1998
The Beginning
It all started with a few hundred dollars and a kitchen table full of beads.
What began as an idea conceived with my friend, Lori, quickly turned into something we acted on and it didn't take long for people around us to take notice of our designs.
2001
I Get To Design for Who?
I got the opportunity to design jewelry for my favorite soap opera star, Kassie DePavia, on the set of "One Life to Live."
This led to incredible exposure, with my designs featured in Soap Opera Digest, Katie Couric showcasing them on the Today Show, and them being included in red carpet events and celebrity gift bags.
2004
QVC
The excitement was overwhelming. They wanted me? It seemed unbelievable. In our meeting, when ElyseRyan was set to launch, I made a special request. There was a remarkable local girl, Alex Scott, who had moved near QVC in Westchester, Pennsylvania and was gaining national recognition for her lemonade stands while battling cancer.
Annette, a mutual friend, asked me to design a necklace with Alex, one that would raise awareness and funds to help find a cure for children like her. This one necklace united people and generated over $1 million for pediatric cancer research. With the support of QVC we not only raised these funds but also sparked a movement. It's mind-boggling that well over 100,000 pieces were sold.
2021
Designing For A Cause
When she learned about Easter Seals Gives Back and the clients' desire to financially support the communities that support them, Elyse knew that this was a project she could totally embrace.
The unique design of the Easter Seals Gives Back line combines the rich styling that has been the hallmark of ElyseRyan Jewelry, meaningful training and employment for individuals with severe disabilities and an effective means for these young people to support their community.
2024
Where I Am Now
Over 20 years in business, I continue to partner with charities and nonprofits that helps raise awareness and funds for organizations such as Alex's Lemonade Stand, Juvenile Diabetes, Colon Cancer Alliance, Easter Seals, Connecticut Cancer Foundation, Stand Up to Cancer, American Heart Association, Voya Financial, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, GSD, Jewish Federation of North America, and many more.