SUE COPE TRAHAN
Owner | Jeweler | Designer


Welcome!  I’m Sue Cope Trahan, a former Boston news reporter who now spends her days breathing new life into jewelry that was once in fashion.

My love of jewelry and personal style was shaped early by two remarkable women. My mother taught me how the right piece can transform an outfit. My grandmother curated a jewelry collection that felt magical to me as a child. She displayed her pieces on a towering postcard stand, carefully organized by color and matching sets. I remember standing there, mesmerized. Today, I keep a similar display in my own studio—a quiet nod to where it all began.

After a 25-year career in broadcasting, I shifted toward my creative and marketing roots and launched Once by Sue Cope Trahan nine years ago. It has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. I’m endlessly grateful for the customers who have supported this journey and allowed me to do what I love every day.

Along the way, I’ve had the honor of having my designs selected for celebrity gifting at events including the Emmys, Women in Film, and the American Cinematheque Awards, with pieces worn by Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Portia de Rossi, Edie Falco, and others.

I currently live in Connecticut with my husband of 20+ years.

Thank you for being here! Your support has truly helped make my life a dream.

ELISE COPE
Jeweler | Web Developer | Tech + Design

Elise Cope is a jeweler, designer, and behind-the-scenes problem-solver for small businesses and creative entrepreneurs. In addition to creating her own line of artisan jewelry for Once, Elise designed and built this website and supports the shop’s logistics, systems, and day-to-day technical operations.

Her jewelry work is inspired by nautical and botanical silhouettes, drawing from life in the San Juan Islands, where she lives with her two sons. Alongside her creative practice, Elise brings more than 20 years of experience working at the intersection of design, communications, and digital infrastructure—helping mission-driven organizations and small businesses turn big ideas into functional, sustainable systems.

Elise is especially skilled at translating vision into execution: designing websites, setting up CRMs and ecommerce tools, streamlining workflows, and making technology feel accessible rather than overwhelming. She has led communications and digital strategy for nonprofits across the Pacific Northwest and is known for her technical fluency and deep people-centeredness.

When she’s not making jewelry or untangling systems, Elise enjoys rural island life, creative community projects, and time near the water.

You can explore more of her professional work and background on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/elise-cope

Press

Along the way, I’ve also had the honor of having my creations chosen for celebrity gifting at the Emmy's, Women In Film Awards and The American Cinematheque Awards. Recipients of my work have included Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Portia de Rossi, Edie Falco and others.

This year I’ve had fun & success designing replicas of jewelry worn at the Emmys and Oscars.