Meet Nicole Lerner | Embroidery Artist

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

Hi Nicole, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
One of the affirmations that has really stuck with me comes from Radical Acceptance, and it’s incredibly simple: “This too.”

At first, it might not seem like much, but the more I sat with it, the more it resonated. To me, it’s a reminder that life is unpredictable—no matter how much we plan or prepare, we can’t control everything. There will always be surprises, and often, they aren’t the ones we were hoping for. Things will feel unfair, overwhelming, or even impossible at times. And in those moments, our instinct is often to resist—to push back, to get frustrated, to wish things were different.

But I’ve realized that resistance only adds more stress. It doesn’t change the situation; it just makes it harder to move through. “This too” is about acceptance. Not in a passive, “just deal with it” way, but in a way that encourages trust in myself. Trust that no matter what life throws at me, I have the ability to handle it. It’s about acknowledging that whatever is happening—whether it feels good, bad, or somewhere in between—is part of my experience now. It’s here. Instead of fighting it, I can meet it with a sense of openness and curiosity, asking, What can I learn from this? How can I grow through this?

That doesn’t mean I always get it right. I still get angry, sad, or resistant. I still catch myself wishing certain things weren’t happening. But when I notice that, I try to take a breath and remind myself—this too. This challenge, this uncertainty, this moment—it’s here. So instead of trying to force it away, I try to let it in, work with it, and trust that I will come out stronger on the other side.

Of course, this is way easier said than done. It’s something I have to practice, over and over again. But with time, I’ve realized that the more I embrace this mindset, the less fear I feel about the unknown. I don’t need to have all the answers. I don’t need to control everything. I just need to trust that, no matter what, I can handle whatever comes next. This too.

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.
I’m an embroidery artist specializing in custom, hand-stitched pieces that range from framed artwork to functional items like napkins, aprons, and clothing. Every piece is completely handmade—no machines involved—which lets me focus on intricate details and create truly one-of-a-kind designs tailored to each client.

My journey started with a love for sewing. I learned to sew during the summers in the attic of a Joann Fabrics, and thought I’d become a fashion designer. Life took me in a different direction, and after college, I found myself missing that creative outlet. I started embroidering denim jackets, adding patches and details just for fun. Eventually, I moved into framed embroidery, and the first piece I ever sold—a memorial butterfly for a friend—was when I realized just how meaningful embroidery could be. It wasn’t just about decoration; it was about storytelling, memory, and connection.

What sets my work apart is the trust my clients give me. Many come to me with an idea or a memory, but they let me bring it to life in my own way. I love turning their stories into something tangible—whether it’s a wedding portrait that becomes a family keepsake, a piece honoring a loved one, or a custom linen that adds a personal touch to their home. The fact that something I create can hold that kind of meaning for someone is what makes this work so special to me.

That said, running a creative business isn’t always easy. In the beginning, I would get discouraged during slow periods, forgetting how busy I had been just weeks before. But I’ve come to appreciate those moments as a chance to step back and create for myself. I recently finished a collection of 13 home and kitchen goods—something I never would have had time for if I was constantly booked with commissions.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to let go of perfectionism and trust the process. As a creative, it’s easy to tie so much of my identity and worth into the things I make. When I first started, I created purely for myself—there was no pressure, no expectations. Once I began taking commissions, I felt an enormous responsibility to make every piece flawless. But over time, I’ve realized that creativity isn’t about perfection; it’s about exploration, growth, and embracing the imperfections that make each piece unique.

I’ve had to remind myself time and again that creativity is a process. I learned to trust my instincts more with every project. I’ll tell myself, “I am human. I know what I’m doing. I have trust and faith in my work. No mistake here is permanent. I am not a machine!” Expecting perfection from the start is not only unrealistic, but it also creates unnecessary internal tension and robs me of the enjoyment of my craft.

At the end of the day, I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love. My goal isn’t just to create beautiful embroidery, but to make something that truly resonates with people—pieces that hold meaning, tell stories, and become cherished keepsakes for years to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend was visiting for a week, I’d want them to experience a mix of relaxation, great food, and a little adventure—nothing too packed or overwhelming, just a week that feels fun and effortless.

I am absolutely a big homebody at heart, so I’d want to start with a cozy welcome—maybe a slow morning at my place, coffee in hand, catching up before heading out for the day. I love thrifting and flea markets, so we’d definitely spend time hunting for unique finds. Depending on the day, that could mean Artists & Fleas in Venice or the Fairfax flea market, and if we stumble upon a closet sale, that’s a non-negotiable stop.

If they’re a beach person, we would do a Malibu day for sure. I used to love stopping at Malibu Country Kitchen before heading off to find a quiet little stretch of sand, and while that spot is gone now, the tradition still holds—I’d make sure we found a peaceful corner of the coast to relax.

Food and drinks are a big part of any good visit, and I have a few staples I always love returning to—Zinqué for really any meal of the day, Dudley Market for orange wine and something fresh, or Blossom for one of my favorite cozy meals. But one of the best parts of my life here is that my friends always seem to know about the coolest food events before I do, so I’d leave some space for spontaneity—maybe a farm-to-table dinner or an incredible farmers market find, thanks to my friend Chloe, who always has the best recommendations.

I’d also make sure there was time for a day at my parents’ house, just to slow things down—hanging by the pool, spending time with our animals, and just enjoying that kind of effortless, familiar comfort that makes a trip feel special.
At the end of the day, my ideal week with a friend isn’t about cramming in as many places as possible—it’s about finding those perfect little moments, whether that’s laughing over a drink, discovering a hidden thrift gem, or just sitting by the ocean without a plan.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are truly so many people who deserve endless credit in my journey. That said, I’d like to dedicate this to my best friend since kindergarten, Alexandra—though to me, she’s just Kiki.

We grew up just 10 minutes apart, and after college, we moved in together, sharing a home for seven years. Ever since Covid, we’ve both worked from home, sitting directly across from each other at a tiny dining room table—our monitors literally touching. Through all of it, she has been my biggest supporter, always cheering me on, whether in life, happiness, or my creative work.

Whenever I start to doubt myself, it’s like she can sense it from across the house. Before I can even say anything, she’s already there, reminding me why I started, pushing me forward, and making sure I don’t lose my footing. She’s also my unofficial “color coordinator”—when I’ve been staring at a piece for too long and start second-guessing everything, she steps in, helps me adjust my colors, picks out thread, and gets me back on track.

But beyond that, she’s just been my person—helping me with my business, listening to me talk through every idea and frustration, and even decorating my space (she’s an interior designer herself). Watching her build her own creative path has been just as inspiring for me, and I’m endlessly grateful for a friendship that has shaped so much of who I am.

At the end of the day, I know I’m lucky to have relationships that pull me close, push me to be better, and support me unconditionally—even when they don’t fully understand what I’m doing. Kiki has been that person for me in every way, and I couldn’t be more thankful for her.

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