Meet Brigette Lebel | Metalsmith & Jewelry Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brigette Lebel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brigette, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has always been a big part of who I am at my core. My dad taught me from a young age the importance of taking risks, trying, failing, and getting back up. He was an entrepreneur who took many risks over the course of his career, ultimately building 3 flourishing businesses to support myself and my siblings. This determination and fearlessness allowed him to reach great success, and is something I try to model each day.

My risk taking abilities are also apparent in the way I play. My siblings and I grew up embracing adrenaline driven sports like ski racing and dirt biking to name a few. I love the feeling of being right on the edge… It really has become my comfort zone and makes me feel alive!

This may have made the decision to start my own business a bit easier. It still felt like a big risk at the time, especially since I had little to no experience running a business. The life of an entrepreneur is by no means easy, it has been full of trials and tribulations. Despite this, I have tremendous gratitude for my courage to jump right in. I now have my dream business that has been deeply fulfilling. I get to make conscious decisions within my work to focus on things that are important to me. Everyday I get to live a life that is aligned with my values because I have created the space to do so!

I think about risk as the first necessary step in finding personal and professional success. This first step must be followed up with a lot of grit and perseverance but it’s the initial leap of faith that begins the journey of creating a life that you love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My goal in jewelry making is to create pieces that foster confidence, self-expression and a connection to the earth. My hope is that these pieces spark joy in my customers and everyone around them.

Countless hours and energy go into each and every piece of jewelry I create. I use all natural materials that are good for both humans and the environment. I am uncompromising in utilizing the most sustainable practices every step of the way. All of my materials and stones are purchased from ethical sources and small businesses if available. My shipping products are compostable, recyclable and never plastic.

Quality over quantity is something I deeply believe in. I want every piece to grow with their holder and last generations. In an effort to so I double check every jump ring and connection to ensure your pieces will last. In prioritizing quality, I have also had the great opportunity to create jewelry for individuals and families to wear on monumental occasions. I love working with clients such as brides, grooms, hopeful fiancés, and proud hunters in creating one of a kind pieces unique to their creative taste.

Over the years I have learned so much and am excited so fill you in on some of my secrets. First, don’t solder when hungry or tired. Go to bed and try again tomorrow! It’s okay if every piece is not perfect or if they don’t turn out exactly as imagined. It’s the little marks and imperfection that make my jewelry special and unique.

My story is especially individual in that my health has collided with my work. I have struggled with sleep issues throughout my life that have been misdiagnosed. My sleeplessness has affected my work life balance in a way that was often misunderstood. I now know I was desperately trying to force a life aligned with a perceived norm. Artistic endeavors have always been a healthy outlet for me and thankfully I have built a space where I can both express my creativity and work atypical hours that really wouldn’t be possible in a traditional 9-5 corporate environment. This business has allowed me to express myself and create art that helps other people feel confident. I feel so lucky to do what I do!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Bozeman has a ton of outdoor opportunity! Summer time is full of hiking, camping and dirt biking. We would definitely be spending the majority of our time outside. We would mix in a trip downtown to shop at Intrigue Ink, grab a coffee at Treeline and dinner at Sidewall Pizza.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentorship and community from Camp Clarity. This group course, designed by Diana Davis, created a space for me to find confidence in the business world. She believed deeply in debunking the myth of the starving artist, by highlighting how our talents and gifts were needed in the world and were worthy of compensation. Her program helped me recognize my limiting beliefs and provided tangible tips to overcome them. Through her guidance and this course, I learned how to build a heart centered business, focus on deep knowing, and to trust in myself and my goals. I am forever grateful for Diana’s guidance and the community of entrepreneurs within her circle.

I also want to give a shout out to my family and friends! They have been my biggest fans, providing unconditional support, enthusiasm, and promotion since day one. I am always blown away by the number of repeat customers I have from within my community and the web surrounding it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has chosen to support me.

Website: https://wildhare-metalworks.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildhare_metalworks/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brigette-lebel-8941b6154/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildharemetalworks

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildharemetalworks

Image Credits
Alyssa Wible (Alyssa Renee Made)

Wade Snider (Wade Snider Photography)