Today we’d like to introduce you to Edith Anne Hunt.
Hi Edith Anne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I fell in love with jewelry and accessories at a very young age. My grandmother was not only a portrait of who I want to be as a women but she was also an icon in fashion. She was the accessory queen with her statement necklaces, large earbobs, hats and scarves.
In grade school, I watched my mom design, produce, and manage her own jewelry business. After graduating from Auburn University, I helped my mother start a new business called Vintage Green.
In 2015 Vintage Green saw tremendous growth and change. The jewelry had evolved from vintage into more of a sophisticated style using precious stones and natural elements. I felt that the name Vintage Green did not serve its purpose for the direction and aspirations of the company any longer.
The name Shiver + Duke has a long history line in my family. My Grandmother, Edith Duke Shiver, is the main inspiration behind my work and my two children, Shiver and Duke, are my daily motivation. Hence our new name Shiver + Duke.
Shiver + Duke strives to bring joy to women by making them feel confident and unique. We love a statement piece that will turn heads.
Shiver + Duke is an independent jewelry company with products that are exclusively made in the United States.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. In 2013 we transitioned from upcycling vintage jewelry to creating statement pieces that we could reproduce. Sourcing the materials took a good year and a lot of mistakes and money. In 2015 my second child was born which was such a blessing for our family; however it had me questioning my role of a business owner verse being a mom. I still struggle with that to this day but ultimately I have found a balance that is healthy for me and my family. In 2020 I think every business struggled. Covid brought an unexpected shift in our business. We went from selling exclusively wholesale to small boutiques who where now shut down to having to try and figure out of to nativagate an online business. It was a learning lesson for sure but I am grateful that our customers supported us and we now can serve both the wholesale business. and retail.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Shiver + Duke specialized in creating statement jewelry pieces that make women feel confident and unique. I love when our customers tell us “I get so many compliments on my earrings”. That is what I strive for, making pieces that are really a wearable pieces of art and express one’s personality. The thing that sets us apart is that we are always evolving. I change the entire line four times a year, so there is always something new and fresh for our customers.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, our business went from selling exclusively wholesale through small boutiques to trying to figure out how to run an online business. Styles changed to a more “casual” look and responding to the changes was definitely not an easy task. I learned that creating something that brought joy to our customers during our time at home was so very important. I also learned that supporting other small businesses and collaboration was key to running a small business. We sold other’s artwork, home goods and promoted many small businesses during the crisis.
Pricing:
- Pieces range $40-$150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shiverandduke.com
- Instagram: @shiverandduke
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shiverandduke
