We were lucky to catch up with Lisa Novak recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa, 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?
That’s a great question. Creativity has always been my outlet—it’s how I heal, cope with stress, and express myself. I’ve always found joy in bringing beautiful things to life.
My journey as an artist began at the age of twelve when I discovered my love for photography. During a road trip to Washington with my mom, she handed me a disposable camera, and everything just clicked! That passion shaped my artistic vision and eventually led me to pressed flower jewelry in 2011. Later that same year, after the sudden and heartbreaking loss of my sister, I created my first custom memorial pieces for myself and my family. That deeply personal experience inspired me to help others preserve their most cherished memories by creating jewelry that keeps their loved ones close to their hearts.
Recently, I’ve also started creating memorial pet keepsakes, incorporating fur or ashes with crushed gemstones or mica powder to honor and remember beloved companions.
At Passion of Light, I specialize in custom memorial and bridal keepsakes, as well as elegant designs inspired by the miraculous beauty of nature. My passion for photography continues to thrive, and I’m excited to soon offer my fine art photography for sale on my website.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At Passion of Light, I create elegant, handmade jewelry using real flowers, crushed gemstones, and professional-grade resin. My work is deeply inspired by the beauty of nature and the emotions tied to life’s most precious moments. I specialize in custom memorial and bridal keepsakes, as well as timeless designs that honor the miraculous beauty of the world around us.
My journey as an artist began at the age of twelve with a love for photography, which taught me to see the world through a creative lens. That passion eventually led me to discover pressed flower jewelry in 2011. Later that same year, after the sudden loss of my sister, I created my first custom memorial pieces for myself and my family. That deeply personal experience shaped the heart of my work: helping others preserve their most cherished memories in meaningful, wearable keepsakes.
Each piece I create is meticulously crafted with the utmost care. I use 14K gold-filled and 925 sterling silver materials for lasting quality, as well as 24K gold leaf to symbolize the warm, golden light of the sun. My jewelry not only celebrates nature’s elegance but also serves as a heartfelt way to carry the memory of loved ones or the joy of a special occasion.
Recently, I’ve expanded my work to include memorial pet keepsakes, incorporating fur or ashes with crushed gemstones or mica powder to honor the bonds we share with our beloved companions. I’m also thrilled to announce that I’m working on a few new collections. A celestial-inspired collection, Celestial Dreams, which features moons, stars, and crushed gemstones, dazzling mica powder paired with real flowers. I’m looking forward to releasing my new collections on my website soon so be sure to join the Passion of Light family on my website.
For me, this is more than a business—it’s a way to connect with others on a deeply personal level. Knowing that something I create can bring comfort, joy, or beauty into someone’s life is what makes this work so meaningful.
I invite you to explore my work on my website, join the Passion of Light family, and follow along as I continue to grow and share my love of art and nature with the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Believing in myself and not being too hard on myself:
One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is to believe in myself and to give myself grace. Everyone makes mistakes, and I’ve come to see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Instead of dwelling on missteps, I now treat them as lessons that help me move forward.
Staying present and trusting the journey:
Early on, I often found myself wishing I was already at the finish line—where I wanted to be. That mindset made it hard to appreciate the present moment. Everything takes time, and it’s so important to be gentle with yourself along the way. Set goals, step out of your comfort zone, and try new things—but also allow yourself to enjoy where you are right now. Positivity is a skill you can cultivate, and it makes all the difference.
Prioritizing self-care and balance:
It’s easy to get so focused on building your business and creating that you forget to take care of yourself. I’ve learned that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, going to see a movie, or painting just for fun, taking time to recharge prevents burnout and keeps your passion alive.
Advice for others: Believe in yourself, embrace the journey, and don’t forget to take care of your well-being along the way. Success is built not just on hard work, but on balance and resilience.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always open to meaningful collaborations and partnerships! I would love to connect with wedding planners, florists, or event coordinators who work with clients celebrating weddings or other special occasions. Together, we can offer beautiful, custom keepsakes for brides, bridesmaids, flower girls, adding an elegant and personal touch to their special day.
I also welcome partnerships with churches, funeral homes, or others who wish to provide memorial keepsakes for families as a heartfelt way to honor and remember their loved ones.
Additionally, boutique owners and shop managers are welcome to reach out if you’d like to feature my handmade jewelry in your store. My pieces would be a perfect addition for shops that value unique, nature-inspired designs and meaningful craftsmanship.
If you’re interested in collaborating, you can reach out to me via my website at passionoflight.art and I’d be delighted to discuss how we can work together to create something truly special for your clients or customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://passionoflight.art
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/passionoflight/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/lisa.passionoflight
- Other: My secondary website is on Etsy which I have been on since 2011. passionoflight.etsy.com
For questions or collaborations you can contact me through my website at passionoflight.art
Image Credits
1st Image – Michael Novak
2-9 Images – Lisa Novak
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
