Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Lise.
Dominique, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a native New Englander of French Canadian heritage. My husband and I moved to Baltimore in 2015 from Portland, Maine and have enjoyed being a part of this diverse community.
I grew up in a pretty interesting household where my family revered the arts. My mother was a professional stage actress before she married my father. My dad was a trained artist – a painter, sculptor, photographer and woodcarver. My siblings and I discovered music at an early age and we grew up playing guitar. We were encouraged to self-express with music and a myriad of other artistic pursuits. To be raised in that kind of a family is a pretty special thing. I think my need to create is genetic. My brother became a classically trained flamenco guitar player, my sister an author, and me a singer/songwriter with two CDs under my belt. And now this, Fleur de Lise Beads.
The crazy thing about my story is that I never made jewelry until the COVID lock-down of 2020. I’m not going to lie, the lockdown was getting to me. I had the space and time to devote my energies to creating something tangible, something I could hold, something I could wear (which is a big change from being a songwriter). I decided I would create and design jewelry weaving semi-precious, glass, faceted crystal and metal beads to rich leathers. I am completely self-taught and spent hundreds of hours trying to figure this thing out. In a few weeks I was off to the races and was frantically making pieces. I found the entire process an outlet for my creative energies and helped me get my “zen” back. My husband would say, “how are you ever going to wear all of these pieces?” And I’d just shrug my shoulders. It was never about wearing them all (I couldn’t if I tried). It was about creating them. Later, a family member encouraged me to try my hand at the juried arts and craft shows circuit in New York and New England. Wait. Hold on a second. A traveling boutique, you say? Oh yeah. The thought of that was really up my alley, so I started weaving and beading even more frantically and designed a booth space that felt like a French boutique. I built an online store (fleurdelisebeads.com). As the saying goes, the rest is history. I was astonished to know that others were as passionate about healing stones, crystals, and leather jewelry as I am. I’ve gained such pleasure working with people who come to shows, see something that draws their attention from afar, step in my booth, and feel like they just have to put the piece on. I’ve had men and women of all ages support my work (yeah, I make men’s bracelets and necklaces, too). It’s additionally special to learn about my customers’ stories and why they’re so drawn to a particular stone. Their stories have been inspirational and I am humbled.
What started as a cure for the COVID lock-down blues, has turned into a side business that I named “Fleur de Lise Beads.” My name is Dominique Lise (pronounced like “new lease on life”). The play on the fleur de lis symbol is a nod to my French heritage. Fleur de Lise Beads has been this incredible vehicle to connect with others in such a meaningful way, provide an outlet for my creative energies, and spread good energy into the world.
And to think it all happened by accident makes me giggle. A lot.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think my biggest challenge has been me. Yeah, I own that. I never could have imagined how many pieces I would sell during my first year in business (2020 was the year of production, and 2021 was the year of “let’s see if I can sell this”).
Another thing that I find challenging (and interesting) is I’m on the never ending quest to find the perfect combination of beads, leather, thread, cord, button, as well as the perfect design. Sometimes I’ll make a piece and think “who’s gonna buy that?” (Self-doubt). And then I’ll head to a show, watch it sell to a beautiful customer and think “looks like she would! Who knew!” It’s validating.
The takeaway here is not to limit yourself with short-sightedness or doubtful self-talk. That’s so easy to do with creative pursuits (especially when your heart and soul is poured over your work). Come to think of it, I reckon that’s a pretty common plight for most artists.
Another challenge is that I’m doing everything solo. The ultimate goal is to continue working on building my brand, design and create unusual pieces, and hire like minded artists to help me amp up production. I am in discussions with an investor to help me do just that.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create one-of-a-kind jewelry (bracelets, necklaces) using semi-precious, metal, glass and faceted crystal beads and weave them to rich leathers. My pieces can take upwards of 4 hours to make and no two pieces are ever alike. I also use naturally shed deer antlers (my husband drills the holes in and I covered them in 10K gold leaf) to create interesting necklaces. I’m drawn to the juxtaposition of using the delicate (stones, metal and faceted, sparkly crystals) and mixing them with the natural and distressed elements (leather, deer antlers, raw crystals). I guess you could call my work “Bohemian Chic.” I don’t take myself too seriously, though. You can wear my pieces with jeans, a t-shirt and cowboy boots, or a pretty cocktail dress. I love how versatile these pieces are. I’d also say that my work layers with other jewelry pieces and watches. I say, have a little party on that wrist of yours (or neck). Layer things up. It’s kind of a thing. A cool thing. You’ll be amazed what conversations may spark if you do.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve been at this jewelry gig completely solo (thanks to COVID initially), and in some ways, I’m kind of proud of that. That noted, I completely agree with the importance of networking and having a mentor to guide you where you’re trying to go, or at least help you with that. I say, talk to friends, relatives, friends of friends who may know someone who’s a complete rock star at what it is you’re trying to accomplish. Reach out. Schedule an informational meeting over coffee. Put yourself out there and ask for help and guidance. One thing I can say for certain is that Baltimore is the perfect place to network and this city is jam packed with incredibly helpful, kind, and caring people.
Aim high. Set your sights. Connect. Ask. Believe in yourself. If you’re honest about doing things you’re passionate about, the Universe is mysterious and will put the right folks at the right time in your path. I truly believe that.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@fleurdelisebeads.com
- Website: fleurdelisebeads.com
- Instagram: fleurdelisebeads
- Facebook: fleurdelisebeadsbydominiquelise
