In 2017, 24-year-old Teri Elizabeth Ellington founded her very own watch collection, Ellington Timepiece, as a platform to raise awareness for mental health and support those who suffer from it. Using her last paycheck from a job she lost two months prior to Christmas, Teri launched her first watch design, The Grey Sheba, named after her own therapy dog, Sheba. Sheba became Teri’s therapy dog while she was deeply struggling through mental illness herself. Through Ellington Timepiece, Teri has found strength and purpose while also creating a brand that is passionate about raising awareness for mental health.

“If I can do it, other young people can too,” Teri preaches. Teri struggled with depression, anxiety, and agoraphobia in her past, which created her passion for spreading awareness to other people about these mental illnesses.

Ellington Timepiece is more than just a watch line. The watches serve a greater purpose than a mere accessory on someone’s wrist; The designs are meant to be a voice for those who do not have one. Each watch has a story and meaning behind it.

Through her successes, Teri even created a recent social media movement, #yourstoryetp. People who wear Ellington Timepiece designs share their own stories of mental health creating both a community of watch-lovers and a community for people to share their own journeys as well.

Teri is a truly inspiring entrepreneur for her ability to create both a successful business and a way to spread awareness for mental illness—something that many people struggle with on the daily.

To explore the designs from Teri, check out this link to her company’s website.