Meet Kristin

Kristin Ames, Owner at Ella Winston Co

 

Welcome! Thank you for visiting Ella Winston Co, a mom owned small business run by me, Kristin! In 2012 I opened my first online store. I am proud of how much this company has grown over the years. Here is my story.

Growing up, I was always interested in crafts, creativity and design. It was always a dream of mine to use my creative skills to build a lifelong career. When I was in middle school, I told my Mom I wanted to be a fashion designer. I just loved creating custom one of a kind pieces, even back then. But I lacked the support, confidence and business skills so I put my dreams on hold. I went to college and graduated with a BA in sociology from UC Santa Cruz in 2005. After graduating I found a job working with my future husband in real estate. He was the first person that truly believed I could do anything I set my mind to. While that thought excited me, I still didn’t totally believe in myself. But as our relationship grew, my understanding for business did as well.

Michael has been a business owner since the age of 18. After a very successful real estate career, he retired to raise our family. He provided the support and encouragement that I needed to follow my dream of owning my own creative business. I began making custom clutches for family and friends who were getting married. When I made my first surprise sale at my cousin’s bridal shower, I started to believe I could do this!  

In 2012, I opened Ella Winston Co. and began selling my custom handmade made clutches. “Where does the name Ella Winston come from?” Good question! Ella Winston is my muse, she is where I get my design inspiration and creativity. Today, my bridal party robes, personalized garters and one of a kind items have been sold all over the world! Brides in nearly 30 countries around the globe have left raving 5-star reviews.

Michael and I welcomed our first baby girl in 2016 and our second baby girl in 2017. We are passionate about providing brides unique, custom accessories and gifts, all while building a family business that our girls can one day take over.

Nothing can compare to the pleasure and pride we get every day from hearing so many compliments from our happy customers. We know we did the right thing for us. We love what we do and look forward to every day. We know we produce the most personalized, one of a kind wedding and bridal accessories anywhere in the world, and that will invigorate us to keep designing new and exciting items.

Thank you for supporting our small business! - Kristin