Alissa Moyse, Creator and Founder of Casual Carats, joins ChedHER to discuss how she's creating jewelry for active lifestyles, what it took for her to leave the family business and start her own company, and what the future of the jewelry industry may look like.

chedHER

Casual Carats is Creating Jewelry for Active Lifestyles

joining us now, Graduate Gemologist and jewelry professional Alyssa Maui's creator and founder of casual carrots. Uh thank you so much for joining us today, I love that name also. And you come from a really long line of jewelers. So why did you decide to launch casual carrots and go out on your own? So it really all started kind of, it was an accident really. I bought a silicone ring that had a Rhinestone in it. And within five minutes of wearing it, the Rhinestone fell out. So I was really bummed and I decided I think we should set a diamond in silicone and see what happens. So I loved it. All of my friends loved it. And then Covid hit, we were all on lockdown. No one was wearing jewelry because we weren't going anywhere. We were washing our hands constantly and we called our rings the Covid Couture rings because I personally wanted something a little bit slightly elevated. The plain silicone bands just weren't doing it for me because I'm used to a little bit of glitz and glamour. But this was a really nice stand in for when I was working out or I didn't feel like wearing my dressy pieces. I love that. And especially because so many health care workers, I think about the gloves that were being worn during that time as well and you just launched a new pearl collection. We had it on the screen. So what's in store for this collection and how does it fit into the rest of casual carrots designs. So we are so excited to launch this collection because girls are really having a moment right now in the wedding and bridal industries and usually when you think of pearls you think of say a strand of pearls and you'd wear them for a dressy occasion or to work. But we've really had a lot of fun with this because we've taken a classic gemstone and put a modern twist on it by setting it in silicone and you can customize it, you can choose one Purl three pearls um really to suit your budget and your dressy needs, but you can even work out in these, they're just really fun and colorful and just a modern approach to pearl jewelry. Yeah, they're really beautiful. So it's no surprise that olympic gold medalist simone biles is a fan of your brand. So I'm wondering who is your target audience and why do you think it is that your customers choose casual carrots? What have you heard from their feedback? So we try to appeal and speak to many different audiences. Um of course athletes, people that are into fitness are perfect candidates for our rings. Um anyone that really wants a comfortable functional practical ring to wear on a daily basis, but they want something a little bit more elevated than the plain silicone rings. They want a little touch of luxury when they go to the gym or they're traveling, they don't want to take their big diamonds to um you know, destinations that may not be the safest. Um They're just for really for anyone who wants. Like I said, an elevated feel, but a little bit of bling to your casual routine. Yeah, I love the white silicone band. I think we're just showing it on the screen. It's so cute. And you spent so much time working in your family business. I'm sure that informed a lot of your background and lessons going into this new venture. So how did you know it was the right time to launch your own business? And what were your hesitations going into this experience knowing your family is behind you and they know exactly what you're doing? Well. They also thought my idea was a little bit crazy. Um but they are my biggest cheerleaders and things kind of happened organically. You know, I was working on casual carrots on the side as I was working full time, still in the family jewelry store. Uh and then Co once Covid hit, we were on lockdown and that's when the demand for these rains really started to pick up. So I had, you know, I came to a crossroads where having a family working two full time jobs was just not sustainable for the long term. So I left in august of last year to focus solely on casual carrots and we've experienced great growth ever since, but the family is still behind me and and fully supportive of my decisions. That's really good to hear. Also wondering if you have some top advice or kind of the biggest lesson that you've learned that you can share with women who are thinking about launching their own business right now. So my biggest piece of advice would be to follow your heart and your instincts and just go for it because if you are extremely passionate about something, you will do everything in your power to succeed at that. Another piece of advice I would say would be you must surround yourself with very supportive individuals, your family, your spouse, your significant other because you will experience setbacks and and hurdles along the way and those support people closest to you are going to be your biggest cheerleaders and pick you up when you need it most. I love that insight and before we let you go, Elissa, I want to ask you what your trend predictions are around jewelry, especially as we head into this holiday season. So I think jewelry, the demand for jewelry is increasing and it's only going to increase as women earn more and more money. Um I feel that every one is wanting more wearable pieces. Um they want something that they can invest in but enjoy on a daily basis and not just for formal occasions. So I think you're gonna see a lot more wearability pieces and customization is always big. I think you'll continue to see a growth in that that area. People love something that's made uniquely for them. So those are my predictions going into the holiday. Alright. Alyssa Maui's creator and founder of casual carrots, thank you so much for joining us on chat her.