How helpful and successful can wearing items intentionally designed to elicit good moods be? A particular one-woman show knows.
Local designer Elizabeth Holt, founder of The Happy Social Club, started thinking about what makes people smile during 2020 when the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "I wanted to bring joy and happiness to others, to show people there was hope, and it was through happy bracelets and necklaces," recalls The Cosmetic Market key holder/makeup artist.
Due to her passion for designing, Elizabeth says she listened to her internal urge to create something to embrace positivity. Based on her theater and dance college degree, she remembers channeling her desires regarding the concept of building an encouraging community. "Someone starting a new business endeavor has to believe in themselves and keep believing. You have to believe in your brand, stay focused on your goals and just keep going," she explains.
She now provides a variety of handmade necklaces and bracelets with messages that resonate with peaceful, peppy mindsets. She creates custom, curated color formulas to hand-dye sweatshirts, hoodies, T-shirts, trucker hats, caps and smiley face beanies. She also offers hand-poured, artisan-made candles with light, clean scents, done in collaboration with the local Gabriel David company. And, she handles the majority of her own product photography.
Collections within Elizabeth's brand include THSC, Happy Here Nashville, Happy Vibes, Happy Era and Happy Girl, Happy Mama, Happy XOXO and Feelin' Happy. She says she gets help from family members here and there, especially her mother, along with assistance from a local embroidery company as well as a printing business.
"We like to say our items reflect 'A Feeling We All Want to be a Part of,'" she states, with a broad smile. Her collections can be viewed and secured from her website and pop-up shops as announced on her Instagram, as well as select retailers in and out of Nashville.
'Happy' branded items as worn by Kelsea Ballerini, Chase Stokes and Savannah Chrisley.
