At Unicorn Marketing Co., we’re lucky to collaborate with an inspiring community of creatives, driven entrepreneurs, heart-centered leaders and all-around amazing individuals. We’re excited to showcase these talented clients and their fantastic businesses. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce one of our wonderful clients, Lana Lepper, the founder and goldsmith behind the gorgeous brand, LanaBetty.

Meet Lana Lepper, the incredible goldsmith behind LanaBetty

What makes your work stand out from other jewelry designers?

I blend traditional goldsmithing techniques with cutting-edge 3D design, creating pieces that seamlessly merge the old with the new. Specializing in gold and silver, my designs bring together the precision of modern technology and the authenticity of time-honoured craftsmanship. Whether it’s a minimalist necklace or a bold statement ring, my jewelry is meant to be worn daily and treasured as a meaningful accessory for life’s special moments.

Each piece is crafted for those who appreciate quality, beauty, and versatility in their accessories. I place a strong emphasis on storytelling in my work, carefully choosing metals and gemstones that align with my values of integrity and sustainability. To me, jewelry isn’t just an accessory; it’s a personal expression and a future heirloom.

I’m honoured that my work has received recognition, including a nomination for Designer of the Year in the fashion category at the Western Living Designer of the Year awards. My pieces have also been showcased in prominent design shows like the Interior Design Show and Circle Craft Market, where they continue to captivate those who value small, local artisanship.

How do you integrate 3D design techniques with traditional goldsmithing methods in your work?

Integrating 3D design techniques with traditional goldsmithing methods allows me to bring both precision and artistry into each piece I create. The process begins with conceptualizing a design, often starting with hand sketches or ideas that capture the essence of what I want to create. From there, I turn to 3D design software to refine the details and experiment with elements like shape, scale, and texture. This digital process provides an incredible level of accuracy and flexibility, enabling me to visualize the final piece and make adjustments before it goes into production.

Once the 3D model is perfected, I can move on to the traditional aspects of goldsmithing, such as casting, filing, and polishing the piece by hand. This is where the craftsmanship and tactile skill come into play. I bring my knowledge of time-honored techniques to ensure the quality and integrity of each piece. By blending both worlds, I can leverage the precision of 3D technology while still honoring the hands-on, artisanal process that gives my jewelry its unique character.

This combination allows me to push creative boundaries, achieving designs that may not be possible with traditional methods alone, while maintaining the authenticity and craftsmanship that define my work. It’s about harnessing the strengths of both techniques to create pieces that are modern, yet timeless.

Can you share the inspiration behind some of your pieces?

My first design of the Mantra collection comes to mind. The mantra “Gentle” is a reminder to be kind to yourself and others, especially during moments when life feels overwhelming. In a world that often pushes us to move fast and accomplish more, this piece is inspired by the need to slow down, take a breath, and embrace softness. It encourages a sense of grace and patience, allowing space for growth without harsh self-judgment.

For me, “Gentle” is about recognizing that strength doesn’t always come from pushing harder—it can come from choosing to be compassionate with yourself, honouring your limits, and approaching life with a sense of calm. Whether it’s during a tough day at work, in relationships, or when you’re striving toward personal goals, this piece is designed to be a wearable reminder to practice self-care and gentleness in everything you do.

How do you stay connected with your community and reflect your brand values in your designs?

Staying connected with my community and reflecting my brand values in my designs are both essential to what I do. I love interacting with my customers, whether it’s through social media, pop-up events, or in-person shows like the Got Craft Market or the One of a Kind Show. These connections give me insight into what my people are drawn to and what stories they want to express through the jewelry they wear. It’s more than just selling pretty things—it’s about creating meaningful pieces that resonate with people’s lives. I want them to be able to pick up a piece and think about the story I’ve shared or the conversations we’ve had together and feel supported, even just a tiny bit, by me.

How do you balance your creativity with the demands of running a business?

