Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Lebeuf.
Haley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my jewelry career in 2007 just out of college at the University of Texas. I worked with a fine jewelry company and learned the business over the course of about four years there. I started my eponymous company in 2011. I have launched 8 collections and seen a steady growth of my vision and women’s maker community.
At my core, I’m a small town, Texas kid. This past year, I felt called to return to my roots. My latest collection, Tejas reflects and celebrates that return. It speaks to my family, my heritage, my heart. My inspiration drew directly from the 1976 ZZ Top album, “Tejas.”
It’s a collection of the 70s inspired, glam country/rock jewelry. Filtered through my modern, minimal aesthetic, this collection is full of delightful elements. Pulling design elements from the album and the band’s growth from that “little ‘ol band from Texas,” Tejas explores fringe, 70s pop elements and that rock-n-roll energy. The jewelry features mixed metal elements and a monotone gemstone palate which come together to create a collection that is great to layer and wear day-in and day-out.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are always bumps along the way! People always think running your own business is almost not even a real job. There are many perks and a lot of fulfillment, but it’s not the path of least resistance.
Some of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced are personal. It takes a lot of emotional energy to run a small, creative business. You have to play all the roles. Sometimes my personal life made it difficult to “show up” for work and give creatively, especially. It takes a lot of will power.
My biggest advice is to protect yourself, protect what you’re giving creatively. YOU are the most important aspect of your business. Sometimes it is hard to carve out time to make sure you are resting your brain and body enough. Make sure to build in the self-care, keep it as a top priority.
We’d love to hear more about Haley Lebeuf Jewelry.
I started my company because I love being a jeweler. That focus on the craftsmanship remains at the heart of my company. My jewelry is handcrafted entirely in my studio from the most basic elements of sterling silver and 14k gold-fill. It is jewelry made in joy. The studio is a special place, full of music, pups and is a safe and respectful environment.
Women and men, who are purchasing for the women in their lives, most often express their appreciation of the effortless blending of two-tone metals. This, along with thoughtful design elements makes the jewelry incredibly versatile. I like to think of my jewelry as minimal with impact because of the clean lines and paired down design. The blending of these concepts produces jewelry women want to wear all the time because it is comfortable, quality American-made jewelry that effortlessly speaks to their personal style, not just a passing trend.
I’m extremely proud of being in business for over eight years and all the relationships I have formed, not to mention the body of work I’ve produced. A founding principal of my business is a strong focus on customer service; this has allowed me to build some wonderful relationships with both retail and wholesale customers over the years. The steady commitment to quality and growth in my brand, vision is wonderful to reflect upon nearly a decade later.
The past couple of years I have participated with my local chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association. This is another outlet building a stronger, more generous community with a focus on the industry I love.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
It’s a man’s world out there, ladies. That’s only because that is how it has been up until this point. Women finally are close to enjoying the same financial and social rights as men. In the scope of our society and culture, these are relatively new rights. That means that we must not take these things for granted. Women must be conscious and protect themselves and their vision.
We have an unprecedented opportunity to reshape business culture to have a woman’s point-of-view. In my mind, that means more empathy, more collaboration and a broader vision of where we are going culturally.
Things are changing, and in these uncharted waters, we must all be brave and keep a strong course on where we want to go. Women in business do not have to behave as men in business to be successful.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
You can make your business whatever you want. Once you decide on your path, go for it with everything you’ve got. People may diminish your work in the beginning, don’t let that discourage you. Only you know what you are capable of, and what you are willing to give to make your dreams come true. Learn the language to communicate your vision early on and don’t stop going for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: HaleyLebeuf.com
- Phone: 832.524.6460
- Email: info@HaleyLebeuf.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/HaleyLebeuf
- Facebook: facebook.com/HaleyLebeuf
Image Credit:
Jewelry, Lucero Archuleta; Headshot, Claudia Tetreault-Percy
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