Meet Esla Andrew

We had the good fortune of connecting with Esla Andrew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Esla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I come from a long line of business owners. My grandfather, father, uncles, brother, and various other family members all own (or have owned) their own businesses. As they say, it’s in my blood. So when I find something that interests me, turning it into a business tends to follow closely behind. Years ago, before having children, I was a Pilates instructor and owned my own Pilates studio in Escondido. If you want to take it back even further, I tried making and selling jewelry in high school as well. In 2016, I was in need of a new creative outlet and began revitalizing my beading hobby while incorporating my new found love for natural gemstones. I was proud of my designs and was enjoying the positive feedback, so naturally the business bug again came over me. Building Narrow-Gauge Designs has been both challenging and gratifying but most of all it has been fun. Not only do I get to make my own schedule and stay home with my children, but I am able to enjoy many of my passions and hobbies daily.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
People are always asking me, where did the name “Narrow-Gauge Designs” come from? That is actually one of my favorite questions and it has many layers. Running directly through the small town of Silverton, Colorado is the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad. The type of railway that is a narrow gauge track is lighter and narrower in construction than standard gauge tracks which made them the perfect option for carrying precious ore in mountainous terrains. My jewelry is also much lighter and narrower in construction than your standard gemstone jewelry. I like to say “it’s the new gemstone style.” Sometimes I even call the bracelets I make, Tracks, for fun! Also tucked into the small town in Silverton is the old Sunnyside Mine that both my parents worked in during the mid-seventies. (My mom was actually one of the first women to work there.) I’ve visted this small town on a handful of occasions and one of my favorite parts is visiting the ghost town of Animas Forks, approximately 5 miles East of Silverton. Hidden away in the eerie and beautiful landscape is a quiet and abandoned (but not forgotten) piece of history and I love it! To say it left an everlasting impression after my first visit would be correct. Over the years it has been a passion of mine to visit every old mining town or ghost town possible. I name all of my jewelry after these beautiful towns that inspire me and hope, through my business, to help preserve them as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My must-see, must-do checklist for a week long visit would definitely involve a walk through Annie’s Canyon and a view from the top of Potato Chip. A visit to Cabrillo Monument and the lighthouse with the best view followed by dinner at the Bali Hai is always on the list! Make sure to get a window seat.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well, the list is long, but there are two very important people that come in at the very top. I dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Kevin Andrew and my mother, Pamela Thiessen. Solid, unconditional support, always. I could not be more grateful or appreciative!

Website: www.narrowgaugedesigns.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thenarrowgauge
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thenarrowgauge

Image Credits
Christine Gallegos Jackie Batch Photography Narrow-Gauge Designs