Sitting Pretty With Ellie Richardson Of Bling Wipes

This month’s Sitting Pretty With girl is a very special one for me to share. I’m lucky enough (in more ways than one) to be sitting pretty with Ellie Richardson of Bling Wipes, who just so happens to be my future sister-in-law. She’s an incredible person so I’m so happy to introduce y’all to her and her company, Bling Wipes, if you aren’t already familiar with it. Bling Wipes is the cutest company (hello, their packaging is adorable!) for women that is also run by a woman because they make jewelry wipes to help you keep your jewelry sparkly and clean. Bling Wipes are perfect for an on the go cleaning and great to travel with. Not to mention, they are the absolute best gift to give every girl you know who gets engaged! On top of starting Bling Wipes, Ellie is a wife, the mother of the cutest little boy in the world, and she is the best sister around to Edwin (my fiancé)!

Sitting Pretty With Ellie Richardson Of Bling Wipes

Name: Ellie Richardson

Neighborhood: Pasadena, CA

Company/Job: Owner, Bling Wipes

Instagram Handle: @blingwipes, @elliemrichardson

Let’s talk business…

Describe your company in 3 sentences or less.

Bling Wipes are an easy, accessible and giftable way to keep jewelry clean on the go.

What got you into jewelry wipes?

My husband. He put a beautiful ring on my finger and it gave me the inspiration for the product. My engagement ring is not just a reminder of our love but also the start of our company. He had no idea what he was getting himself into!

You started your own company, Bling Wipes. What has been the most rewarding experience?

Hearing from people who love our product and showing it to those who have never seen it. It is so much fun to meet new store owners, shine up some serious sparklers and make people fall in love with their gems all over again. I love that my vision became an actual product and has the potential to add a little sparkle to someone’s day.

What is a typical day in the life of Ellie?

Each day is a little different. I’m a working mom so the mornings are focused on my son and getting him off to school (he is just 2 ½). Once we have accomplished breakfast, teeth brushing, getting dressed and drop off I can come home and check in on emails and orders. Going through my to do list and checking in on outstanding items. Some days I have meetings and some days are more desk work focused. Once work feels handled (nothing is ever really done but you do your best) I’ll try to get a workout in, either a thirty minute boot camp or spin/yoga class. Working out helps me clear my mind and de stress a bit. We’re also expecting a little girl in November so nesting takes up a good portion of my day! Every day is a juggle and different but I wouldn’t change a thing.

What keeps you inspired at work day in and day out?

Some days I’m definitely more inspired than others. I love that I can make my own schedule and work from home. I recognize that having a flexible work schedule is such a gift (while sometimes a challenge too) but I want to work so I can continue to enjoy the work/life balance I’ve created. Also, happy clients and stores keep me going. It is so much fun to hear from people who use, gift and receive our product. When you own your own business you don’t really have a choice. You have to show up and you have to give it your all or else no one else will.

Is there something that you know now that you wish you’d known when you started your company?

I don’t necessarily think there is anything I could have known that would have made a big difference in the development of Bling Wipes. I think when starting your own business part of the magic is learning it all as you go. Sort of like having children, no matter how much people tell you in advance you have to experience it for yourself and everyone’s experience is their own. It’s a pretty fun ride.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to fellow girl bosses?

Celebrate the successes, small and large. Take time for yourself and your family. When you’re working, work smart and hard.

Where can R&R readers scoop up their own boxes of Bling Wipes?

Paper Source, Amazon and all of our amazing nationwide retailers. You can find them here: http://www.blingwipes.com/site/store-locator/

Let’s talk Fashion…

Describe your style in three adjectives.

Clean, simple and hopefully chic, although I have been known to spend many a day in my workout clothes.

What are your wardrobe staples?

I think my staples consist mostly of jewelry. I always have my wedding rings on, a Cartier trinity ring and love ring my husband gave me for Christmas after the birth of our son and a pair of vintage Tiffany seashell stud earrings, an heirloom from a family friend.

If I peaked into your closet, what color would be the most prominent?

Black. I try so hard to spice up my wardrobe with fresh and exciting colors but for some reason I always fall back to my favorites: black, navy, gold and neutrals.

