DESIGNER: HALEY LEBEUF

WHY DO YOU CALL AUSTIN HOME

I came to Austin for college – Hook ‘Em! – and stayed as my relationships grew. I have a lovely, tight-knit group of artist and jeweler friends here that have really lifted me up. Plus, I am near to my family and live in a pretty special Texas city.

FAVORITE SONG/ARTIST/ALBUM FOR A SPARK OF CREATIVITY

I bounce all over the place musically. Lately I have been listening to vinyls I have filched from my parents. Two of my recent favorites are Waylon Jennings “Dreaming My Dreams” and a best of David Bowie record. Waylon feeds that country girl inside me and Bowie inspires me to push, be free and create. Something about vinyl forces to you be present and relax.

BIGGEST DEBATE OF ALL: COFFEE or TEA, BE SPECIFIC ;)

Oh, honey, this is E-Z! COFFEE! It’s part of my morning routine for sure. I hate to admit it, but sometimes it is part of my post lunch routine, too!

WHO DO YOU FOLLOW FOR INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

I’ll forever be following Kelly Wearstler!

GO TO MID-DAY SNACK or ROUTINE FOR CREATIVE FUEL

The mid-day slump is REAL. If I’m on my best caffeine behavior, I will have a little matcha with cinnamon and half & half.

WHERE DO YOU CREATE BEST? EX: HOME, STUDIO, NATURE, ETC.

My studio is the best place to spread out and be messy. I think I need to be messy to create. Once I start cleaning, the left side of my brain kicks in and all bets are off! Ironically, I find that it is best to start creating in a clean environment.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BEGIN THE HALEY LEBEUF JEWELRY ADVENTURE

The first time I made jewelry in a real way, using traditional metalsmithing techniques, I knew I found my “thing.” I got into the jewelry industry working behind a desk, not a bench. After a couple of years of designing and making jewelry after work, I really wanted to be doing that full-time. The company I was working for didn’t have space for me in that capacity, so I left. I slashed all my expenses, got a part-time job and just went for it! That was seven years ago, and I couldn’t be more thankful.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING MOMENT SO FAR OF HALEY LEBEUF JEWELRY

Seeing my jewelry out in the “wild” – just bumping into someone who I don’t know wearing my jewelry is always on the top of my list. It’s only happened a handful of times but connecting to those people and hearing their stories on how they acquired my jewelry is special to me.

HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOUR BRAND STANDS OUT

I do my best to honor what my customers appreciate about my brand: versatile designs, simple lines and quality craftsmanship. I also try to make myself happy and design things I would love to wear. I hope that those things make my jewelry and my point-of-view stand out. If you aren’t making yourself happy, what are you doing?

WHO HAS HAD THE MOST CREATIVE INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE

My grandmother was a painter. I can still remember the smell of her studio – turpentine and oil paints. I always thought she was so elegant and talented. I think I’ve always been chasing that in my own way.

HOW HAS SOCIAL HELPED YOUR BRAND

I’m still relatively small in the social sphere, but it has helped me to really sit down and think about how my brand is perceived. It’s really forced me to hone in on a concise message both visually and verbally. That is a bit challenging for me, since I feel like I am working so hard on so many aspects of my business, I have nothing left once I get to social media. Therefore, it just pushes me to be more organized and thoughtful about my choices. I’m always working on it.

WHAT OTHER ARTISTS HAVE YOU LOVED COLLABORATING WITH, IF ANY

I haven’t collaborated with many jewelers in a professional way, but I have swapped skills and taught. That has been incredibly rewarding. It is nice to be able to help out others they way I was supported when I was just beginning my journey.

TELL US ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOPPING LOCAL ARTISTS / BRANDS

I think about this a lot as Austin grows and changes. Arts are the foundation of what makes this city special, its soul. Because people want to be part of that, Austin has become incredibly popular, effectively pricing out artists. By supporting small, local businesses, artists and musicians, you are doing your part to make sure that the spirit of the city continues to thrive.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR NEW 2018 COLLECTION RELEASE

I was sick this summer and I decided to watch “Cleopatra” starring Elizabeth Taylor. The costumes in that movie just dazzled me! I love the 60s aesthetic, and I just thought it would be a fun inspiration. That fed into the collection, Cleopatra. It is glamorous and playful. Volume and movement are big themes throughout the collection, especially regarding the Asp pieces. These serpentine inspired jewels are some of my favorites. It’s been challenging to distill the opulence of that movie to a more minimal aesthetic. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do.

HOW HAS THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU

The jewelry community here is amazing. Truly, everyone is so generous and helpful. Many years ago, Edson Enriquez of Limbo Jewelry said, “there’s plenty of room for us all,” and I couldn’t agree more. There are so many different points-of-view; the more expression that is out there the stronger we all become.

WOULD YOU BE OPEN TO A DESIGN COLLAB WITH A LOCAL AUSTIN ARTIST

Yes!

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT HALEY LEBEUF

I’m very friendly, but really quite shy and quiet. I’m also a bit of a daredevil.

AUSTIN INSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS

MUST-SEE RECOMMENDATION(S) FOR THOSE TRAVELING TO AUSTIN

I love the East Side. The East Austin Studio Tours in November are a “must attend” for me. The community is alive. You get an intimate view of artists’ studios, engaging conversation and get to see Austinites out and about. It’s an amazing jam-packed two weekends. That and the food scene here is ev-ver-ry-thang!

FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD TRUCK

Saigon Le Vendeur.

FAVORITE LOCAL CURATED BOUTIQUE

Limbo has a great selection of jewelry, gifts and up-and-coming artists.

FAVORITE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP(S)

Bennu

WHERE CAN SUPPORTERS FIND YOUR DESIGNS

All seven of my collections are on my website, HaleyLebeuf.com, you can also shop my Etsy store or reach out to me through Instagram @HaleyLebeuf or on Facebook. There is also a list of my stockists on my website, should you like to shop in person.