Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Chen.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lily. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was originally trained in Chinese brush painting in Taiwan. In my mid-twenties, I moved to the United States. While adjusting to the new culture, I worked at Crabtree & Evelyn in Pittsburgh, PA. This job was a good place for me to practice my English, and to learn about American culture. After a year and a half in Pittsburgh, I relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. There, I continued working at another Crabtree & Evelyn store. Soon after starting my job at the Dallas location, my bosses noticed my creative side. Because of my artistic skills, they put me in charge of the window displays for five stores in the Dallas area. These window displays became a new creative outlet for me. After a few years in the Dallas-Forth Worth area, I relocated to the Greater Boston Area. Here, I started with my family. From a young age, my daughter desired creative projects. This led me to search for artistic activities for her. Through this search, I rediscovered my own childhood love for beading, which my mother passed to me. In 2003, I opened a bead shop, Lily’s Beads, in Acton, MA with five friends. At Lily’s Beads, I was in charge of class development, teaching, and purchasing. Through my experiences with beading, I sharpened my jewelry-making skills and knowledge. After Lily’s Beads closed, I became a resident artist at Artspace Maynard. In 2014, fellow artists and I co-founded 6 Bridges Gallery in Maynard, MA. I continue to create and sell my jewelry at 6 Bridges Gallery, Artspace Maynard’s yearly Open Studios and Holiday Sale, as well as at various retail stores in the Greater Boston Area.
Has it been a smooth road?
Through my numerous artistic endeavors, I looked to find a new creative outlet that I could focus on. On this journey, one of the most important things for me was considering my own specific skill sets and creating goals that lined up with my skills. After pinpointing a goal, I worked to learn as much as possible about my niche. I continue to learn and to be inspired every day.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Lily’s Studio 117 story. Tell us more about the business.
I believe that the jewelry one wears is a statement of their individuality. Natural stones and freshwater pearls fascinate me with their color, texture, and luster. I strive to capture their beauty and to create simple, elegant pieces, both in design and in construction. Through fine craftsmanship, I express myself and connect with the wearers.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Growing up, I watched both of my parents handle hardships gracefully, working extremely hard and never giving up. Seeing their perseverance instilled a strong work ethic in me. I always remember and appreciate the example that they set for me.
Pricing:
- Everyday-Wear Jewelry, $40+
- One-of-a-Kind-Designs, $250+
Contact Info:
- Email: lilysstudio117@gmail.com
- Instagram: lilysstudio117
Image Credit:
Monica Chen
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