The Chic Guide: What is Cherish Designs?
Emily Lewis, Maker and Founder behind Cherish Designs: Cherish Designs is a woman-owned and operated business that creates small-batch, high-quality, handmade polymer clay earrings with the intention to inspire and empower people of all kinds and from all walks of life. Each pair of earrings are made to serve as a reminder to every individual that they are loved, worthy, and cared for.
The Chic Guide: What’s the inspiration behind it?
Lewis: Cherish Designs was born during a time of self-growth and necessity for self-care. As I challenged myself to come out of my comfort zone in a new city with new neighbors and colleagues, I found solace, self-worth, and confidence in creating. It was only natural that I then set intention over the earrings that were so healing for my own self over my customers as well. Cherish Designs is a shop to remind the customer that they are enough, they are worthy, they are loved, and they are cherished. I hope that every earring lover feel invited and welcome to shop and that they in return bless someone else with that same kindness and respect.
The Chic Guide: Who’s behind it?
Lewis: Cherish Designs is owned and operated by me, Emily, a Cincinnati native. I’m a board-certified music therapist with a passion for serving folks from a variety of different backgrounds but I hold a special spot in my heart for older adults, hospice patients, and individuals with mental health diagnoses. Just a few months ago, I was in the process of finishing my undergraduate degree in music therapy at the University of Dayton. In order to become a board-certified music therapist, it is required that every graduate complete a six month internship at a nationally approved site. Upon moving to souther Indianapolis for my internship, I found myself living alone for the first time. As a natural-born extrovert who had lived with my best friends in college, this was a difficult task. I quickly recognized the necessity for a creative outlet that curbed my feelings of loneliness and gave me purpose outside of work in a city I was unfamiliar with. With my distaste for coming home to an empty apartment mixed with my creative arts background and love for a good statement earring and all things small business, Cherish Designs was born. I am currently working as a music therapist in the Cincinnati area, but continue to explore and expand my “little business.” My first job was at Manitou Candle Co., a small boutique candle store that specializes in organic, small-batch candles that leave customers feeling healthy and confident in the products they bring home. This amplified my design to become a small business owner. At the age of 23, I continue toward toward my dream of connecting the community through handmade goods and encouraging others to love all people – even those who are different than us.
The Chic Guide: What can readers find in your shop?
Lewis: Readers can find high-quality, handmade polymer clay earrings made from nickel-free material. They can also find t-shirts, sweatshirts, and, when visiting at in-person markets, handmade journals.
The Chic Guide: What makes Cherish Designs unique?
Lewis: Cherish Designs is unique due to its passion for serving and loving others. It isn’t create to solely generate revenue, but created with the purpose to inspire and empower every individual who comes across its products.
The Chic Guide: Is there anything new on the horizon?
Lewis: Yes! You can now find Cherish Designs at local boutiques including Leeta Ruth and LeiMarie Limited. Between expanding into more wholesale and consignment opportunities throughout the Tri-State and researching more potential products, it is my hope that Cherish Designs continues to grow.
The Chic Guide: Are you participating in any upcoming events?
Lewis: Yes! I will be at the following events:
August 26 – Market at Medpace
September 30 – Market at Medpace
October 15 – Dayton City Market at RiverScape MetroPark
November 4 – Market at Medpace
November 30 – Lebanon Fall Fest
The Chic Guide: Where can readers go to learn more and follow along?
Lewis: Learn more at www.cherishdesignsco.com and follow Cherish Designs on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest.