Today we’d like to introduce you to Ladonna Lane

Hi Ladonna , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I began making jewelry in May 2012 after unexpectedly losing my job. Rather than sitting at home feeling sorry for myself, I decided to channel my energy into something creative. My sister, who was making jewelry at the time, taught me a few techniques—and look at me now!

Jewelry-making quickly became my passion. I love wearing my creations and having people ask where I got them, then proudly telling them, “I made it.” There’s no better feeling than hearing positive feedback from customers. Through Facebook, Instagram, and referrals, I’ve gained customers from around the world, including Germany, France, Spain, and the United States.

My ultimate goal is to expand my jewelry line and, one day, open boutiques in multiple states.

Every piece I create is wearable art, crafted with care and creativity.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The road has definitely had its challenges. As a jewelry designer, one of the biggest struggles has been finding new customers and building a consistent client base. With so many talented artists in the market, standing out and reaching the right audience requires constant effort and creativity.

Balancing social media marketing with creating jewelry and managing a full-time job has been another hurdle. Social media is such a powerful tool for connecting with customers, but it’s also time-consuming. Finding the time to promote my pieces, engage with followers, and grow my online presence has been tough while working full-time. But despite these challenges, I’m incredibly passionate about what I do. It’s the love for designing and seeing people wear my creations that keeps me pushing forward.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I’ve been a full-time HR professional for over 20 years, working across corporate environments, non-profits, and most recently, the theatre world for the past six years. My work involves ensuring that organizations are aligned with their people strategies, focusing on everything from recruitment and talent development to creating inclusive, equitable work cultures. I specialize in managing complex HR operations, coaching leaders, and implementing policies that promote employee engagement and well-being.

I’m most proud of my ability to foster environments where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to perform at their best. In every role, my focus has been to create sustainable systems that support diversity, equity, and inclusion—not just as buzzwords but as actionable goals.

What sets me apart is my adaptability across industries. Transitioning from corporate and non-profit sectors into the theatre world required me to learn quickly, especially in understanding the nuances of creative spaces and the unique challenges they face. My varied experiences have allowed me to bring fresh perspectives and tailor HR strategies to different organizational cultures.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?

Something surprising that many people might not know about me is that, in addition to my full-time career in HR, I’m also a jewelry designer. I started making jewelry back in 2012 after losing my job, and what began as a creative outlet turned into a true passion. Designing jewelry became my way of staying positive during a tough time, and it has since grown into a small business. It’s a completely different experience from the structure and strategy of HR, but in some ways, they complement each other.

Balancing a creative side hustle with a demanding HR role has its challenges, especially when it comes to finding time for both. But I love the diversity in my life—it keeps me grounded. In HR, I focus on developing people and creating systems that promote growth and inclusion. In jewelry design, I focus on beauty, creativity, and self-expression. Most people know me for my work in leadership, employee engagement, and building inclusive cultures, but few know how much I thrive in this artistic space as well.

I believe this balance of creativity and strategy gives me a unique perspective in both areas of my life. It’s an unusual combination, but it’s what makes me who I am!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eirabraceletsbar.com/
• Instagram: Eira_Bracelets_Bar
• Facebook: Eira Bracelets Bar

Image Credits

Model: Jacquline Corte
Photo of model: Juli Del Prete