Each month, Mocha Biz Loudoun selects a business to be recognized on our web site and social media pages. It gives our patrons an opportunity to get to know our member businesses a little better and gives the business an opportunity to share their story. This month, our spotlight is on Eclectically Simple, LLC and owner Knikki Murrell.
Mocha Biz Loudoun: Ms. Murrell, Tell us about your background and your decision to start Eclectically Simple, LLC
Knikki Murrell: My passion for jewelry was initially inspired by my mother’s exquisite tastes in eclectic jewelry and high fashion. As a young girl, I would dress in my mother’s ball gowns, set up a tripod, and take pictures of myself reenacting my favorite movie scenes. Early on, I realized I had quite the vivid imagination!
Born and raised in Queens, New York, it was the rhythm of the city and its cultural diversity that influenced my creative spirit. I’m a trained modern dancer, professional graphic artist and web developer. I also has an avid appreciation for music.
Upon graduation from junior high school, I was accepted into the prestigious LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts. At the same time, my family was offered the opportunity to relocate to the Northern Virginia Area. It was in Northern VA that I discovered my natural abilities with many facets of technology.
I’ve been employed as a web developer as well as a graphic designer, culminating in challenging assignments in web-based course design as a government contractor until I decided to stay at home and raise my family, yielding myself to the rigors of raising two wonderful children.
After taking a wire working class at Star Beads in Vienna, I discovered my talent for creating works of art from mere wire, beads and sheets of metal. This experience illuminated my desire to found Eclectically Simple. Eclectically Simple was birthed to rekindle the artistic fire that burns within.
Through Eclectically Simple, I explore my creative spirit by designing elegant, bold, afro-centric, and eclectic statement jewelry created largely from natural elements.
MBL: What are the biggest trends you’re seeing in your industry right now?
Knikki Murrell: One of the big trends we are seeing in our industry is the idea of mix and match. We will see mix and match earrings, mixed media jewelry, and bold and eccentric statement necklaces and bracelets.
MBL: What is your most popular products or services?
Knikki Murrell: Our most popular products are our one-of-a-kind necklaces, men’s bracelet collection, and women’s bracelets.
MBL: Who can benefit the most from your jewelry pieces?
Knikki Murrell: Women who prefer to wear original one-of-a-kind statement pieces and men that like beaded men’s bracelets.
MBL: Give us an example of how you ‘Wow’ your customers
Knikki Murrell: Eclectically Simple prides itself on excellent customer service, craftsmanship, and quality of gemstones. We also offer custom jewelry design for those customers that want something made especially for them.
MBL: We can see why your tag line is: “Be Uniquely You”. Are there any additional resources you’d like to share with our readers?
Knikki Murrell: Eclectically Simple provides private showings of our collection and now offers jewelry parties and jewelry instruction. For a small fee, you can have a girls night of shopping and also learn some techniques on how to make earrings are bracelets. To inquire about showing, classes and group parties please email us at info@eclecticallysimple.com
Visit the Eclectically Simple, LLC Mocha Biz Listing