Ten Years Full-Time: A Love Letter to LanaBetty

Ten years ago, I never could have imagined writing this. Back then, I was terrified! Freshly laid off from the “dream job” I thought would define my future. I sobbed, I panicked, I questioned everything. But beneath the fear was something else: a spark ✨.

I had already been moonlighting as a jewelry designer, balancing spreadsheets by day and soldering silver by night. Losing my job pushed me to take the leap; to give my jewelry everything I had, even if it meant failure. 

That leap became LanaBetty. And somehow, ten years later, I’m still here. Stronger. Wiser. And just as fiercely in love with my craft as I was that first year.

Looking Back

The past decade has been the most intense, humbling, exhilarating journey of my life.

I’ve gone from my first holiday markets (powered by caffeine and stubborn determination) to showing at some of the biggest design shows in Canada (yeah, the One of a Kind Show). From simple geometric beginnings to collections rooted in story, symbolism, and deep meaning. From soldering on my kitchen table to running a full goldsmithing studio in the heart of Vancouver.

But what matters most? The people. You’ve celebrated birthdays, engagements, and everyday joys with jewelry I made with my own two hands. You’ve trusted me with talismans that carry your stories. And you’ve kept me going through all the ups and downs.

What I’ve Learned

Ten years as a full-time entrepreneur has taught me more than I could have ever planned for:

• Resilience matters. The only way forward is through.

• Community matters. None of this happens alone.

• Joy matters. The best designs come when I’m lit up with curiosity and wonder.

A Decade of Gratitude and a Giveaway

To celebrate ten years full-time, I wanted to do something bigger than myself. This milestone isn’t just mine, it belongs to every person who has cheered me on and to every small business owner who knows how hard, messy, and beautiful this journey can be.

That is why I have teamed up with nine other incredible female-led businesses to create a 10 Year Anniversary Giveaway. Together, we have curated over $1000 in prizes — a collection of handmade goods, art, skincare, food, and treasures that reflect the creativity, grit, and heart of women who dare to dream.

✨ Here’s who’s joining me:

Studio Eighteen
Contributing a pair of Flower Hoop Earrings and a matching Pin valued at $75. Kathy is a ceramic artist and designer originally from Sydney and now based in Vancouver. She creates modern and expressive porcelain jewelry and homeware inspired by architectural forms, tactile surfaces, and playful uses of colour.

Taste of the Okanagan
Contributing a gift set featuring Beer Blasted Jalapeño Jelly and four mini jars of their most-loved artisan spreads and salsas valued at $28. Founded by mother and daughter team Linda Murray and Kelly Hale, this family business celebrates the flavors of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley through handcrafted sauces, jellies, and condiments. Every jar tells a story of community, local farming, and culinary passion.

Claxton Grove
Contributing a Wild Rose Pressed Flower Art Print valued at $28. Claxton Grove is a collection of pressed flower art and botanical gifts that capture the timelessness of vintage specimens and the wonder of nature. Each piece, from jewelry to art prints to stained glass, celebrates the beauty and symbolism of flowers and offers heirloom treasures to cherish.

Somerset Moss
Contributing a Core Skincare Bundle valued at $165. Founded by Sam, Somerset Moss grew from her childhood in the English countryside, her love for botanicals, and her devotion to essential oils. Now based in British Columbia, Sam crafts clean and hard-working skincare designed to simplify self-care while nourishing the skin and invigorating the senses.

Madera
Contributing a nature-inspired soy candle valued $45. Madera is rooted in the scents of the Pacific Northwest. Their soy candles and space mists capture the wild magic of places where land meets sea. Warm, earthy, and herbaceous fragrances bring you closer to nature whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.

Mameyo Goods
Contributing a handcrafted leather carrying pouch valued $85. Founded by Maxine, Mameyo Goods is a small batch leather brand inspired by modern art and design. Each bag and accessory is hand-stitched in her Vancouver studio using high-quality hides from Italy and North America. Minimal, durable, and timeless, her work is made to last a lifetime.

Flake’d Goods
Contributing two nutritious bags of their signature flavors, Vanilla Apricot and Chocolate Coconut Sea Salt. Valued $42. Samantha founded Flake’d to create positive food experiences for her two young boys. Every product is made with organic and nutrient-dense ingredients designed to energize, nourish, and delight. Her work proves that healthy eating can be joyful and delicious. No sed oils, no refined sugars, no additives. Just real, nourishing staples designed to keep you energized throughout your day.

Blazing Bombs
Contributing a $100 gift certificate. Meg transitioned from nursing to entrepreneurship, transforming her passion for candy and fruit inspired bath bombs into a thriving body care brand. From humble beginnings in her parents’ basement to her own studio, she now creates self-care products that spark joy, relaxation, and community.

LanaBetty
And from me, a Sterling Silver Three Charm Necklace valued at $320. Each charm is a symbol of intention, designed to be worn as a reminder of meaning, growth, and beauty. It is my way of saying thank you for ten years of support, encouragement, and love.

Each of these women inspires me — not just with the work they create, but with the courage it takes to show up every day and keep building something of their own.

What’s Next

If the first ten years were about proving to myself that I could build a business, the next chapter is about deepening the impact: more meaningful collections, more sustainable practices, more storytelling woven into every design. 

And I want to keep growing with you.

Whether you’ve been here since year one, or you just discovered me last week: thank you. Truly.

A Final Note

To anyone standing on the edge of a leap, wondering if you should chase the thing that scares and excites you most, I’ll repeat the words I wrote nine years ago: Just do it. Take the leap and never look back.

Ten years later, I can tell you: it’s worth it.

💛
Lana