Elsie Frieda

   

 The team behind Elsie Frieda is a beautiful example of the magic that happens when women support and empower each other.  In this case, the result is a fashion accessories line and “our path to success is always ‘we’ and never ‘I.’”  Taking a collaborative approach to the design process, the women behind Elsie Frieda bring their unique ideas, resources, and personalities to the table.  Through these different perspectives, statement pieces that are equally as colorful & unique to the women & stories behind them are created.

Based in Richmond, Virginia, the Elsie Frieda tribe spreads from Africa to Canada and at the helm is Christina Scarsella Harrison.  A fashion lover at heart, Harrison found her creative outlet as a young girl through making jewelry.  While taking a pause from her IT Consulting career to focus on the familiar demands of raising two young boys, Harrison discovered Heishi beads in 2018.  The vibrant colors of these African vinyl beads spoke to Harrison’s maximalist style and she began designing patterns while “finding magic in the placement of each bead.”

Through a partnership with women in Ghana, Elsie Frieda’s debut collection of Heishi beaded necklaces and bracelets was introduced to a small group of friends & family with an incredible response.  The beauty & challenge of these beads is finding them in the markets of Ghana.  Constantly evolving as new materials are introduced and interwoven to make colorful fashion accessories, the Heishi beads remain at the core of the Collection.

The pieces you find here were designed specifically for Norfolk Academy. Wear them to show your Bulldog pride!