Wednesday Wonder Woman: Lois D. Burnett

Lois D. Burnett is the creator of Hair Jewels by lolo™, jewelry for women’s hair.  The designs are meant to enhance a woman’s confidence, natural beauty, and individuality, as well as enrich self-expression. Inspired by and dedicated to the memory of Lois’s sister who lost her fight with breast cancer. 

The diagnosis, treatment, and loss of hair had a negative impact on her causing her to lose her self-esteem, but Lois was determined to help her regain her beautiful spirit by making little jewelry pieces for her scarves and wigs. 

“I told her she was strong just like a jewel.  No one or nothing could ever take that shine and sparkle away from her.  It belonged to her,” Lois says. “To know that I played a little part in bringing some light back to her life gave me such joy and continues to fill my heart.”

Hair Jewels by lolo are beautiful stones in vibrant colors set in sterling silver. Made with the highest quality workmanship by skilled craftsman with an eye to details, they have substance and meaning. They are the perfect keepsakes with heirloom quality that can be passed down to loved ones for generations to come. 

Hair Jewels by lolo™ proudly supports Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, and Lupus Foundation of America with donations and by giving a percentage of the sale of our pink, blue and purple jewels to these wonderful organizations. Learn more about this “gem” below.

Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes LoLo, LoLo?

LoLo: I think swag is about individuality. It’s what makes you unique and the reason you stand out from the crowd. Being true to yourself and controlling your own destiny, living by your vision and not being afraid to do you by stepping outside the box, or better yet, bypass the box altogether. That’s me.

Fancy: You first began creating jewelry for your sister who was battling cancer, but why was that your choice? Were you already creating accessories?

LoLo: Yes, it was my choice. I’ve loved the fashion industry for as long as I can remember. After seeing the impact the diagnosis, treatment, and loss of hair was having her.  I felt I needed to somehow help her re-gain her spirit and self-esteem. Even though she was fighting an awful foe, it was important for her to know that her diagnosis did not define who she was. I wanted her to feel pretty again, and the first thing that came to mind was jewels, how the sparkle and shine they have comes from within them just like with you and me. We have a sparkle and shine inside that belongs to us. Nothing can take it away unless we allow it. So, I began making jewelry pieces for her scarves and wigs. That’s how my hair jewels were begun.

Fancy: We know your sister was strong, but do you mind sharing a little more about her?

LoLo: She was funny and always got my jokes.  Although me and my other siblings were very capable, my sister kind of self-appointed herself to take care of the family business. She kept everyone abreast of what was going on in the family, community, etc.  She was the first one there for any situation and baked the best cakes and rolls. My brother tried to compete with her, but he was no match. She had three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her youngest son was 21-years old when she passed. He has Down syndrome.

Fancy: About how long does it take you to create a piece?

LoLo: From design conception to going through each stage to a finish product takes about two to two and a half months.

Fancy: I’ve heard that jewelry making requires a great deal of focus. Do you have a certain practice or routine that you do before or while working, for example some people burn incense?

LoLo: I don’t really have a specific routine. I prefer a quiet space, no distractions.  I like to concentrate and keep my mind focused on what I’m doing.

Fancy: How can readers purchase your jewelry? Do you vend at shows?

LoLo: Online at hairjewelsbylolo.com, and yes I do vend at shows.

Fancy: Partnering with organizations like Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta and Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a great idea. How did that get started?

LoLo: These organizations were a part of my vision from the start. All three have a special place in my heart. My hair jewels are not just jewelry for the hair, they have substance and meaning. Besides making donations, we give a percentage of the sale on each pink jewels (Susan G. Komen), blue jewels (Global Down Syndrome Foundation), and purple jewels (The Lupus Foundation) to help fight, prevent, and find cures for diseases that threaten to steal our joy. They represent women who have taken control and will not allow anything to dictate how they should live their lives.  We create memories as they are perfect keepsakes with heirloom quality that can be passed down to loved ones for generations to come.

Fancy: Where would you like to see Hair Jewels by loloâ„¢ in five years?

LoLo: To have achieved some of the goals I have set for myself and take Hair Jewels by lolo™ on a national level.  Moving forward, I’d like to see new ideas come to fruition by introducing new and exciting products.  I want to continue to learn and grow in a direction that is healthy and sustainable. Most importantly, I’d like to grow in the direction God has planned for me.   

Fancy: What do you like to do in your free time?

LoLo: Read, anytime I find a few extra minutes I read as much as I can to improve myself and my business. I watch a lot podcasts and webinars. It’s important to stay on top of any changes whether it’s with business, social media, etc.  You must always want to grow. I also do projects around the house like laying tiles, painting, etc.

Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?

LoLo: Yes, right now I have two bridal shows and two runway shows one in Atlanta and NYFW. I’m also working on collaborations with a New York designer, a celebrity and a couple of hairstylists.

Connect with LoLo below.

Website – http://www.hairjewelsbylolo.com

Instagram – @hairjewelsbylolo

Facebook – hairjewelsbylolo