Meet Nathalie Lu | Fiber Artist & Handmade Home Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nathalie Lu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathalie, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

I try to remember these wise sayings taken from the Hebrew book of Proverbs. In my business, I find myself assuming I know what is best and then basing my emotions on that. But ultimately I understand that I do not know what is best, but I believe God does. I try to approach my work as an offering to God. Giving him my best, and trust that he will do something good with it, pleasing to him.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Home decor is with us in the most intimate of settings. It bears witness to it all. The most sacred, vulnerable, beautiful, and important of moments happen within the walls of our home. I think the pieces we let into our home matter. Their stories matter. Where did it come from? What materials were used? And oftentimes easily overlooked, who made it?

Fringe and Free uses exclusively natural materials and finishes. We also strive to source from our neighbors as often as possible. Currently, we work with a local blacksmith, potter, wood lather, and fiber stringer. These local collaborations bring joy and pride. I am humbled by what my neighbors can do with their hands and gifts, and when I see all of our work together, I realize what good commerce is. Commerce that is genuine, that goes right back into our community, makes beautiful pieces that beam with quality and craftsmanship, and leaves the customer and maker feeling excited and thankful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would be spending a lot of time in Bishop Arts and Grapevine.

In Bishop Arts, we would be sure to go to Mosaic Makers Collective, an amazing place to shop. Katy Sensenig Schilthuis has created a special place there. 100% of the products in this store come from woman-owned, Texas-based small businesses. She currently has over 70 makers represented there.

Then we would grab a juice at Tribal All Day (I forgot the name of the juice I like, but it’s a sweet and sour one). Then we would go to Oasis Plant Shop because I love living decor. Then go around the corner to Dirt, an inspirational floral shop that does amazing dried floral work. We would eat lunch at Enzo’s and get their gluten-free cheese pizza. If we wanted dessert, we would go to the Salty Donut (and get whatever gluten-free donut that have available that day), and if we wanted to drink our dessert instead, then we would grab a boba tea across the street at Craft Boba Tea (and order regular black tea with milk and boba, and half the sugar). Finally, we would check out Spinster Records’ current vinyl record selection.

We would visit Grapevine on a Saturday. We would start our morning at Redefined Coffee, my favorite coffee shop. While there, we would buy a Calyan Wax Co candle, or two, and check out which local makers they are supporting in their shop. Then we would go to Main Street Bistro and Bakery. I’m probably ordering the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. Then we will go across the street to the open-air Artisan Market around the Gazebo. I would get a few hand-crocheted stuffed animals from Sharon. I’d check out all the handmade jewelry, there is quite a selection, be sure to see Paul and Kelly’s work under the patio. Hannah makes all kinds of hand-sewn items. Her oven mitts are popular. And John makes amazing wood-turnings from unique hardwoods, and definitely buy a wood top spinner toy. And of course, check out the youngest kid (baby goat) under the patio and see what preserves and goat-milk soaps are available. I don’t think very many of these artisan makers are on social media, so you just have to know about them to shop from them.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to Kylee Kwiatkowski. From filling out official business paperwork together to sitting with me through my first market, I do not think I would be here if she did not believe and help me get here.

Website: https://fringeandfree.com/

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Image Credits
The Gadbury Co.