39 | Education: University of Southern California; SMU; Gemological Institute of America | Company: L’Heritage Fine Jewelry
After 15 years in corporate America, Lauren Bellemare turned a love for antique jewelry into a thriving Dallas-based brand.
Blending classic European craftsmanship with modern design, L’Heritage Fine Jewelry focuses on heirloom-inspired pieces intended to be passed through generations.
“I love creating something that my daughter could one day take over,” she said.
Bellemare’s path to founding L’Heritage Fine Jewelry is rooted in her educational and professional training. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California, an MBA and a master’s in art administration from SMU, and a graduate gemologist certification from the Gemological Institute of America.
Bellemare has supported nonprofit organizations by donating pieces from her jewelry line and by serving for 15 years on the Cattle Baron’s Ball committee.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see something I’ve created help raise funds for causes that strengthen our community,” she said.
An alumna of Camp Mystic, Bellemare created a necklace to honor the camp that helped shape her life and assist victims of Kerr County’s catastrophic flooding.
“I want people to wear it close to their heart,” Bellemare said of the necklace. “And let it be a reminder that healing, like the sunrise, always comes.”
While hard work and dedication have been instrumental in growing her brand, Bellemare credits parenthood as the catalyst for changing her life path.
“Early in my career I imagined climbing the corporate ladder,” she said, “but becoming a mom shifted my perspective.”
What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?
My mom. She always led by example and showed me that being involved and giving back to your community is simply what you do.
What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?
Creating something meaningful that lasts. Whether it’s building a business or designing jewelry meant to become family heirlooms, I love creating something that my daughter could one day take over.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?
Not exactly. Earlier in my career I imagined climbing the corporate ladder, but becoming a mom shifted my perspective. My goal now is to build my own business and be self-employed by 40.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was as an intern at ReelFX, where I was often responsible for picking up food for the team. It taught me early on that no job is too small and that supporting the people around you is part of building something great.
Was there a “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career? If so, what was it?
I’ve always loved antique jewelry and European decorative arts like Essex crystals and enamel guilloché. While traveling, I started seeking out artisans who still practice these traditional techniques. That experience sparked the idea for L’Heritage — a way to combine craftsmanship, storytelling, and beautiful pieces designed to last for generations.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
Building L’Heritage Fine Jewelry from an idea into a growing brand. Seeing customers choose pieces to mark meaningful moments — and gaining recognition from clients like Mindy Kaling — has been incredibly rewarding.
Which leadership skills have been the most challenging for you to develop and why?
Learning to trust the process and allow ideas to evolve. When you care deeply about something you’ve built, it can be challenging to step back and let others contribute their perspectives.
What do you see is the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that Dallas continues to grow while maintaining strong community connections. I’d love to see more collaboration between local businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders to strengthen the city’s cultural and philanthropic impact.
If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you?
How to Catch a Gem starring Anne Hathaway.
What is your favorite local restaurant or shop?
Namo
What’s on your bucket list?
Mining my own gemstones and turning them into jewelry that tells the full story from earth to heirloom.
What do you have in mind for after 40?
Continuing to grow L’Heritage while expanding its philanthropic impact and mentorship for other women building businesses.
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