One female-owned shop seeks to cultivate heart, art, and earth in Old Town Lafayette.

The Hearth Studio building located at 203 E. Simpson Street in Old Town Lafayette. (Photo provided by Rebecca Lefebvre)

Introducing The Hearth Studio, a brand new community gallery and boutique that’s focused on building community connections through the power of creative expression.

“Follow your giggles. Follow what makes you feel good. Don’t get buried in the details,” said Rebecca Lefebvre, owner of The Hearth Studio and a proud self-taught artist.

As Lafayette’s latest small business addition, the space was intentionally designed to provide a sense of gathering and features a sensory garden, journaling area, watercoloring zone, and couches to watch live paintings evolve in real-time.

“I wanted to showcase the art in a place that looked like a home,” said Lefevre. “My goal is to make fine art feel approachable because people can buy from people they know and feel connected to.”

Beyond art work, The Hearth Studio features candles, jewelry, blankets, and other creations from local Lafayette artisans. (Photos provided by Rebecca Lefebvre)

Look around the gallery space located on East Simpson Street and it would be shocking to think that painting wasn’t always a clear passion for Rebecca.

Her career began in public policy and she spent many years as a social worker before opening a communications company to help small businesses and non-profits. Another career pivot occurred in 2004 when Rebecca graduated from nursing school and started work in pediatrics, specifically caring for heart and head conditions in premature babies. Soon enough, this time spent in healthcare awakened a new business idea for Rebecca.

“I became very focused on self-awareness. I wanted to encourage self-reflection and gratitude in others too.”

That’s when Avec La Vie was born, a card business that features three distinct inspirational decks akin to tarot or oracle readings. The business caught attention online and was quickly selling enough to allow Rebecca to leave her role in healthcare in 2019.

Now able to spend more time at home with the family, Rebecca thought to pick up an old hobby of painting on scraps around the house and started posting her work to Instagram. These pieces caught the attention of another Lafayette resident, who encouraged Rebecca to turn this talent into a business.

We’re talking about Leslie Wing-Pomeroy, the vibrant owner of East Simpson Coffee Company, who saw Rebecca’s talent and invited her to present at an art show in April of 2022. By June of the same year, a space next to the cafe became available for lease and it was time to make The Hearth Studio a reality.

“This is a living testament, dreams can happen with hard work, friends, and decisive ambition. The Hearth is a culmination of decades of following my truth and learning to bravely jump into what feels right and good,” said Rebecca in an Instagram post documenting the journey.

Connect with earth, connect with yourself, and get creative at The Hearth Studio in Old Town Lafayette. (Photos provided by Rebecca Lefebvre)

So what’s to come for this artists haven? Porch painting sessions, writing classes, and fresh cut flowers are all projects on the horizon for The Hearth Studio. Right now is a time for cultivating community and becoming a judgement-free zone.

“I hope when people walk into my space that they feel better about themselves and their place in the world.”

Join the Lafayette Chamber and The Hearth Studio for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 23rd at 4:30 pm in Old Town Lafayette or stop by during regular business hours Tues-Sat from 10am – 4pm.