Today we’d like to introduce you to Chandra Ellerson.
Hi Chandra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Chandra’s Earth Inspirational Jewelry was born out of one of the most uncertain and transformative times in my life: the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was working at a local hospital as a Medical Laboratory Scientist when I unexpectedly lost my job. Around the same time, I had just been diagnosed with ADHD. Navigating that diagnosis without access to my medication, due to both a national shortage and lack of insurance, was incredibly difficult. I know, it sounds like a sad story, but in truth, it was the beginning of something beautiful.
In that stillness and hardship, I began to uncover a hidden talent for jewelry making. I had always had a deep love for crystals, ancient artifacts, and science, but never realized how powerfully they could all come together. Jewelry design became my outlet, a way to channel my ADHD in a healing, productive, and creative direction.
Having spent years in science, studying equations and working with laboratory instruments, I had a strong understanding of energy, how it is moved, transformed, and transferred. That knowledge began to inform how I approached my craft. I wanted to create jewelry that wasn’t just decorative, but meaningful, even healing.
After losing my job, I also took to gardening. I would spend hours talking to and tending plants, and the garden flourished in ways that felt almost magical. I had tomato plants that grew as tall as trees, and neighbors’ dogs would nap in the shade of their leaves. That experience confirmed for me that there was something powerful and intentional within me, something I wanted to pour into my jewelry.
That’s when I began studying the ancient art of cold-forging metal. I was drawn to the intimacy of working with raw materials in a way that honors their natural form. It reminded me so much of life, how we are shaped, stretched, and softened over time. I started drawing inspiration from artifacts and infusing my pieces with symbolic meaning. Each piece is an artistic expression rooted in ancient design, modern science, and deep personal intention.
I often engrave my signature on my pieces and offer custom initials because I hope these creations will one day be passed down as heirlooms. I imagine someone finding one of my pieces generations from now and discovering a part of someone’s story in it.
My customers tend to be just like me, down-to-earth yet deeply spiritual. They appreciate the beauty in simplicity, but they also understand the power of intention. I started out selling at a local boutique called Oothoons (special thanks to Todd and Michelle for believing in emerging artists). From there, I went from Cleveland in Memphis to Broadway in New York in just a few years.
In 2024, I was discovered on Instagram by Flying Solo, an international fashion boutique based out of New York. Through them, I found myself featured in Elle, Mob Journal, Rebel, and more. I never imagined my work would be seen in the same pages as fashion giants or that I would have the chance to reach global audiences. But every vision I have had in my dreams has come true, and every prayer I have spoken into the Universe has come back fulfilled.
And I feel this is still just the beginning.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say the road has been smooth in the sense that I’ve always respected the fact that this is a process. But within that process, there have definitely been struggles—real life struggles.
Losing my job during the pandemic, becoming a single parent, leaving Memphis when my daughter was just three weeks old—those were all major turning points. On top of that, the challenges of building a business from the ground up as an artist have been real. From navigating creative blocks to branding hurdles, to learning how to market myself and secure funding for growth, it has all required resilience.
I came into this without formal business training, without formal jewelry design education—just a vision and a lot of passion. There were definitely moments when I could have walked away, and I understand why many people do. But I’ve learned to stay grounded in my purpose and keep moving, even when the way forward isn’t clear.
I’ve still been trying to find a local store to begin to sell in since Oothoons has gone out of business. I believe that I will soon be in Mbababzi House of Style.
I still face challenges with marketing and raising funds to expand into larger markets, but I don’t let those obstacles overshadow how far I’ve come. I remind myself to celebrate the wins, honor the journey, and stay committed to the bigger picture. That mindset has kept me going.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Chandra’s Earth Inspirational Jewelry is more than just jewelry—it’s an expression of nature. My slogan is “Natural Jewelry, Natural Beauty”. I specialize in creating handmade pieces using copper, natural stones, and ancient-inspired designs that incorporate a lot of nature and nature’s symbolic meanings. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and made with the belief that jewelry can be both beautiful and energetically powerful. I cold-forge most of my work, meaning I shape the metal by hand using traditional techniques, no casting or mass production—just patience, precision, and love.
What I’m most proud of is the meaning that lives inside each piece. Whether I’m incorporating sacred symbols, healing crystals, or textured metalwork that mimics ancient artifacts, every design is created with storytelling and soul in mind. I often engrave my signature or offer custom initials because I want the pieces to feel personal, like heirlooms meant to be passed down or discovered later with a story to tell.
What sets me apart is the fusion of science, spirituality, and ancestral connection that I bring into my work. With a background as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, I understand the science of energy, and I use that knowledge in a spiritual, grounded, and artistic way. I’m also self-taught, which means everything I do comes straight from vision and intuition—not a textbook.
People often say my jewelry feels like it was made for them—and that’s the biggest compliment I can receive. I think that’s what I’m known for: pieces that feel soulful, personal, and purposeful. Jewelry that speaks to both the wearer’s inner world and outer expression.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
A lot of people are surprised to learn that I’m actually a scientist. I have a background as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, but even when I mention it, it doesn’t always land—because for many people, they’ve never actually met a scientist in real life. It can feel unexpected, especially coming from someone who creates artistic, soulful jewelry.
But science is very much woven into my work. I apply my knowledge in subtle but intentional ways—like understanding how copper interacts with the body, how crystals generate piezoelectric effects, or how colors, textures, and perception affect us psychologically. There’s always an underlying layer of energy, chemistry, and intention in every piece I create. So while it may look like handcrafted jewelry on the outside, there’s actually a whole world of science supporting the magic underneath.
Pricing:
- Rings range from $15-$40
- Bracelets range from $20-70
- Necklaces range from $30-$150
- Custom designs all start out at $70
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chandrasearth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chandras_earth?igsh=MWo1cmlqb3UwdXo1Mg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19DJgwEJC5/
