Today we’d like to introduce you to Lea Merriwether.
Lea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Meet the Maker Behind September Moon 74
September Moon 74 was born during COVID-19, on a sleepless night when I discovered pour painting and fell in love with its color, movement, and freedom. It reminded me of my life: colorful, imperfect, unpredictable, and beautiful.
I began making handmade coaster sets and washable face masks when masks were difficult to find. After sharing my creations online, friends and family helped spread the word, and a custom coaster request marked the beginning of September Moon 74.
Before moving from Atlanta to Houston, I visited local holiday markets and vendor events while seeing family. These experiences helped me build my customer base, connect with other makers, discover opportunities, and learn what customers loved about my work.
My love for creating began long before my business. My mother was an avid crafter, and I grew up watching her create and making things alongside her. Those early experiences continue to inspire my work.
I have no formal design training. I’m proudly educated by YouTube University, trial and error, and plenty of trying again!
Today, I create one-of-a-kind handmade real natural stone jewelry, resin art, tumblers and home décor. All of my creations are inspired by color, texture, emotion, worldly influences, or whatever sparks my imagination.
I don’t believe everything has to match or follow a formula to be beautiful. I create pieces with their own personalities because the people who choose them have personalities of their own.
When you choose one of my creations, you’re supporting a journey that began with my mother, grew through COVID, coaster sets, and holiday markets, traveled from Atlanta to Houston, and continues with every piece I make.
Most importantly, you’re choosing something that wasn’t mass-produced or made for everyone.
You’re choosing the piece that was waiting just for you.
September Moon 74
One-of-a-kind creations
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of my biggest challenges has been finding enough time to create while working a full-time job and raising a family. I’ve had to learn how to balance everyday responsibilities with building and growing a small business.
I’ve also had to work through not having the ideal workspace or enough funds to create everything I envisioned. Those limitations were frustrating, but they also challenged me to be resourceful, patient, and creative with what I had available.
Over time, I realized that setting clear goals was essential to achieving what I wanted. I also learned not to let a failed plan stop me. Instead, I chose to view each setback as a redirection toward a new path!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create one-of-a-kind jewelry from ethically sourced real natural stones, specializing in handcrafted bracelets and necklaces that highlight the natural beauty and individuality of every stone.
I’m known for selecting stones with distinctive color, texture, movement, markings, and character, then designing each piece around what makes that stone special. No two stones are exactly alike, so no two September Moon 74 pieces are exactly alike.
What I’m most proud of is creating jewelry that feels personal, intentional, and impossible to duplicate. From the first stone selection to the final finish, I focus on thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and details that allow each piece to stand on its own.
What sets September Moon 74 apart is that I don’t try to make natural stones look uniform or mass-produced. I let the stone lead the design, preserving its unique character while pairing it with a refined, wearable style.
I’m not interested in creating jewelry that disappears into the crowd.
I create distinctive pieces for those who want their jewelry to be the main character!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I love all aspects of the Beach! I love books about real natural stones, especially ones that explore their meanings, properties, origins, and history. I’m fascinated by learning the story behind each stone. When it comes to podcasts, I’m a true-crime fan and love listening to Dateline. Give me gemstones, a good mystery, the beach and interesting story, and I’m hooked!
Pricing:
- Coaster set $48-65
- Real natural stone bracelets $30-175
- Necklaces $30-$275
- Resin art $28-$400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Shopseptembermoon.com
- Instagram: @septembermoon74
- Facebook: September Moon 74 llc
- Youtube: @leaalison1103
