Eleanor Drabo is a veteran of Washington, D.C.’s Eastern Market. She has sold her handmade jewelry at the weekend market for 17 consecutive years. Because of her unique products and dedication, Eleanor earned her keep as a permanent vendor after just six months – consistently arriving at the market by midnight to vie for one of the coveted temporary spaces awarded at 8am the next morning.
A wife, mother, and retired international relations and African history professor, Eleanor developed her craft purely as a hobby, but she now has loyal customers that have been returning for more than 15 years. Her pieces include one-of-a-kind earrings, bracelets, and necklaces that feature semiprecious stones and excellent gold and silver craftsmanship. With the help of a small business loan, she hopes to open a shop or gallery to feature her work and the work of other Washington artists.
With our hands 