Meet Melissa Dusenberry, a luxury brand Creative Director turned solopreneur. Melissa channeled her passion for jewelry to create her e-commerce community, All the Brilliants. Like so many of us these days, she is charting a new course professionally, while staying true to what she loves. All the Brilliants merges her love for jewelry as an art form with her desire to empower and connect women. Her mission echoes so much of what we at Le Wren hold dear--bringing beautiful and meaningful products to life while building a community of women who support each other through thick and thin. 

She recently introduced TalisWOMEN, a line of empowering and symbolic semi-precious gemstone jewelry. We are thrilled to be offering her gorgeous purple aventurine bracelet this holiday season as a special collaboration. Purple aventurine is known for its calming and comforting properties -- something we could all use more of during these unprecedented times. And, with each sale, Melissa donates to Gem Legacy, a 501(c)3 that supports education, vocational training, and local economies in East African mining communities.

 

Tell us about your vision for All the Brilliants.  How did it start? 

All The Brilliants is an e-commerce community of women who create thoughtfully designed jewelry. The cornerstones are celebrating and supporting women, gemstone education, and social impact.

I saw a real need for jewelry and gemstone education that is inclusive, engaging - and helps people understand value in a way that is not intimidating. Just like we know where our food comes from and who made our clothes, why not jewelry?

Beyond curating pieces for sale that are unlike anything else, my goal is to help people find responsible jewelry that truly reflects their values.

What about your TalisWOMEN line? 

Our ancient ancestors believed different gemstones were imbued with special properties, such as bringing protection, wisdom, or courage to the wearer.

People are familiar with the phrase "talisman". However, I believe in the power of women, so why not claim "talisWOMEN" for ourselves?

With this in mind, I've created attainable beaded TalisWOMEN that can reflect what we are manifesting. They are fun, customizable, and beautiful bracelets, rings, and (coming soon) necklaces.

 

 

 

 

What do you love about jewelry? 

As the world's first art form, so much of what we know about our ancient ancestors is revealed through jewelry. It was always a reflection of what is of meaning and value to them - and I believe it can be today. 

 

What does it mean to you to be a female founder? 

Women are amazing because we are "community". It's really quite something to be a solopreneur, yet not feel "solo" because I have the power of so many other female founders on my side and by my side. I believe we will rise together and make the world a better place for everyone.

From where and whom do you draw continuing inspiration? 

My curiosity for art, cultural history and science is pretty insatiable. With the Met Museum in my backyard and archaeology documentaries on YouTube, my inspiration source is (wonderfully) endless!

Melissa, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

What was your biggest learning from 2020? 

Honoring the “why” of what I am creating, no matter what. It has kept me focused on the long game, while being nimble with our current challenges. There are always creative possibilities, even in the darkest of times.

What are you most grateful for? 

My community of friends, family and fellow female founders.

What do you hope our clients feel when they wear their TalisWOMEN?

Empowered! It is my hope that TalisWOMEN will remind them of who they are and what they are made of.

 

Gift one of these brilliant beauties to a loved one this holiday season. And shop other Social Good gifts here to complete your gift box.