As I mentioned in my profile, I’m a stage 3 breast cancer survivor.  During my two year battle of chemotherapy, radiation, and the anxieties of “will I live, or will I die,” I had plenty of time to take stock of my life.

I had been in a very male driven competitive industry prior to my getting ill.  As I became more and more healthy, I knew that I wanted my life to have more meaning when I completely recovered.  I wanted to spend the rest of my time doing only those things that give me joy, and in the process find a way to give joy to others.  Well, creating is what gives me the greatest joy.  I’m a quilter, a seamstress, an amateur interior decorator, and lover of all things French.  But what I truly love, love, love, is designing and creating jewelry.

Not only that, but due to the many conflicted feelings I experienced during my illness about my femininity, my beauty, my forever scarred and changed body, I also knew that I would find the greatest joy in helping all women to feel beautiful.  Thus, Lorraine’s Oo La La was born.

The name of my store has a very special meaning for me.  When my younger twin sisters were smaller, they were unable to pronounce my name, so they called me La La.  My father still calls me that to this day when I call him on the phone.  It brings back memories of being a carefree child, ready to take on the world and knowing that I could be or do anything when I grew up.  And, now, with the support of my incredible husband and my amazing friend Barbara, I get to return to those same feelings!

Then, there is my love of all things french.  And, when you add my love of glitter, class, and Parisian style … you have “Oo La La!”  I hope you can hear my french accent coming across the internet waves!

It is my hope that you will find joy, knowing that you have a great inner beauty, and that will shine more and more as you gain confidence in your outer beauty.  There isn’t a person on this planet who does not have beauty to give the world.  It is my small hope that you will allow me to help you feel the beauty you are meant to feel as you wear my creations.