What does it take to break into one of the most closed, traditional industries in the world—and do it on your own terms?

In this episode, host Eva Hartling sits down with Erica Bianchini, co-founder and creative director of Ecksand, to unpack how she built a fine jewelry brand from scratch—without legacy, without outside investment, and without compromising on values.

What started in Montreal as a bootstrapped venture is now a globally recognized brand, worn by women like Meghan Markle, Kourtney Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, and Dove Cameron—and entering its next phase of growth with its first U.S. boutique set to open this year.

From knocking on doors in her early twenties to pitching the (then radical) idea of selling fine jewelry online, Erica shares the realities behind building a luxury brand the hard way: reinvesting every dollar, choosing craftsmanship over scale, and staying fiercely independent.

The conversation explores:

Why sustainability, for Ecksand, was never a marketing angle—but a design principle

How creativity, storytelling, and discipline shape timeless design

The tension between growth and control—and why she chose to stay independent

What it really means to build a modern luxury brand in today’s market

This is a conversation about conviction, patience, and building something that lasts—in every sense of the word.

This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/wie // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale