We recently connected with Lucy Parmenter and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lucy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I studied Apparel Design at Auburn University and always believed my life’s path would lead me to fashion. However, during Christmas break, I was offered a job as a sewer in a custom draperies workroom. That opportunity opened an entirely new world to me. Deanna Hollis, the owner of House Warmings Birmingham in Alabama, became a mentor who instilled in me a deep love and passion for custom interiors and finishing work.

After getting married, I moved to San Diego, still convinced that fashion was my next step. Yet, life had other plans. The only job that offered me an interview was at a workroom. At Irichka, I learned the art of diligence and perfection in sewing under the guidance of Irina Otto, the owner. Irina dedicated herself to refining my skills and teaching me the intricacies of running a workroom. My time there was invaluable, and I’ll always hold it close to my heart with gratitude.

Believing fashion was still my calling, I moved to Los Angeles to work for a brand. But for reasons I couldn’t foresee, that door closed quickly, leaving me uncertain about what was next. Out of the disappointment of a closed door, the reminder that I have a gift when it comes to sewing, and the encouragement from friends and family, Elizabeth Fields Designs was born.

The name, Elizabeth Fields Designs, honors my great-grandmother, Elizabeth Ham Fields (1916–1982), a remarkable woman who was the mother of my beloved Mimi. Elizabeth was a true “Jill of All Trades,” excelling in everything she tried—sewing children’s clothes, designing dresses, creating custom hats, reupholstering furniture, making slipcovers, and crafting beautiful ceramic pottery. She was the creative matriarch of our family and left a legacy of women who seek to create warm, welcoming homes.

I like to think I inherited even a fraction of her creativity and skill. After speaking with my Mimi, mom, and aunt, it felt most fitting to name my business in her honor. The greatest joy in life is using our gifts to bless and share with others—a lesson I’ve embraced from hearing stories about my great-grandmother’s life.

I started this business at 24, with my Mimi by my side, cheering me on. Sadly, we lost her this past August to pancreatic cancer. Though her absence is deeply felt, I’m committed to carrying forward her legacy and honoring the women who came before me by creating pieces that bring beauty and warmth to others’ lives.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Lucy Parmenter. I was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. My very first intro to sewing was through my churches craft camp called Created For A Purpose, where I learned to sew a pillowcase. Third grade me how no idea what that would end up leading to.

I studied Apparel Design & Production Management at Auburn University. There I learned how to sew on industrial machines and learned the technical side of how to work a machine. While in school I got a job over Christmas break to sew for a custom draperies workroom. This is where my journey to where I am now all began.

Elizabeth Fields Designs officially began this March. It is a baby company but one that hold so much passion and legacy. Its named after my great grandmother, Elizabeth Fields. I chose to name my business as such to honor my beloved Mimi and continue to share the name of her mother, Elizabeth Fields, whose legacy of elegance and skill have inspired every stitch.

I am currently 25 and by far one of the youngest in the custom workroom industry. Sewing has become a lost art that less and less are learning. It is something I am truly so passionate about and an ability I am so thankful I am gifted in. I offer custom bespoke pillows all sewn by me. Each custom pillow is crafted with care, designed to add a touch of comfort and beauty to your home. Whether you’re seeking a pop of color, a cozy accent, or a personalized statement piece, I would be honored to collaborate with you to bring your vision to life. I invite you to join me on this journey of creativity, heritage, and endless possibilities.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My business was born out of pivoting.
I assumed that fashion was the industry I was called to. Clothing is something I love and feel truly inspired by. I had a big break to go work for a brand that I had dreamed of working for. It had felt like everything in life had aligned and that this was what I had been made to do. My husband and I picked up our life in San Diego and moved to Los Angelous. 18 days later they called my into their office and let me go. The blow of being fired without fully knowing why was heavy. For 8 months I was in a fog and not sure what direction life was leading me into. For me I clung to my faith and trusted the Lord had a better plan. That better plan was taking a huge leap and starting my own business, Elizabeth Fields Designs. I am so thankful to now be back in San Diego and growing my business here.

Change is hard for anyone, and even though my business is young and there is for sure more pivoting to come, I can affirm that this is what I was made for. The journey to get here hasn’t come without sacrifice, but I encourage you to lean into change and believe the saying of “when one door closes, another door opens”.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Pop-ups!!!
For my business personally getting face-to-face contact with clients has been amazing. It gives you the opportunity to show off your product in person and also build relationship with those shopping. Relationships are key and there is nothing better than word of mouth connections. For me, in person event have been the best way to continue to expand my clientele and meet the most amazing people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elizabethfieldsdesigns.com/our-story
• Instagram: @elizabethfieldsdesigns

Image Credits

All photos were either taken by me or my good friend, Lindsey Pieris – owner of Coastal Interiors Seattel