The Founders’ Vision
Kathy and Hannah French, the founders of Seelye Designs, have a shared passion for lost wax carving. This ancient technique, which involves creating intricate designs by carving into a wax model, has been a source of fascination for the duo. Their journey into lost wax carving began with a desire to learn and master the craft, but soon evolved into a mission to share their knowledge with others.
The Art of Lost Wax Carving
Lost wax carving is a labor-intensive process that requires patience, skill, and attention to detail. The process begins with creating a wax model of the desired design, which is then heated to melt the wax. The resulting cavity is then filled with a molten metal, such as bronze or copper, which is allowed to cool and solidify. The final product is a beautifully crafted piece of art, with intricate details and textures that are unique to the lost wax carving process. Key characteristics of lost wax carving: + Labor-intensive process + Requires patience, skill, and attention to detail + Unique textures and details + Can be used to create intricate designs
The Seelye Designs Experience
Seelye Designs offers a unique and immersive experience for those interested in lost wax carving. The founders’ passion and expertise shine through in every workshop and event, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the technique.
The Story Behind Seelye Designs
The name “Seelye” has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century. It is derived from the surname of a French-Canadian family, the Seelyes, who were known for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative spirit. The founders, Hannah and Kathy French, drew inspiration from this heritage when naming their company.
The Founders’ Vision
Hannah and Kathy French are two passionate designers who share a common goal: to create unique and functional pieces that bring people together. They met while studying at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and quickly discovered their shared love for design and problem-solving. After working together on various projects, they decided to take the leap and start their own business.
Key Principles
The Studio and Its Future
Seelye Designs will be located in Brooklyn, New York, and will open its doors in May 2024. The studio will feature a range of workspaces, including design studios, meeting rooms, and a showroom.
Kathy moved to New York to pursue her passion for fashion and to be closer to her daughter who was attending college there.
Hannah and Kathy’s Journey to Fashion
Hannah and Kathy’s paths crossed in New York City, where they both pursued their passion for fashion. Hannah had moved to the city to study fashion after attending the University of Colorado Boulder. She worked as a stylist and sales rep, honing her skills in the industry. Kathy, on the other hand, had a background in fashion, having owned and operated a clothing outlet. She had moved to New York to pursue her passion for fashion and to be closer to her daughter who was attending college there.
Hannah’s Experience in New York
Hannah’s experience in New York was marked by hard work and dedication. She worked tirelessly as a stylist and sales rep, building a strong network of contacts and clients. Her skills in fashion were put to the test as she navigated the fast-paced and competitive world of New York City’s fashion industry. Key skills Hannah developed during her time in New York: + Strong network of contacts and clients + Ability to work under pressure + Knowledge of fashion trends and styles
Kathy’s Background in Fashion
Kathy’s background in fashion was rooted in her experience as a business owner. She had owned and operated a clothing outlet, giving her a unique understanding of the fashion industry from a business perspective.
“It was like we had tapped into something special.”
The Early Days of Seelye Designs
Seelye Designs was founded by Hannah and Kathy Frenches, two passionate jewelry designers who had a vision to create a unique and personalized experience for their customers. The idea for the workshop was born out of their own experiences as jewelry enthusiasts, who had struggled to find a store that offered bespoke pieces that reflected their individual styles. The Frenches’ approach to jewelry design was centered around the idea of creating one-of-a-kind pieces that told a story. They drew inspiration from their own lives, interests, and passions, and incorporated these elements into their designs. The result was a collection of jewelry that was not only beautiful but also meaningful and personal.
The First Workshop
The first workshop was a huge success, selling out within an hour of being announced. The event was a testament to the Frenches’ ability to connect with their customers and create a sense of community. The workshop was designed to be an immersive experience, with attendees able to work with the Frenches to design and create their own unique pieces. The event was held in a beautiful, intimate setting, with plenty of space for attendees to move around and get creative.
However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the group shifted its focus to online content creation.
The Evolution of The Seelyes
The Seelyes’ journey began in 2018, when Hannah Seelye started hosting monthly pop-up workshops in various locations across New York City. These workshops were designed to bring people together and foster creativity through art-making.
She emphasizes the “do it yourself” aspect of her workshops, encouraging participants to take ownership of their creations.
The Art of Grassroots Marketing
Grassroots marketing is a powerful approach to promoting a brand or product. It involves engaging with customers directly, often through community-based initiatives and word-of-mouth referrals.
