As we enter a charming jewelry boutique just northeast of Dripping, a tiny pup runs past our feet and a few customers shuffle around, browsing and chatting. Up walks a woman, donning jeans and worn-in Birkenstocks with beautiful accessories to accompany them. It’s Jamie Pope, the owner and designer of Liz James Designs, who greets us with a huge smile, as if we were long-lost friends.
Years ago when Jamie was working as a dental hygienist, a recurring patient often prodded her with the question “When are you going to follow your dreams of making and selling your own jewelry?” That question is ultimately what pushed Jamie to open her company. Over twelve years ago, Jamie began Liz James Designs in one room, using what is now her storage closet to launch her business. She has since taken over most of the building.
“As a girl, I was shaped and influenced by my mother, sculptor and painter Rosie Sandifer, and her artistic talents and tenacious work ethic. Seeing her work around the world inspired me to explore the possibilities of my own natural talents. I am so humbled and grateful to see the same wonderful reactions to my designs be reminiscent to those my mother saw from her work,” says Jamie.
Sketching, building vision boards, try-ons, editing designs, and tweaking sizes are all done in-house, which is unique in the jewelry industry. “When we say ‘made by hand,’ we mean it,” she notes. Every piece of jewelry is handmade in studio by Jamie’s team and herself. They pride themselves in persevering until each piece is created to its very best.
“We want you to revel in the simple, easy grace of our pieces that flow with the momentum of life.”
Who is Liz James? “My middle name is Elizabeth and James is my childhood nickname. It simply made sense.” Jamie, her husband Vick, and two sons have been Dripping residents since 2004; they have seen the town evolve. They continue to love the laid-back atmosphere and active lifestyle that Dripping Springs has to offer.
Jamie shared with me the best kept secret in Dripping. “There is a hidden gem behind the Shell on 290, close to Mercer. They have the BEST fried chicken. You just go around back and there is a window to order!” We all cracked up because this was news to us. Sure enough, Krispy Krunchy Chicken is located behind the Shell gas station. The secret is out!
With the holidays approaching, I asked Jamie what makes the season special for her. “One of my favorite traditions is opening the store on Christmas Eve as a family. Admittedly, my family was not initially a fan of this, but through the years, it has become a special tradition. Vick makes Bloody Marys, and the store becomes filled with friends and last-minute shoppers.”
Whether you are attending a ball game or gala, Liz James Designs are the perfect pieces to adorn you. Jamie draws inspiration from women she meets, and she loves when people stop by the shop to visit.
You can find Liz James Designs at 4407 Bee Caves Road, Building 5, Suite 511, Austin, online at lizjames.com or on Instagram @lizjamesdesigns