We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Freeman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been into fashion, styling & finding ways to express myself. As a kid, I never pictured myself being in the jewelry business or working for myself so I’d have to say that’s a pretty new thought process for me and has been the last few years!

It wasn’t until then (a few years ago) when I started putting more time and energy into working alongside my father, who is a gemstone wholesaler, that it dawned on me that I could actually build a future for myself in this industry.

I had friends and family supporting me & telling me to go for it but it’s been a decision that has sat well with me, internally, since deciding it’s something I want to go into.

With that being said, the jewelry industry can be a beast, especially with fine/luxury jewelry, so I’ve always told myself it’s a marathon not a sprint!

As any small-business owner would agree, it’s a LOT of work so I handle projects as they come and try not to put too much on my plate at once.

What should our readers know about your business?
I founded Hannah Estelle Fine Jewelry a little over a year ago with the goal of creating a fine jewelry line at an accessible price point AND to position colored gemstones in a more approachable way.

With my father (who is also my business partner) living in Bangkok, Thailand where many of our pieces are made, he’s able to hand-select and monitor the manufacturing process from start to finish. Many of the pieces we offer are ‘one-offs’ meaning there is no other piece like it. While a jewelry piece may be able to be replicated, each stone used varies just a smidge in color, cut, etc. This truly makes every piece we make SO much more special.

Working alongside my father works to my advantage in many ways but also allows me to keep my price points incredibly competitive, which is typically a challenge in the gemstone industry!

Reflecting on when I created Hannah Estelle Fine Jewelry to where I am today, I can see that I have a LOT of work to do but it’s a job that never feels like work to me. There is always something new to learn in the fine jewelry business, which not only keeps me on my toes but also keeps me inspired.

One thing I’d love people to know about me/my brand/the jewelry industry is that you don’t have to be super fancy and eclectic to like colored gemstones. I often times think people are intimidated to explore gemstone jewelry but there are so many different styles, ways to wear it, and it doesn’t always have to be crazy expensive! I think that’s a big misconception about gemstones in general.

My goal is to inspire and elevate people’s confidence through jewelry.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ah Dallas girl, born and raised! I love this question!!

We’d stay at the Virgin Hotel in the Design District! It’s such a cool and funky spot while also being super cozy and inviting.

We’d definitely eat at the Sushi Room at the Mercury (I usually gatekeep this one, so you’re welcome!) and would grab drinks at R & D Kitchen, Honor Bar in Highland Park Village or the new Anchor Bar on Knox Henderson.

We’d spent an afternoon walking the Katy and end up having brunch or afternoon drinks at Mercat Bistro in Harwoof District, where we’d also visit the Samurai Museum above Saint Ann’s!

Some other fun activities we’d partake in:
– A picnic at Grigg’s Park or Whiterock Lake
– Visiting the Crow Museum in the Arts District
– Thursday night at the DMA
– Visiting the Eye on Main Street!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely my dad & uncle! They’re both in the industry (they’re business partners) & have been my mentors and teachers on everything I’ve learned about the jewelry industry. I also have an incredibly strong group of friends who have supported me at every corner.

Website: http://hannahestelle.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahestellefinejewelry/, https://www.instagram.com/thehannahestelle/

Image Credits
Chase Hall, Social Design Agency

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.