What fashion piece would you splurge on tomorrow if you could?

This is tough but I think I would go for a 1969 Rolex Oyster Perpetual.

Let’s talk Beauty…

What are your beauty must-haves?

Dry shampoo, good mascara, a fresh mani, a little bronzer or blush and a nice sheer lip gloss.

What perfume do you spritz on as you walk out the door?

I don’t wear perfume but I do love Nuxe Huile Prodigeuse. It’s a dry body oil that smells incredible.

What color nail polish are you currently wearing?

I’m really trying to will some fall weather so I darkened it up the other day and am wearing Dark Side of the Moon by Deborah Lippmann. It’s been one of my favorites for years.

Let’s talk Décor…

Describe your decorating style in three adjectives.

British colonial, traditional with a touch of mid century modern here and there.

If your mother taught you one trick about interior decorating, what would it be?

A good antique is worth the hunt.

What is your favorite piece of art or furniture you own?

One of the first pieces of art my husband and I bought together was a Frank Gehry chair sketch. I love it. I look at it and remember the night we found it. It brings back fond memories of our dating days.

What’s on your bar cart?

Sadly our bar cart is hiding away in our china closet. When you have a little one running around the bar cart only makes it out for special occasions. The last time we used it was for our sons christening. It’s always the life of the party.

Do you have any must-have coffee table books?

I have a photo album from Sugarboo Designs called For the Ones I Love. It’s filled with the most beautiful quotes about family, love and life. It is a great piece for the coffee table.

What are your favorite home décor shops?

Rooms & Gardens in Santa Monica/Santa Barbara or Maude Wood in Pasadena. I also love instagram for finding unique and vintage pieces. I’ve found some great rug sellers on instagram and have purchased some beautiful pieces through them. One of my favorites is @wovenabode.

Let’s talk Travel…

Beach or Mountains?

Both, but I’m definitely at the beach more often.

East Coast or West Coast?

West Coast. What can I say, I’m a California girl through and through.

What is your favorite destination?

Our family beach house in Oceanside, CA.

Are you planning any upcoming trips?

With our daughter arriving in November we’ll probably be staying close to home for the next few months but we might try and head to Ojai for a night or two before her arrival as well as El Capitan Canyon for some family glamping.

Who is your favorite travel buddy?

My husband.

Go-to cocktail when you’re traveling?

A delicious glass of wine. White or red.

What is your top bucket list destination?

I’d love to go to a dude ranch in Montana with my family. For some reason I think this would be the ultimate family getaway. I’d also love to make it to Capri one day.

Let’s talk Los Angeles…

What’s your favorite part of living in Los Angeles?

I love that we’re a few hours from the mountains, a quick drive to the beach and a fun road trip away from Big Sur, Monterey or Sonoma. California has so much to offer and Los Angeles is just one of it’s many gems.

Fill in the blank: “On the weekend, you’ll find me…”

Outside and with a smile on my face.

Best date night restaurant?

Our local spot would be The Arroyo Chop House. We had our rehearsal dinner there and it’s always delicious and never disappoints. They make a great cocktail called Grounds for Divorce. It’s the best!

Best healthy restaurant?

Kreation Kafe in Santa Monica or Amara Kitchen in Highland Park.

Los Angeles has so many great neighborhoods. Which area is your favorite and why?

We live in Pasadena and I just love it here. We have beautiful trees, the gorgeous Colorado Bridge, so much history and lovely people. I love the pace of the city and the fact that parking is usually plentiful. If someone were to visit there is so much to do. We have the Huntington Gardens, the Norton Simon Museum, Kidspace Children’s Museum and so much more. It’s a beautiful city.

Best boutique(s)?

Serafina in San Marino or Jenni Kayne in Brentwood.

Best activity?

Hiking or hitting the beach with my family. Can’t get enough!

Photographs: Miki and Sonja (for Inspired By This) and Instagram

P.S. Thanks for reading my Sitting Pretty With Ellie Richardson Of Bling Wipes interview! For more Sitting Pretty With interviews, head to my menu bar at the top of my site and click “categories.” From there, you’ll find a whole section dedicated to my interviews! xx