Our Story
handmade earrings and hair accessories rooted and inspired by love
When I was a child, most kids played with Barbies© or Hot Wheels©. Nope! Not me. I spent my spare time crawdad fishing, Go-Kart riding, and playing with my brother and the infamous Hilltop Lane crew. Many afternoons and evenings, though, I maintained a hectic entrepreneurial lifestyle at the ripe old age of 5.
My entrepreneurial spirit began on a glorious Christmas Day when Santa delivered the most beautiful gift I had ever seen - Fashion Plates©. I heard an angel’s chorus quietly singing in the background every time I created new outfits with embossed plates, white paper, and colored pencils. Creating fashion designs fed my soul and allowed me to express myself.
My parents were business owners, so I convinced my mom to teach me business essentials. Designing new outfits and jewelry became a passion of mine even though my fashion sense experienced numerous dark years, including glasses that I can’t believe I ever wore in public and DIY haircuts the night before school pictures.
As a former educator with over 20 years of experience, one might assume that I pretended to lead a classroom as a child. (I’m beyond thankful for my career in education and the many loving souls that crossed my path.) I chose to simulate a way to change the world in a different way - through fashion designs that encouraged self-expression. It was tough juggling my many entrepreneurial hats, including payroll, invoices, and HR-related concerns. Stuffed animals and Cabbage Patch Kids© were the employees, and we designed clothes and fashion accessories to sell. The Cabbage Patch Kids© began arguing at times over who was the better designer, but we always worked through differences. I reminded them that we celebrate others. Besides, who could feel grumpy around clothes and fashion accessories?
Childhood memories often flood my mind of friends that became family, a family that unconditionally loved me, a heart full of love, and a mind full of dreams and goals. I promised myself at age 7 that I would transform my dreams into reality someday. Well, guess what? Someday is now.
A few years ago, I embarked on one of life's greatest adventures - the self-discovery journey. Returning to my roots helped me rediscover myself and heal from traumatic adult experiences. Buried beneath the masks I hid behind, I reawakened a bright-eyed fearless soul with unfulfilled entreprenurial dreams that formed on Hilltop Lane. Feeling energized by the Hilltop Lane vibe, I allowed my creative heart to shine again by designing and creating earrings inspired by amazing people that feel like sunshine. With an invigorated soul, Hilltop Lane Boutique was officially born.
Life Lessons I Learned Over the Past Couple of Years
- Embrace childlike enthusiasm. Always!
- Unlearn.
- Shed the masks.
- Say goodbye to perfectionism.
- Worry less. Laugh More.
- Embrace moments.
- Ask for help.
- Authentically connect with others.
- Sparkle and shine!
- Earrings always fit even after eating an extra piece of cake on Thanksgiving or on a random Tuesday.
this is my mom, patsy (aka Nanny). she makes all the hair accessories and helps me with everything else. isn't she the cutest?
We’re on a mission to empower women through contemporary, yet timeless style that inspires and encourages self-expression.
We are so much more than handmade accessories. We are a community that celebrates diversity, cherishes moments, and shines our lights for all the world to see.
We can’t wait to share our unique accessories that celebrate inspiring women - aka YOU.
We're so happy you're here and are thankful to have each of you as a part of our Hilltop Lane family.
Let's sparkle and shine together Vibe Tribe.
Love,
Tracy