Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizzie Selle.

Hi Lizzie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

For as long as I can remember, creativity has been my language. Whether through personal style, dance, or the rhythm of percussion, I’ve always found ways to express myself. My love for the arts was first ignited by my mother and grandmother—two women whose creativity and style left an imprint on me. That admiration soon blossomed into a deep passion for fashion, design, and art.

Yet, like many ambitious young women, I felt the pressure to excel academically. I pushed myself relentlessly, taking on rigorous coursework and striving for perfection. This drive led me to the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, where I followed a traditional business path. But something was missing. The creative spark that had once been my guiding force felt distant.

Then, I made a bold choice—I added a major in Apparel Design. That decision changed everything.

After graduation, my career took an unexpected yet beautifully winding path. I explored interior design, costume design, and visual merchandising before co-founding my own leisure and active apparel company, which I ran for four years. Growing up with a parent who was a small business owner, I had always been immersed in entrepreneurship, and that mindset became a natural part of my journey.

In 2019, everything shifted. A high-speed car accident left me with a traumatic brain injury, altering the course of my life in ways I never could have imagined. It was in my recovery that I found art, initially as a form of therapy, which sparked a new passion and eventually led me to a career change. When I moved from Minneapolis to Chicago with my husband in 2021, I embraced the challenge of launching my business in a new market. By 2023, I had taken another leap—opening my own studio and gallery in La Grange, Illinois.

Today, I am a full-time artist, curator, and art dealer, selling my work across Chicagoland while representing and mentoring other talented artists. My greatest passion is fostering a sense of community—helping art lovers discover pieces that speak to them and encouraging them to bring that expression into their most personal space: their home.

Looking back, I can see how every twist in my creative journey has led me to where I am today. What once felt like separate passions have come together to shape a deeply fulfilling career in art. I wake up every day excited for what’s ahead, knowing that this path—this creative, exhilarating, ever-evolving journey—is exactly where I’m meant to be.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

In 2019, my life changed in an instant. A high-speed car accident shattered the path I had carefully built, leaving me with a traumatic brain injury and chronic pain that would reshape my future in ways I never expected.

At the time, everything seemed to be falling into place. A year after a difficult divorce, I had found happiness in a new relationship. My career was thriving with a new role as senior apparel designer, I had just purchased a beautiful condo, and I was in the best shape of my life. That very day, I had even celebrated a fresh start by purchasing a brand-new car. But in a single moment, all of that progress came to a screeching halt. Instead of moving forward, it felt like I had been thrown 100 steps back.

Surviving the crash was a miracle, but the aftermath has stayed with me every day since. The most relentless reminder? Debilitating migraines that continue to dictate much of my life. For the first time in my life, I had no choice but to slow down, to prioritize my health—an impossible task for a Type A perfectionist in a high-pressure job. Recovery was slow, frustrating, and at times, disheartening.

Then, something unexpected happened. My now-husband gifted me a paint set and a class, a gesture that would change everything. Painting became more than just a creative outlet—it became a refuge, a way to quiet my nervous system and find peace in the chaos. Through color and movement, I discovered a language that allowed me to express the emotions I couldn’t put into words. What started as a personal escape soon became a passion I couldn’t ignore.

As I shared my work, something incredible unfolded. Friends and followers began commissioning pieces, encouraging me to take my art more seriously. Little by little, I realized that what once felt like the end of everything was actually the beginning of something entirely new. When I opened Lizzie Selle Studio & the West End Gallery in La Grange’s vibrant West End, it was a space dedicated to showcasing my work alongside the creations of other talented female artists.

Looking back, I see how life’s most unexpected detours can lead us exactly where we’re meant to be. The accident that once felt like my greatest setback ultimately became the catalyst for a life filled with creativity, connection, and purpose. Today, I create not just for myself, but for those who seek beauty, joy, and inspiration in the spaces they call home.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

Born from my personal journey through a traumatic brain injury and chronic pain, my abstract art tells stories of resilience, healing and the pursuit of joy amidst struggle. I’ve experienced firsthand the power of art to heal, inspire, and spark connection, and it’s my passion to bring that energy into my clients’ most cherished spaces—their homes.

