Photograph by Karen Epstein
Ellie’s passion for jewelry started in middle school, where a ring adorned every finger. Her love for unique pieces was cemented when her father gifted her a Hamsa necklace for her eighth birthday, symbolizing her Jewish pride. “For me, wearing a Star of David necklace was essential,” Ellie shares. “Growing up, I often felt like one of the only Jewish kids around, and it’s easier for guys to express their identity with a kippah, but for girls, it’s not as straightforward.”
This desire for expression led Ellie to launch her own brand, Jane Jewels, named after both her and her mother’s middle names. “I wanted to create something special that represented our faith,” she explains. Her bestselling Star of David piece reflects a mission to make jewelry accessible for everyone—from affordable options for younger girls to exquisite 14-karat gold and diamond pieces.
As a founder of a thriving jewelry business and an influencer with over 1.6 million followers, Ellie has built a platform that promotes authenticity. “I started growing my audience at 16, and I learned early on that change is constant. I want to be a role model for young women navigating their identity,” she states.
“Success is not just about achieving goals; it’s about showing up as a better person every day and embracing our identity with pride.”
Ellie believes that success goes beyond sales numbers. “Success is showing up every day as a better person—daughter, sister, friend. It’s about having faith, or Emuna, in my journey,” she reflects. This perspective stems from her experiences at Chabad and a pivotal moment when a shooting affected her synagogue. Rather than hide her identity, she found strength in it.
“People often ask how I deal with hate,” she notes. “Their negativity fuels my determination to stand tall in my identity.” Her competitive spirit, instilled through sports, drives her to rise above challenges. “When people hate on me, I think, ‘No, I’m going to win.’ As Jews, we’re part of the same team.”
A central tenet of Ellie’s philosophy is captured in a quote she learned during her seminary days: “The world was created for me, yet I am just a small speck of dust on this earth.” This balance keeps her grounded and encourages her to surround herself with like-minded individuals who share her values.
Ellie’s community of supporters, including followers and friends from seminary, inspires her daily. “I hear from young women who feel more connected to Judaism because of what I share online, and that means everything to me,” she explains.
“In a world that often tells us to fit in, I choose to stand out and celebrate who I am as a Jewish woman, using my platform to inspire others.”
As she looks back on her journey, Ellie cherishes the bonds she has formed among Jewish girls. “I am overwhelmed by the support I receive and how my journey impacts others,” she shares. During a recent photoshoot in New York City, she was approached by girls of all ages who thanked her for inspiring their decisions to embrace their Jewish identity.
Despite her entrepreneurial success, Ellie aims to build a legacy of kindness. “I truly care about every girl that follows me,” she emphasizes. If there’s one message she wishes to convey to other Jewish women and entrepreneurs, it’s: “We are all a work in progress. Wake up each day with an open mind and heart to learn, help, and make an impact. With these values, there’s nothing you can’t achieve.”
Ellie’s journey is not just about jewelry; it’s a testament to the power of identity, community, and the importance of uplifting one another. Through Jane Jewels, she continues to celebrate her roots while inspiring others to do the same.
