A: Elizabeth- My mom has been by biggest cheerleader. She has given me the confidence, love, and support to grow into the person I am today. The support I get on the daily from my husband Philip is also a huge influence, as he understands how to flow with the peaks and valleys that come with being independent artists. My niece Addy makes me a stronger person every day and is a huge influence on what my future holds. Addy is a child with 4H Leukodystrophy, and she requires round the clock care. The need to travel to Colorado where she lives pushes me to work harder to be able to afford the travel and time to help my sister Jenny and her husband, Brent, care for Addy.
A: Ally- I'm an only child so my parents have been the driving force and support system that's pushed me to pursue me dreams. I always try to set goals to make them proud, knowing how hard they've worked to give me the best life possible.
Q: What's your best advice for handling criticism?
A: Elizabeth- Ultimately I'm still learning how to handle criticism because it can be a tough pill to swallow. I believe that as long as you're doing your best and being the best person you can be, fuck 'em.
A: Ally- Don't let it get you down. People are quick to criticize, and unless they truly have good intentions, usually only want to get a reaction out of you. Just keep working towards your goals and stay positive.
Q: What surprising lessons have you learned along the way?
A: Elizabeth- The biggest lesson I've learned is that you're capable of doing everything you set your mind to. I've pretty much been a natural worry wart and always let some things hold me back when I was younger, and I feel that as an adult if you make goals and set your mind to something then you're capable of doing anything you want. My husband and I always use the motto "we can do it" to get through anything.
A: Ally- I've learned that it's worse to spend time beating yourself up about something instead of just going for it. I put a lot of pressure on myself and sometimes wish I had just let myself feel comfortable in situations instead of over analyzing them from the sidelines.
Q: When did you first know you wanted to pursue jewelry/art?
A: Elizabeth- I always knew I wanted to pursue something in the arts. I initially went to college for art education but when I had the opportunity to apprentice with a jewelry designer in Colorado, that's when I absolutely fell in love with the art of jewelry design.
A: Ally- Jewelry design piqued my interest in college when I would find shells and sea glass on the beach, and loved the idea of making jewelry from these little treasures found on my daily walks. I would watch Youtube videos, trying to make necklaces and rings and would frequent the craft store almost as often as I went to class.
Q: What color crayon would you be & why?
A: Elizabeth- Pink because that's my niece Addy's favorite color!
A: Ally- Sunflower yellow. It's hard not to smile when you see a sunflower!
Q: Tequila or beer?
A: Elizabeth- Both! A shot of tequila then a beer.
A: Ally- Tequila, preferably a margarita with a grand marnier floater.
Q:What were you like in high school?
A: Elizabeth-I haven't changed much. I'm still gullible, silly, kind hearted, sensitive, and a straight up goofball.
A: Ally- I was really shy, but overall I don't think I've changed too much.
Q: What's the funniest thing that's happened to you recently?
A: Elizabeth- Living with my husband Philip, he always does something to make me laugh so hard I pee my pants.
A: Ally- Pretty much every day that Elizabeth and I work together something funny happens to either one of us. We really need our own reality show because we've got some good content.
Q: Would you rather be invisible or be able to fly?
A: Elizabeth- Probably invisible because I love to people watch and be a fly on the wall in certain situations. ***side note: her first answer was invincible.
A: Ally- Ditto. I also have a slight fear of heights so I would much rather have the ability to be invisible.
