Shortly after, we brought home our German Shepherd, Bear, and he is truly my first baby. Living in the suburbs was a big change, but I often visited the city to meet with my jewelers in the jewelry district. I had my first baby, Asher, in 2017 and my second baby, Layla, in 2019. Becoming a mama was the biggest dream come true I could ever imagine. Becoming a mother made my business take on a sort of magic. I debuted a new and improved website while pregnant with Asher, and the timing was just right. Since its launch, the website has been an amazing way to sell my pieces and connect with wonderful clients. I started offering a lot of customizable pieces on my webshop, and it's been a really special business to enjoy while also having the flexibility to focus on my beloved role of mama.
What lessons did you learn about yourself throughout your journey?
I've learned that one of the most defining things about me is that I'm an artist. I really crave the creativity. There are so many hats I have to wear...I speak with my wholesale accounts, handle my press, work with influencers, communicate with customers, guide my jewelers, ship the finished pieces...the list goes on and on. My favorite part is still crafting a new piece, making the jewel from scratch.
What motivates you to keep going during difficult times?
I'm so proud of the love I feel for my business. I've stuck to the same messaging since its inception in 2008. I was initially inspired to make pieces with a vibe of peace and love, like from the '60s. My jewelry is infused with a dedication to bringing good to the world, sharing love with those around us, and honoring the beautiful moments in life.
How have you been able to prioritize your passion, purpose, and well-being alongside motherhood?
I'm very lucky that my working hours are somewhat flexible with this business. At this age, my babes are also in school, so I try to work during that time. I also work a lot at night once they're asleep.
How do you define self-care, and what does it look like for you?
For me, self-care is starting my morning on the treadmill for about 30 minutes. I don't drink coffee so it wakes me up and gets my endorphins flowing! I enjoy pilates and massages to help with my back pain from being a bit bent over working on my jewelry!
What's your greatest Mom Hack that you have learned thus far in your motherhood journey?
I'm not sure if it's a hack I find being outside is always helpful. Nature is relaxing and energizing. I always love the time spent outside with my family.
Share a moment of MOM GUILT, and what you do to manage it?
My children and I are very close. They always want mama. When I have to work and they're wanting me, it can be hard.
What is one lesson or piece of advice you would like the community to learn from you?
Dream big and follow your dreams! I loved art as a child, and I am very grateful that I was able to turn that interest into a business I adore as an adult.
Why do you think it's important for mothers to share their journeys and inspire other mothers?
There is so much to be gained from women supporting one another. Being kind, inclusive, caring, and thoughtful—these ways of being are so uplifting. When I see women who are competitive, manipulative, and dishonest, I think it is very sad.
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