This Sunday a jewelry store in the rough of East Williamsburg will be selling its last gems, so to speak. Lisa Levine Jewelry, located at 536 Metropolitan Avenue, is closing up shop after two years of selling designer necklaces, bracelets, pins and earrings. Levine’s flair for mixing animal elements like feathers and quills into her pieces landed her collections in fashion mags Elle, Lucky and Marie Claire, to name a few.
Now, having achieved success in one of the most fickle industries, Levine is going down a career path where success is not judged by celebrity clients and spreads in glossy magazines. In fact, nothing could be further from fashion than Lisa’s new endeavor, the healing arts. Having just received her Reiki Masters this year, Levine has opened Innerevolution, a space for healing, meditation and yoga at 97 Green Street in Greenpoint.
The dichotomy of Levine’s unique passions is partly what drew me to attend her store’s closing sale and party this past Wednesday. People came from all over the city to purchase pieces marked down from 35 percent to 75 percent off of their original price. This meant spending $100 instead of $300 in some cases, which is still way over my price range, but that didn’t stop most from grabbing what they could. As an incentive, Levine gave away free pieces to those who bought her jewelry and she served cheese and crackers, olives and sparkling water to those who may have been there more to look than to touch. The trio Los Canarios de Acapulcothem also provided music.
After the party, I got the chance to interview Levine via email about her store’s closing and her new career. She wrote candidly about the transition, which occurs officially this Sunday, September 28, as she closes her jewelry store’s doors for the last time.
Why are you closing your store and how long have you been at that location?
Exactly two years. I am closing the store and the business to pursue a career in the healing arts. Reiki and massage. I am also opening a space in Greenpoint that is a space for healing, meditation, yoga and creativity!
How did you meet the musicians who played at the party? They were great!
I met the trio Los Canarios de Acapulco about two years ago on the street outside of the store. I had been wanting to find Mariachi’s and then there they were, although they are not Mariachis.
How can you sum up your jewelry career?
I started making jewelry probably when I was about eight. I probably will always be making jewelry, it might just be the quantities that are changing.
What have been some highlights of your career?
I really enjoy meeting people. I have loved having the store and I do love designing. I can’t think of any particular moments.
How do you feel about closing your store?
I feel very happy and excited to be moving forward with other endeavors. And I also feel a little sad, just in that, it is an ending, and the end of a very full chapter of my life.
What are you doing with any leftover pieces of jewelry?
I think we will have a holiday sale around Christmas.
Are you finished with fashion?
I will continue to make jewelry but it will be more on the side and the healing work will be more of my focus. I am an artist and will definitely need to create. I think I will be doing more one-of-a-kind pieces. I think art and healing go hand in hand.
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