A Meaning Behind Everything She Does

Lauren is a mom to Ethan and Coco, wife to Brian, jewelry designer, event specialist, personal chef and have you seen this woman, petite in stature, but talents galore! Lauren has always been passionate about real and raw creativity. She lives her life with meaning behind everything she does. She takes this motto and applies it to all her roles, from her family to her growing business of Serena Blake Jewels. (named after her children's middle names) What started out as creating jewelry for herself, Mother's Day three years ago, has grown to be a business with personal attention like no other.

When I started to write this blog, I made sure Lauren would let me feature her talents and expose her creations. Not only does she create these magnificent bracelets, but her efforts behind each piece is tremendously thought out. All her bracelets are made to order. She works with each individual one on one to create a special set that personally represents who they are and what they like - ensuring that your jewelry is one of a kind, just like you. She uses everything from semi-precious stones, ruby, pink opal, sapphire, coral, rose gold, sterling silver, pave diamonds and bone to exotic woods. My personal plug: her pieces are top-notch quality and she has superior workmanship. She's so willing to please, that if she doesn't have a material you want, she can specially order it for you. 

When she envisioned her business, it was a criteria to keep it personal. With the growth, she is happy to say - she stayed true to that vision. She does not mass produce or saturated her pieces throughout stores. In fact, you will unlikely find her jewels sold anywhere other than in her home. She enjoys working with her clients and has to feel proud about what the end results are for each person. She will work through endless sessions until you are pleased with your piece. For warned, I guarantee you, she is extremely intuitive and brilliant, you won't have to say much, she automatically "gets you". She works with all budgets and her processing time from start to finish typically takes 2 1/2 weeks. 

Have a friend in New York who wants to order? No problem! She works with many clients across the country over phone and email - she'll send pictures as a working progress - making sure everyone is on the same page. She has create gifts for bridal parties and graduations. Her bracelets are the perfect gesture for any age and occasion. She tailors to each individual and can help you create a gift or you can treat your special someone to have a personalized session with her. She is also available for private parties - now that, is a new and fun way to celebrate a special time with your girlfriends. 

Her talent doesn't end there, Lauren has an extensive background in food and cooking. Lauren's interest in food began when she spent her childhood at her grandparents' diner in Brooklyn, New York. She learned most of her cooking skills and appreciation for food from her mother. When she was at college in Arizona, she worked at a restaurant to supplement her life. She worked from the front of the house to the kitchen. She took that talent and became a personal chef for many years before she met her husband, Brian, who is also in the food business. Together, they live a healthy lifestyle by creating their family's food pyramid with organic foods and making good choices. Her advice for happy family eating is to expose your children to new and interesting foods. Also, make the food "special, in it's presentation and adding something for creativity."

A creator of all sorts, it's natural for Lauren to enjoy entertaining and with the exposure to the food industry and mastering the works behind the curtain, she's a pro at throwing a fabulous party. The picture above is a party she hosted last summer in her own backyard. Could of fooled me, it looks like a wedding! In Lauren's words, "occasions are for celebration, we have to enjoy life and celebrate what we have." 
She shared some her helpful party planning tips:

• Set a budget and stick to it. Things can get out of hand if you don't set a limit.
• Be resourceful when finding what you need. Also, know what you "need" and "want".
• Set a theme, it's easier to plan for food and decorations.
• If you are cooking, try new recipes. Lauren likes to cook for her guests and order some catering.
• Mix it up. Try new things with every new party.
• Invest on accessories you can carry on after the party; simple candle holders, vases...
• Make it personal. Send an invitation in the mail, it's something about holding an invitation in your hands.

She recently surprised her husband, Brian, with a yoga-themed Birthday party. Here is a picture of the dessert table - check out that buddha cake. Lauren admits "it's all about the cake at her parties - making sure each one is special and yummy."

 

Of all her roles, the most rewarding one is being a mother and wife. With all she does, it was important to stream that mentality of meaningful creation to her family. She's always had a vision of being that house with the doors open for her friends, swimming in the pool, enjoying all that life offers and sharing those memories together. The family shares a passion for swimming - it was one of their most loved activity. She finds swimming to be therapeutic. Another trait her family shares is laughter - being able to laugh at each other is a requirement. Traditionally in the summer, her husband and son, Ethan take an annual "Boys on the Road" trip. They seek out a destination city and drive across the country. Lauren and daughter, Coco then meet them at the end of the road trip. They have traveled to the East Coast, to New Orleans and it looks like Canada is on the radar this summer. 


From creating jewels, to planning a fabulous party, to swimming with her kids, all the many hats Lauren wears, she wears it well ensuring she does it with thought and integrity - a woman tapping into all the areas in her life with a meaningful touch, what's not to love about her?


If you are interest in Serena Blake Jewels, you may contact Lauren directly at: 312.617.8499 or email: laurendrosen@gmail.com


Cheeky Chicago recently featured Serena Blake Jewels, to read the full article click here.