Balancing creativity with the demands of running a business is both challenging and rewarding. For me, it’s about finding a rhythm that allows each side to thrive without overwhelming the other. Creativity is at the heart of everything I do, so I prioritize dedicated time for design and experimentation in the studio, where I can explore new ideas and techniques without distraction. This helps me stay connected to the craft and continuously evolve my work.

On the business side, organization and planning are key. I’ve developed routines and systems to handle the administrative tasks efficiently—like managing inventory, fulfilling orders, and engaging with customers—so these aspects don’t take away from my creative energy. I also lean on technology to streamline processes, from using 3D design to optimizing production, which helps me stay focused on the artistry.

At the same time, I’ve learned that embracing the business side can be a creative process in itself. Marketing, storytelling, and curating customer experiences all require their own form of creativity. I try to view each challenge as an opportunity to innovate, whether that’s creating a new collection or developing a fresh way to engage with my audience.

Ultimately, the key is balance. I try to schedule time for both business and creativity, and I’m mindful about giving myself space to recharge, especially in the summer when things aren’t quite as chaotic as the winter, which is crucial for staying inspired and running my business sustainably.

How do you continue to grow and evolve your craft while maintaining a sustainable business model?

Growing and evolving my craft while maintaining a sustainable business model is a constant balancing act, but it’s something I’m deeply committed to. I prioritize continuous learning, always seeking out new techniques, tools, and technologies that enhance both my creativity and efficiency. For example, incorporating 3D design into my process allows me to push the boundaries of my work while maintaining precision and minimizing waste.

Sustainability is at the core of my business. I carefully source materials, opting for recycled metals and ethically sourced stones whenever possible. By using high-quality materials, my jewelry is designed to last, which aligns with my belief that jewelry should be an investment – not just in style, but in durability and meaning. I also focus on small-batch production to avoid excess inventory and waste, while maintaining close relationships with customers who value craftsmanship and sustainability.

Equally important is balancing my personal well-being with my business demands. Maintaining my fitness routine, carving out downtime, and spending time with my family helps me recharge and stay grounded. This balance is key to staying inspired and creative, allowing me to approach my craft with renewed energy. It’s this holistic approach that ensures I can sustain my business while continuing to grow, innovate, and build meaningful connections with my clients.

How can people find you?

Check out my Website: They can explore my collection, learn more about your process, and choose something that resonates with them. www.lanabetty.com

Follow my Instagram: My IG is a great place to follow for my latest designs, a peek behind-the-scenes, and a look at my creative process.

Subscribe to my Emails: Subscribing to my newsletter allows people to receive updates on new collections, exclusive offers, and insider news directly in their inbox.

Find me at Upcoming Events and Shows: People can meet me in person at the craft shows I attend, such as Circle Craft Market in Vancouver and the One of a Kind Show in Toronto. See all of my jewelry in person and try it on! I do custom stone settings for all the rings, you can watch the entire process!

Direct Messages: Send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook for inquiries, custom requests, or collaborations.

Thanks for joining us, Lana! We love your work!

Through her designs, Lana captures more than just beauty—she embeds stories, values, and a deep connection to her craft. From her early experiments with silversmithing to her seamless integration of 3D design, LanaBetty embodies a modern yet heartfelt approach to jewelry.

With her continued dedication to sustainability and community, Lana is set to create even more inspiring pieces that speak to the essence of individuality and craftsmanship. Explore her collections and discover the story behind each piece at LanaBetty.com or follow her journey on Instagram to stay connected with this vibrant Vancouver artist.

New around here? Hey, I’m Hope!

At Unicorn Marketing Co., I believe that authentic connections and creativity are at the heart of successful marketing. My goal is to help makers, small businesses and non profit organizations shine by building strategies that feel true to who you really are.

Explore more about Unicorn Marketing Co. on our blog, check out my podcast the Magic Hour for behind the scenes interviews with other entrepreneurs, or book a call to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.