Local creator Erin Jeffery chats with SJ Today at the Write Cup cafe.
A lot of entrepreneurs start with a business plan, but Erin Jeffrey started with a pair of
Valentine’s Day earrings. The creator and founder behind Erin Ellerker has always been what she calls a “collector of hobbies”. Sewing, painting, friendship bracelets, knitting - if it involved making something by hand, she wanted to try it. In fact, her business name is a nod to her maternal grandparents, whose last name was Ellerker. Both were avid makers, teaching her everything from sewing and knitting to the value of creating something with your hands. When it came time to name her business, Erin wanted something that felt personal, and Erin Ellerker was born.
Prior to starting her business, Erin spent years working in student recruitment and marketing at the University of New Brunswick. It was a career she genuinely enjoyed, but something was missing.
“I have always needed a creative outlet” she said.
And one day more than five years ago, that outlet arrived in the form of polymer clay. What began as a fun side project that started with a pair of matching Valentine’s Day earrings for her and her daughter, quickly became something bigger. Erin formally launched her business in 2020, just as the world was shutting down. It was a leap of faith, encouraged by community champions like Ingrid Munroe from Rising Tides Gifts, who pushed her to put her craft out in the world.
Today, Erin’s intricate floral jewelry and artwork have found homes across North America and overseas, with customers as far away as Italy and Ireland. Along the way, she has built an audience of more than 100,000 followers who tune in to watch her creative process unfold.
Erin credits Saint John’s small business community for helping her grow. Support from local businesses, word-of-mouth customers and partners like Garden Grove Café gave her the confidence to keep going when the business was still in its early days.
“I don’t get the Sunday scaries anymore” she laughed on a Friday afternoon, sipping an Americano at the Write Cup Café.
For Erin, the most meaningful part of her work comes from the memories she gets to be a part of. Whether it’s a custom bouquet made from family birth flowers, wedding-inspired pieces that preserve a memory, or jewelry that reminds someone of a parent, grandparent or special place.
“It’s really special to create something that holds a memory,” she said. Her advice for anyone sitting on an idea, wondering if they should take the leap?
“If it’s bringing you joy and it’s not breaking the bank, keep going.”
You can find Erin’s creations in person at Garden Grove Café and at the upcoming Queen Square Fine Craft Festival on October 17.
Her online shop is: www.erinelleker.com.