Meet Trailblazer Eleanor Maralit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eleanor Maralit.

Eleanor, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always had an interest in design and all things crafts. I taught myself how to crochet while in college and haven’t looked back since. I made hats, scarves, and blankets for anyone that would take them. After a while, my sisters could no longer feign surprise at receiving yet another scarf for Christmas so I decided to try my hand at selling my items at local markets. After receiving positive feedback from customers, I slowly started to build a brand and refine my craft. I currently sell online and at markets and am expanding into leather goods.

Great, 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?
When I made the decision to pursue selling my products at local markets, I did not anticipate the struggle I would face interacting with customers. I am naturally an introvert so selling and discussing my products to people for long periods of time was exhausting. When I was finally able to let some of my insecurities go, I found the interaction with people and customers to be invaluable. The face to face interaction gave me great insight to what people liked and disliked about certain products and helped me to understand the market. I also appreciate that people were interested in my story and how I came to make my products.

The decision to start a business is extremely intimidating. I would say to any women starting their journey to be your own biggest advocate and cheerleader. Never let another person’s opinion about you outweigh your own.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Designs by Elle – what should we know?
My handmade products include crocheted scarves, baby blankets, and leather bags and accessories. I began by making chunky crocheted scarves with a hand-sewn fabric lining. The fabric lining provides extra added comfort for effortless style. I am very excited to add a new product line of leather bags and accessories to be launched next year. I love designing functional bags with clean modern lines. My goal is to create beautifully crafted necessities for everyday life.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Being a child of immigrant parents allowed me to witness hard work through adversity.  My parents did anything and everything they could to provide my sisters and I with better opportunities. What I perceived as a struggle in my early years of being raised in one culture while living in another, I now see as an incredible gift. It taught me early on that anything is possible as long as you are willing to work for it. I am forever grateful for their sacrifice and feel a deep responsibility to not waste the opportunity given to me.

Contact Info:

• Email: designsbyelle01@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/designsbyelle01/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/designsbyelle01/

Image Credit:
Carina Harrison – Images: DBE Clutch, DBE Tote
Mimi Fekade – Images: DBE 01, DBE 09, IMG 343, IMG 169

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