I am known for creating bold, mixed-media art using acrylics, oil pastels, and texture pastes, working on everything from large canvases to framed works, stationery, and ornaments. I love pairing my modern artwork with carefully curated vintage and custom-made frames, sparing no detail to give each piece a timeless, heirloom quality. The contrast between modern abstraction and vintage craftsmanship, along with vibrant colors and textured layers, invites viewers to linger, embrace imperfection, and discover beauty in life’s unexpected moments.

One of my best-selling collections, Joyful Connections, embodies this philosophy. Featuring framed gestural paintings curated into personalized gallery walls, this collection is a celebration of movement, spontaneity, connection and harmony. Created entirely with a palette knife, these pieces are a signature of my work—an expression of freedom, where every sweep of color is an act of letting go. Drawing from my background in design, I thoughtfully arrange them into groupings in collaboration with my clients, each collection a unique reflection of my client’s personal style and space.

While my mother and grandmother may have inspired my passion for art, it was my father who inspired my approach to business. My father ran a successful business for 36 years, instilling in me the values of building authentic relationships and practicing radical hospitality—going above and beyond in ways that delight and surprise. To me, that means sending handwritten thank-you notes, collaborating with local businesses to surprise clients with floral arrangements during installations, and offering complementary personal in-home consultations. I take immense pride in leveraging the skills my father instilled in me in a new industry, making the experience of collecting art both approachable and enjoyable.

These values and my art are what sets me apart from others. I prioritize building community, establishing relationships and bridging connections between the art, local artists, and those who find joy in our work every day in their homes. My studio and gallery are where it starts, I envisioned something far from the traditional, often-intimidating gallery setting—I wanted a space that felt welcoming, warm, personal, and alive. Nestled in a cozy old apartment, the gallery feels more like a home than a showroom, inviting visitors to experience art in a warm, relaxed environment. As a mom to a three-year-old, I’ve even included creative activities to keep little ones engaged, ensuring that young families, like mine, feel welcome.

Beyond my studio, I offer complimentary in-home art consultations to help clients confidently choose pieces that resonate with their spaces. I also curate a mix of styles from various artists, ensuring that every collector can find a pieces that speaks to them. Nothing brings me greater pride than seeing shared creativity lead to success for all. What often begins with a single piece or room naturally evolves into a thoughtfully curated collection that transforms an entire home—an experience I’m honored and proud to be a part of.

Here’s what one of my amazing collectors had to say:

“We can’t say enough great things about Lizzie and her ability to make buying art approachable and enjoyable! After years of hesitation, we walked into one of her open houses and instantly fell in love with her work—leaving with five pieces. Lizzie even visited our home to help us find additional options that felt perfect for our space. Every day, we’re reminded of how happy we are with these additions and grateful to Lizzie for helping us connect with and support local artists!” – Kelley B, Western Springs

For me, art is more than what’s on the canvas—it’s about the stories, connections, and experiences it brings to life. And I’m so grateful to be creating, sharing, and building this incredible community, one joyful piece at a time.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?

Since moving to La Grange, a charming suburb in Chicago’s western suburbs, it has felt instantly like home, thanks to its incredible sense of community. With just 15,000 residents, it maintains a welcoming, small-town feel while offering easy access to Chicago—only 25 minutes away. Each neighboring suburb has its own quaint downtown, built around train stations, adding to the area’s charm and sense of connectedness.

One of the things I love most about La Grange and the surrounding suburbs is how people truly support small businesses. The sense of collaboration among local businesses is also inspiring—owners uplift and promote one another, creating a thriving, interconnected community. I also have a deep appreciation for the area’s architectural diversity—from stunning historic homes to custom-built new constructions, every street tells a unique story. My work allows me to step inside many of these spaces, where art becomes either the finishing touch or the starting point for an entire room’s design.

The local arts scene is growing, with more artists opening studios and galleries nearby. I believe this creative momentum will continue, making it even easier for families like mine to experience real art culture without always needing to head into the city.

If I had to name one downside, it would be the lack of outdoor recreational options compared to what I grew up with in Minnesota. I miss the lakes, hiking trails, and expansive parks that were such a big part of my childhood. However, I do appreciate the city’s dedication to maintaining wonderful parks for children and fostering a close-knit, family-friendly environment.

Ultimately, La Grange strikes the perfect balance—a vibrant, creative, and supportive community with easy access to the energy of Chicago. I’m grateful to call it home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lizziesellestudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzieselle_studio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizziesellestudio
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzieselle/

Image Credits

CS Photography