Meet Nanette

Nanette's story begins in the vibrant and industrious San Francisco Bay Area, where she grew up surrounded by the inspiring legacy of her grandparents. In the 1930s, her grandparents embarked on a journey that would shape the foundation of her values and work ethic. They were pioneers in the distribution of the soft drink 7UP—a venture that became a testament to determination, resilience, and love.

Nanette's grandmother, Margaret Easley, was a formidable woman, standing five feet tall and embodying strength and perseverance. She managed their modest liquor store during the day, where they could only afford to stock three bottles of liquor. Margaret wasn’t just tough in spirit; she was tough in action, too. Whether lifting wooden cases filled with glass bottles, driving a forklift, or doing whatever it took to keep the business running smoothly, she did it all adorned with pearls and an aura of grace. Margaret created a beautiful balance between raising her three beloved children and being a powerful force in the working world—much like the strong, resilient women of today.

Meanwhile, her grandfather, Wallace Herschel Easley, tirelessly worked the streets of San Francisco, going door to door to introduce the refreshing taste of 7UP to a city that had yet to know its name. But his day didn’t end there; in the evenings, he took on an additional job at a gas station to ensure his family could make ends meet.

Though they did not have much materially, they possessed an incredible amount of drive and an unwavering commitment to creating a better life for themselves and their family. Every penny they earned was reinvested into their operations. Her grandfather's shoes were often lined with cardboard to cover the worn-out soles, yet he never stopped walking, never stopped pushing forward.

Their hard work and perseverance caught the attention of Mr. Charles Leiper Grigg, the creator of 7UP. Impressed by Wallace's relentless dedication and remarkable sales, Mr. Grigg granted him the sales district—a monumental win that marked the beginning of a brighter future.

This legacy of hard work and determination was not lost on Nanette. At the age of 14, she began working for her grandfather and father every Saturday and during the summers, continuing this through high school and college. She joined the family business full-time, starting as her grandfather's receptionist. Nanette worked closely with her grandfather until his passing in June 1996, an experience that deeply shaped her professional life. Reflecting on this time, Nanette shared, “I felt firsthand the value of a grateful heart and just how precious time truly is. He taught me to trust in the importance of how we spend our time, and to cherish every moment."

After her grandfather’s passing, Nanette took the initiative to modernize their operations. She embarked on a telemarketing program, guided by her brother, who taught her how to convert customers from buying off the truck to creating efficient delivery routes. Through her efforts, she successfully expanded their sales district from Ukiah to Silicon Valley, demonstrating the same entrepreneurial spirit that defined her grandparents' journey.

This story isn’t just about the success of a business; it’s about the spirit of determination that Nanette carries forward today. The same spirit that fueled her grandparents’ endeavors now drives her passion for making genuine pearls accessible to all through Nanette Collections. Just as her grandfather walked the streets of San Francisco with a vision, and her grandmother lifted heavy cases with resolve, Nanette walks a path paved with the belief that everyone deserves to own a piece of timeless beauty.

In a world full of imitations, be authentic. Life is too short to wait for a special occasion—you are the special occasion, and you shine! Our pearls are designed to withstand the test of time, just like the women of today—strong, resilient, and determined. That’s how we see every woman: capable of facing life’s challenges with grace and beauty. Wear them boldly, knowing they’re as enduring as you are.