Meet Olena Lysenko

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olena Lysenko. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Olena , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I’m not sure that I have found it entirely but I do feel closer to it than I ever have before. I will likely look back at my life and think, “oh yeah there is it was all along!” I’m in love with what I’m doing, that’s for sure. But I felt very lost for a long time, looking outside of myself for what I “should” be doing. I weaved in and out of industries, trying on every hat I came across.. I was really forcing things that didn’t fit for quite a while. I think it all turned around when I hit rock bottom- I found myself in a situation where I had to completely start over- job, home, friends- it was very hard but there was so much relief in that too. There is so much magic in the unknown. I got to ask myself some hard questions, feel big feelings, face my fears and ultimately set myself up to begin my road to jewelry. My jewelry career didn’t officially begin until about 4 or 5 years after that, but when I reminisce – that was the moment everything changed for me. I was finally unburdened enough to genuinely see the way to my purpose.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m an artist who loves to tell meaningful stories through different mediums- and gold and gemstones are my absolute favorite of those mediums. I have been running my art career under Olena Noëlle for quite a while and the evolution has spanned photography, oil painting, painted leather fashion (maybe you’ve seen my Tarot Jackets?), lino cut prints- I’m probably forgetting something else.. haha but over the last couple years I’ve been securely stationed at a jeweler’s bench and I can’t fathom ever leaving it behind.

I just re-launched my new website olenanoelle.com, and I’m so excited to share my newest jewelry pieces with everyone. Everything is made from recycled 14k gold, and conflict free stones. I use a combination of lab-grown and natural reclaimed diamonds and gem stones. I think there’s probably something there for everyone, charm necklaces, versatile flat back studs, rings, one of a kind pieces.. all inspired by empowering archetypes, natural elements, and a sprinkle of magic. With the year coming to a close, I’ll be re-opening custom appointments in January as well so if you’re in the market for an ethereal engagement ring, or a meaningful heirloom, head on over there and book your place on my waiting list!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. I would have to say #1 is self-education. Cultivate your hunger for knowledge. I have never grown so much as when I was neck deep in audio books, classes, podcasts- anything and everything that sparks interest. We’ve never had so much access to just about everything as we do now, and I think it’s a really fun way to foster your intuition and allow the universe to guide you toward your purpose.

2. Work ethic. If you’re going to do anything, just go ahead and do your best. Half hearted work doesn’t serve anyone and I’ve found that if I was feeling lackluster about it, it wasn’t the right opportunity for me to begin with. Trust your gut and and if it’s a yes, give it all you’ve got and watch the universe just totally open up for you.

3. This one is more of a practice and I don’t know if this is something that is just an artists way, but creativity. Making time and space for free play and thinking about things creatively as a meditation has been pretty big for me. I think it helps me widen the door for ideas to come through. It’s not always complicated, sometimes it’s a craft night where I make candles or a pottery class, sometimes I just sit and fiddle with my gem collection but it settles my heart and it makes a difference.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My mom has always supported the artist in me and that is the spark I think every kid needs to allow themselves to be who they are.

My dad taught me resilience, he always takes obstacles in stride and never sweats the small stuff. His motto is “Okay, the problem has already happened, now how do we proceed? Later we’ll consider what we could have done differently.” I owe a lot to that line of thinking!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.olenanoelle.com
• Instagram: @olenanoelle

Image Credits

Jessie Manos