Courtney Elle | Elle James Interior Design & Home Décor

Artist Bio

Elle James is pronounced (“L James”). The name stems from my middle name “Ellsworth” and my son’s name “James” who’s now 10 going on 14! The name Ellsworth was passed down to me from my Grandmother and over the years I’ve come to love it. When I was a kid, I felt a little differently…lol. I’m so humbled that I’ve been able to grow my business from the ground up here in my hometown. I’m grateful for every customer and I light up every time someone tells me that the smudge stick they bought from me truly made a difference in their home or even their business! I’m from Buffalo and I’m proud to say I moved away and came back! After attending Howard University in DC, living and working in both Chicago and Philadelphia and coming home, I can truly appreciate the welcoming, hometown feel of Buffalo! I love our city and I’m so happy to be growing my business here!


How long have you been an artisan? How did your particular skillset develop over time? 

Well, my first thought is that I’ve always been an artisan! I love to create and I’ve always found beauty in taking a raw material and creating something unique and meaningful. Over time, I merged my love of home décor, positive energy and the desire to truly help people make their home a place where they can feel at peace, calm and happy. This all moved me to create my good vibes collection that focuses on clearing out negative, unwanted energy and replacing it with positive, calming energy. These products range from hand-wrapped sage smudge sticks adorned with lavender and rose petals, to artisan incense and one-of-a-kind smudging feathers all created with love and before selling, smudged and infused with positive energy to bring clients a truly beautiful end product to keep for themselves or give as a gift! The good vibes collection has now become my most popular product line!


Please describe your work / product.

The products I create are all about bringing positive energy and good vibes to as many people as possible. The world today unfortunately is dealing with an abundance of negativity and bad energy in addition to toxic ions in the air that affect our health. We owe it to ourselves and our families to do everything we can to keep our home environment calm, relaxed and free from negative energy and toxic ions. Smudging with sage is not something new. It’s an ancient Native American tradition that has been growing in popularity more and more these days across cultures. Here are some of Elle James most popular sage items and the benefits they bring:

White Sage + Lavender + Rose Petals Smudge Stick: This hand wrapped smudge stick is unique because as you clear your environment of negative energy, you also replace the freshly cleared area with positive, calming energy brought forth from the rose petals and dried lavender.

White Sage + Sweet Grass:  This smudge stick features a braid of sweet grass. White Sage is a wonderful way to clear out negative energy and restore peace and clarity to your space, and to add a dose of positive energy. Its accompanied by a braid of sweet grass which attracts beneficial circumstances and positive energy.

Smudging Spray also packaged as Monster Be Gone! Spray for Kids: I created this light and airy, beautifully infused spray to create an “on the go” option for my clients as well as an effective, smoke-free method of clearing energy from any environment. This spray is also a great way to ease a child’s mind when they may feel negative energy in their rooms, or maybe a monster is in their closet. As silly as it may seem, your child’s feelings are valid and spraying their space with this spray will help them calm down (lavender) and clear out any unwanted energy (white sage) that may be affecting your child’s peace of mind.

These products in addition to other unique home décor items are available online at www.ellejamesinteriors.com.

In addition to the Good Vibes Collection, I create custom door wreaths, garland and mantel décor for clients! Custom wreaths and garland range from $125-$325 and can be ready within 10 business days! A gallery of a few favorites and a custom order form are both available online at www.ellejamesinteriors.com

Those interested can also feel free to email me at [email protected] with order requests.


Who are some of your favorite artisans / makers in the region? Who amongst your peers inspires your work?

Bonnie Nelson, owner of Elle Valin Jewelry Designs: This is my mom’s business. She’s one of my favorite artisan/designers as her jewelry is creative, authentic and made with the utmost craft, professionalism and integrity. She also inspires me daily and I wouldn’t be the artisan I am today without her guidance and encouragement!

Nikki Benatovich, owner of Cosmic Lotus Jewelry: I first met Nikki at the Shea’s Shopping Soiree. We were both vendors and she noticed me unpacking my goods and slightly struggling and offered her pulley, a simple and kind gesture that meant the world to me as this was a show I had previously done with my mom by my side, yet I was on my own on this cold winter day and feeling a little nervous. From then on, our energy connected and I’m very grateful for Nikki’s guidance and encouraging words as I grow my business and participate in more artisan markets and festivals. She truly exemplifies what a female business owner should be to other female business owners; girl power!


How long have you been a business owner in WNY?

I officially launched my business in March 2018, so 2 years in March 2020.


How long have you been a part of Buffalo Women’s Gifts?

This will be my second year with Buffalo Women’s Gifts and I’m super excited!


Where can people see / purchase your work year-round?

My website is always a great option for online shopping and learning more information about the benefits of sage smudging and other services I offer. Customers can order a variety of custom-wrapped sage smudge sticks, gift sets, incense and accessories, as well as custom home décor, like seasonal or holiday door wreaths and garland.

Locally, people can visit the following locations to purchase Elle James products:

Lexington Co-Op (Hertel Ave. & Elmwood Ave.)

Terrapin Station

The Himalayan Institute

Heart Fire Yoga

North Park Florist

Essentially Well Oiled


Where else will you be representing your wares this holiday season?

Queen City Market – Saturday, December 7 – 11 am – 5 pm – 453 Porter Ave. Buffalo, NY

Hotel Henry Holiday Market – Sunday, December 15 & 22 – 11 am – 3 pm – 444 Foster Ave. Buffalo, NY 14213


Social Media 

Facebook and Pinterest: Elle James Interior Design & Home Decor

Instagram: @ElleJamesInteriors