The Exclusives
“People are often shocked we produce everything in-house with our team. There are many things we could send overseas for a much lower price point, but that doesn’t feel right for us. And we’re proud to use local companies any time we can.”
“People can feel overwhelmed with how to help, so we’re happy to have created a way to shop for a cause and know that your purchase is making a difference.” Paying it forward and giving back, as Elizabeth puts it, is something both women agree is their favorite part of the business they built, bead by bead. — So, tell us, what does this seven year anniversary mean to you? Jacquelyn: It is an incredible feeling to have made it. As many people who own small businesses know, there are ups and downs, and moments when you think it could all end (like when a pandemic hits). Reaching seven years has given us the hindsight to examine all the bits and pieces that helped grow Twine & Twig to where it is today. Elizabeth: It has been quite a ride. We did not get to this point without many growing
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pains, but each one shaped us and taught us a valuable lesson. So, seven years means a heart full of gratitude for me. As a family business, is it important to the two of you to stay “hands on involved”? Jacquelyn: Yes! We are learning through business coaching, books, and podcasts, where we need to shift our focus so we have the capacity to do what we do best: brainstorm new ideas, design, and create. We are trying hard to step back and learn how and when to delegate so we can use our energy and time to do the things we love. Elizabeth: It’s 100% crucial for us both. We have an awesome team keeping us going, but that doesn’t mean we get to step away, nor want to. It’s our baby we built together, and we're proud to come into the studio and keep brainstorming ways to create new pieces. In the past, starting out, we were up until 2 am working
after being moms during the day. Now we have a team, and most importantly, a manager (Biancca Rivera) who delegates our priorities so most of the time we can do those remotely. We meet up and have great creative sessions where we brainstorm and create new collections. How do y'all continue to find design ideas and inspiration? Jacquelyn: Having children is a source of limitless inspiration. The way they see the world, mix paint colors, the texture in their unbrushed hair, the dirt on their hands—it all inspires us to look at things with a different lens. Elizabeth: Hands down, travel! Sadly, this is not happening, so these days it’s a field in the mountains with interesting texture and hues, and sometimes it’s a big mess of paint that my kids have left out in the art room at our house... Either way, the most important takeaway is to always keep your eyes open.