Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Meurrens.
Hi Elise, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story begins a few years ago, during Covid. Like everyone else I discovered TikTok and Instagram could be used for so much more. I started a wellness account to share my recipes, workouts and more. Over the years I grew the account but I went through a rough patch my first year of college and ended up taking a gap year. The gap year was the best thing to ever happen to me, I took my first solo trip. Three weeks in Paris and my life completely changed. I unlocked a new passion of mine, solo traveling. My whole life I never knew what I wanted to study in college, I was lost. But this world of travel, food and culture enticed me so much I knew I had to do something with it. After my trip, I went back to FIU for my bachelors in hospitality. Fast forward to today, I just graduated from FIU with my bachelors degree, and took my 7th solo trip. It was the best decision I ever made. The Chaplin school taught me so much that I will take with me on every walk of life. From our wine making classes, running our own restaurant entirely of students, and even SOBEWFF it gave me so many unique experiences and skills. I hope to be able to apply these skills together with my marketing talents and do something amazing, as of now I am working in the marketing field and doing my own content which is mainly on working out, traveling, and food!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, especially taking a gap year due to battling mental health issues there were many bumps in the road. I’m just glad to have such a strong support system of friends and family who never left my side. It really does take a village. I hope everyone who goes through these mental struggles finds the help and support they need. As someone who went through depression for many years I know that it is very hard to fight every day. I want whoever is reading this to know it does get better one day. Celebrate every little win, even if it’s just getting out of bed that day. A little change goes a long way you’re stronger than you think.
As you know, we’re big fans of South Miami Jewelers . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I currently work alongside my parents at our jewelry store, South Miami Jewelers, as their marketing manager. We are a multi generational business, started by grandparents in 1983. South Miami Jewelers is truly a one of a kind store, and I don’t say that just because I grew up working there. I see everyday how my parents work together to help clients make the perfect engagement ring, or remake a sentimental family heirloom. Everything we do is filled with love, hard work and passion. As soon as you walk into the store you are always welcomed with a smile. Of course your eyes immediately go to our stunning pieces as well. They are all hand selected by my dad or designed by him. I recommend going during the holiday to see the way he does our displays, they’re even more special! Nowadays Miami has become more corporate and mass produced, I like to think of us as a hidden gem. It’s so rare to find a family business like ours, especially one that treats you like family. Come to South Miami Jewelers for the beautiful jewelry, but stay for the way we treat you. Anything you need from a custom made piece, a birthday gift, or an anniversary gift we do it all. We have over 950 5 star reviews for a reason! Come say hi, and we’ll treat you like the family member you are.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The main thing we work on with our clients is custom made pieces. People will come in with their many ideas, and my dad or mom will talk with them and design something. Our biggest projects always involve family heirlooms, whether a client wants to incorporate her grandfathers wedding band into hers, or duplicate a piece that belonged to her mother, we truly do it all. Clients love to come to us to make pieces because we are always in touch with them the whole process. We have some clients who just like us are multigenerational, they would come when my grandparents ran the store and now their children or grandchildren even come to SMJ for everything and anything. For us every piece tells a story, and we want to make sure you’re happy with the story yours tells.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://southmiamijewelers.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedbyelise?igsh=MTkxajByZzkydGxqZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
