Essbe is owned and operated by Derrick & Leslie, husband & wife, partners in life and now small business ownership.

Leslie is originally from Rochester Hills, and Derrick grew up in the Chicago suburbs. Both had successful careers as actors working on stage and screen. Leslie eventually left acting and found her way into supporting executive leadership, while Derrick left acting to become a registered nurse. After many years living in New York City, Chicago, and a brief stint in Las Vegas for Derrick, they ultimately moved to nearby Birmingham. They have three very spoiled pets, a 75-pound dog and two fluffy cats, who will absolutely make appearances in photos and, if Leslie has her way, at team events.

They’ve been together for over a decade, married in 2020, and celebrated with a full wedding in 2022 at Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester, Michigan. Leslie practically grew up at GOCC thanks to her parents’ long and loyal membership there.

Outside of work, they love to travel, host friends and family, cook, spend time outdoors, attempt golf with enthusiasm (results may vary), play board games and chess, and spoil their pets.

Leslie’s love of jewelry started long before Essbe.

During her 15 years living in New York City, there was a small, independent jewelry shop she returned to again and again. (Seasonal Whispers, we’re looking at you!) It's known for funky, beaded pieces that marked everyday moments and meaningful milestones. It became her go-to for gifts, both for herself and for others, and eventually even a tradition she shared with her mom. That experience, of connection, memory, and care woven into unique jewelry, never left her.

At Essbe, Leslie focuses on people, communication, day-to-day operations, and the overall rhythm of the shop. She believes that when a team feels supported and valued, that care naturally carries through to every customer interaction. She’s eager to encourage each individual team member to grow in their careers and learn new skills they can apply both at Essbe and beyond!

Derrick’s appreciation for jewelry comes, quite simply, from buying it for Leslie. (And Leslie is not mad about this, to be clear.) Over the years, he’s learned how jewelry marks moments, tells stories, and becomes part of someone’s life long after it’s purchased.

One of Derrick’s favorite stories is about the first piece of jewelry created under their ownership at Essbe. A loving boyfriend came into the studio to create a necklace for his long-distance girlfriend. They had recently learned her job would bring her back home in the coming months, so he chose an airplane charm to honor their long-distance relationship history and their birthstones to give her as a celebratory gift. It’s special to think about how that piece will stay with them as they continue to tell their story together.

Another favorite moment was welcoming three generations, a grandmother, mother, and daughter, who came in for matching permanent bracelets. Each bracelet became a constant reminder of the connection between them. When they feel those bracelets on their wrists, they think of one another, and we feel incredibly lucky to play even a small part in how they chose to honor that bond.

Derrick is passionate about helping everyone who enters the studio find pieces that mark the significant moments and the significant people in their lives.

Together, Leslie and Derrick bring complementary strengths to Essbe, blending people and process, creativity and structure, and heart and connection. They are deeply grateful to be joining a community that holds such history for Leslie and hopefully many more memories to come for both of them and the Rochester community.

A Note of Gratitude

Essbe wouldn’t be what it is today without its founder, Sarah.

She built something truly special, not just a beautiful brand, but a space people feel connected to. From the product curation to the in-store experience to the incredible team behind it, so much of what makes Essbe feel like Essbe comes from the care and intention Sarah poured into it from day one.

We are deeply grateful for the trust Sarah placed in us to carry Essbe forward and for the generosity she has shown in sharing her knowledge and time during this transition. Stepping into something so thoughtfully built is both an honor and a responsibility we do not take lightly.

Her presence, values, and vision will always be part of Essbe’s story, and we are proud to build on the foundation she created.