EssieB Homepage  > About Suzanne
About Suzanne PDF Print E-mail
SEB_11-1-08 My name is Suzanne. I was inspired at an early age by my maternal Grandmother’s love of jewelry and began collecting glass beads, trinkets and bits of jewelry long before I ever designed my first pair of earrings. I’ve come a long way since those early morning flea market runs with my mom. She could be found looking a large pieces of furniture, knowing that my head would likely be in a single box of dusty trinkets for hours. Somehow I always managed to come up with wonderful find.

Now, with twenty years' experience in jewelry design, including ten years in fine jewelry, I bring a wealth of knowledge about materials, craftsmanship and style to the table. EssieB Jewelry is meant for everyday wear and designed to be in fashion for years to come.

SEB_LaughBorn and raised just outside Philadelphia, I moved to Chicago right after college. It was there I began making jewelry as Ears To You and, as catchy as the name was, the dot com was not available. So, after many years I finally made the switch to EssieB. For those looking for a bit of trivia, EssieB is the spelled out version of my initials S E B. A wink to my long-time friend in Chicago who first called me Essie. You know who you are!

I have been fortunate to have the love and support of family, personal friends across the country and old family friends who have known me since I was barely old enough to ride a tricycle in their driveway. With their encouragement, countless hours of mentoring by expert artisans and the ever-present appreciation of thousands of clients, EssieB Jewelry has grown to become what it is today. Many thanks to you all!

Over the years, I have branched off into other related areas including fine jewelry, working in association with both Casting House and Ethan Lord Jewelers in Chicago. Casting House is a fine jewelry manufacturing company that specializes in crafting custom, fine-jewelry for the "trade."  Ethan Lord Jewelers is its retail store. At Casting House I headed up several exciting projects, including production of the 2001 WNBA Championship Rings.

Suzanne_BaylesAs much as I love fine jewelry, my love for vintage Czech beads reigns supreme. Scott Bartky taught me much of what I know and I am privileged to know both him and his wife Elisabeth. Much love to you both.

I appreciate you taking your time to visit EssieB.com and look forward to meeting for the first time… or seeing you again. Until then.

All my best,
Suzanne