Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucie Motherway.
Hi Lucie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Having grown up surrounded by the serene landscapes of the Czech countryside, I developed a profound appreciation for simplicity and enchantment.
Pursuing my college education in Prague, I studied business and economics, laying the groundwork for my future venture. In Prague, a city steeped in history and extraordinary beauty, I found inspiration in its regal ambiance, shaping my artistic sensibilities and setting the tone for my work.
In my early years, I embraced change and relocated to the vibrant pulse of New York City, transforming my passion for jewelry creations into a thriving business. Over 16 years, I navigated the fashion mecca of NYC, elevating my business to new heights.
A few years ago, seeking serenity, my husband, five pets, and I made a move to tranquil Sarasota. Expanding my business, I ventured into the online realm and established a presence in stores, continuing to share my creations with a wider audience.
I create from my serene home studio, embraced by the company of four dogs and one cat. Surrounded by a lush oasis of landscaping, the studio offers a picturesque view of a tranquil lake and vibrant tropical flora, enhancing the creative atmosphere.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was fortunate in business endeavors through calculated risks, consistently drawing inspiration, and facing challenges head-on to expand my creative base. However, a couple of significant obstacles, both stemming from natural causes, tested the resilience of my business.
The first hurdle arose just a month after my move to Manhattan, where I had established a new studio and invested in expanding my business. Superstorm Sandy struck, flooding the first couple of blocks in my vicinity. While my business space was elevated enough to avoid direct water impact, it froze my ability to work for about six months until complete access was restored, marking a substantial setback.
The second challenge, a shared experience among many designers, manifested with the onset of the COVID pandemic. Specializing in bridal wear and dressy pieces, my business faced a severe decline as events were suspended. Ceremonies were often intimate, avoiding large gatherings and, consequently, impacting my business for several months due to restrictions and prohibitions on events.
Consequently, I initiated a transition of my business towards the online realm, a move not without its challenges, especially given the substantial number of designers undergoing a similar shift. Navigating this landscape requires ongoing efforts in strategy and marketing to distinguish my craft and presence within the competitive online sphere.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a jewelry designer specializing in crafting bespoke pieces from inception to completion, I engage in every aspect of the creative process. From the initial sketch to researching components, collecting materials, and shaping the final piece, my hands-on approach ensures a meticulous and personalized creation.
Originating with earrings, my repertoire has expanded over the years to include headbands, combs, tiaras, pins, halos, wreaths, and crowns, as well as a diverse range of jewelry and accessories. Each piece is crafted with a commitment to uniqueness, offering two distinctive aspects to my business.
Firstly, I continuously design new collections, ensuring a fresh and evolving array of creations. Secondly, I provide clients with the opportunity to draw inspiration from my existing items, allowing them to collaborate in the creation of an original piece. This bespoke approach extends to tailoring pieces based on client preferences – be it transforming a beloved comb into a headband or customizing size variations.
With meticulous care, I source components globally, ranging from Swarovski crystals and pearls to handmade glass elements, roses, clay, iron, suede, porcelain, lace, burlap flowers, gems, and other fascinating elements. These come together in a symphony of textures, with each piece thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the uniqueness of my creations.
I express profound gratitude to my clients for granting me the privilege to love the work I do and to continue creating. Witnessing a client choose and wear one of my headpieces fills me with flattery and enchantment. However, my greatest joy and honor lie in the moment when a bride selects the crowning piece for her stunning gown from my tiara collection.
Experiencing this dazzling and enchanting feeling, knowing that I have been entrusted with the honor of creating a headpiece for a bride on her significant day, brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
My early childhood was spent in the remote countryside of the Czech Republic, where I was completely enchanted by the beautiful surroundings and the diverse array of animals that filled our days. The joy of spending time with my grandmother and father, both incredible individuals with wonderful perspectives and values, left an indelible mark on me.
One of my fondest childhood memories revolves around daily walks through orchards, where we would interact with a variety of beautiful animals, each species coexisting harmoniously. Feeling the warmth of sunshine on my skin, the breeze in my hair, and hearing the laughter of my dad and grandmother became moments of pure bliss.
Approaching my grandmother’s house, I’d spot that pale yellow cottage with a red front door from a distance, surrounded by an array of vibrant flowers. Recreating this beauty became a passion for me, and with the support of my husband, I’ve been fortunate to infuse much of that charm into our life here in Sarasota.
Pricing:
- I design simple earrings starting from $15 to large statement pieces for $280
- Simple headpiece starts at $45, whereas elaborate pieces are upwards of $550
- Impressive statement crowns and tiaras can range from $500 to $1300
- Bespoke art depends on clients’ tastes and budgets, so I do my best to find lovely compromises.
- I do not charge for online or in-person consultations. In personal meetings, where I travel to my client, I might have a reasonable purchase minimum.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lavlii.com
- Phone: 941.840.2444
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavliiofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavliiofficial/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lavliiofficial
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Lavliiofficial
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Lavlii
Image Credits
Lavlii
“Special appreciation to Monica’s Bridal Boutique and Alterations of Sarasota for graciously sharing their stunning one-of-a-kind gowns.”
