Ten Minutes with Lexi Lu Designer

It was inspiration that drove jewelry designer (and sisters!) Melissa Gayle Mastrolia and Allison Leigh Roden to create Lexi Lu. Lexi Lu is named after Allison’s baby girl Alexandra Luisa. A garnet charm—Alexandra’s birth stone—is attached to every hand-crafted Lexi Lu design. Lexi Lu creations are whimsical, feminine, and grounded in the arts (and all things beautiful). Melissa and Allison use semi-precious stones, filigrees, and shells in their dangly earrings and layered necklaces. The ladies are based in Charleston, South Carolina and their designs range in price from $45 – $300. The inspiration behind Lexi Lu goes beyond nature and vintage clothing; it’s the inspiration to move other women to embrace their own inner spirit.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day in your life.

Mastrolia: I have two daughters, so definitely running them all around to school and activities takes priority. As soon as I get a few moments to myself, I’ll make some calls, work on orders, and continue developing our newest designs.

Oligoville: When did you know that you just had to be a designer?

Mastrolia: Well, my sister and I have been creative all our lives. We are very different, so our style and strengths compliment one another. I suppose it became clear to us we neeeed to continue with jewelry design when we saw our pieces worn on TV for the first time. We realized that this could be something BIG.

Oligoville: What three things got you where you are today?

Mastrolia: We started creating jewelry in Charleston, South Carolina. The vibe down there is wonderful and whimsical. Charleston is big on supporting the arts, so it was easy to get started. Then when we received our first order from a beautiful downtown boutique, we gained confidence and began moving more quickly developing the business. Our biggest turning point was when American Idol star Katharine McPhee wore Lexi Lu during her performances. Jordin Sparks and Syesha Mercado are also fans of Lexi Lu. That opened many doors for us. We now do regular trunk show appearances at Henri Bendel, which is very exciting.

Oligoville: On a typical day, describe what you’re wearing and where you found it.

Mastrolia: Well, I am very plain and simple. A tee from J Crew or Banana with a pair of jeans and flip-flops is all I need. My sister, Alli is much more glamorous and always looks fabulous. She loves Anthropologie, which carries such feminine and pretty things.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

Mastrolia: Number one is the played out, “don’t give up!” However cliché it may be, it still rings true. You never know what is waiting for you, what door may open, or who you may meet to change it all.

Oligoville: What do you do to kick back, relax, and let loose?

Mastrolia: I love movies! They take you to another place and just reach you on so many emotional levels.

Oligoville: If you could dress any celebrity, who would it be and why?

Mastrolia: I adore the style of so many celebrities. To dress Reese Witherspoon would be so much fun. She’s flirty, classy, and always looks wonderful—my sis and I just love her.

Oligoville: If you were not a designer, what would you be?

Mastrolia: I would be an elementary school teacher. I love children and how they make me view life in a fresh and uncomplicated way.

Oligoville: What superpower would you like to have and why?

Mastrolia: Ooooh, I think to have the power to heal would be amazing. There is so much hurt in the world, so to be able to cure or ease a person’s pain would be the best thing I could do—especially for a loved one.

Oligoville: When did you last laugh out loud?

Mastrolia: That’s easy … this morning. Life is good.

With celebrities, glossy magazines, and real women embracing the gorgeous creations of Lexi Lu, I’d say life is good—real good.