Today we’d like to introduce you to Jurate Luckaite
Hi Jurate, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My sister and I were lounging on the lanai in Hawaii, soaking in the breathtaking mountains and the ocean’s dazzling blue while brainstorming business ideas. Freshly escaped from the 9-to-5 grind, I was on a quest for the magic that attracted me to this beautiful paradise. My sister Violeta, visiting from Lithuania, was ready to shake things up with me. Both of us brimming with talent but stuck in the “meh” jobs, we decided it was high time to mix our passions into something fabulous! And voilà! Violeta Lucce was born—a fusion of fine art and haute couture!
The concept was simple yet profound: to craft exquisite pieces that tell a story, combining Violeta’s exceptional artistic talent and vision with my keen sense of fashion and design. As the sun began to set, painting the sky, we already knew… we are up to something big. We decided to leave everything behind and start a new chapter of our lives while promising each other to never give up, no matter how hard it might become and dive 100% into this new venture.
And the journey began, which was not without its challenges and disappointments, but with each step, we learned, grew, and persevered.
Together, we envisioned a brand that would not only showcase our artistic abilities but also bring a touch of elegance and creativity to the world of fashion. Our days were filled with sketching designs, experimenting with colors and textures, and finding inspiration in the beauty that surrounded us. The vibrant hues of the Hawaiian sunsets, the intricate patterns of the island flora, and the serene beauty of the ocean all played a role in shaping our unique style and collections.
My sister Violeta immersed herself in the art of silk painting, mastering various techniques and honing her skills, while I pursued my studies in fashion styling and design. Eventually, this collaboration led to the creation of our very first collection of silk shawls and resort wear. We started small, creating bespoke pieces that echoed the natural beauty we were immersed in.
Our venture became more than just a business; it was a celebration of the bond we shared as sisters, our love for creativity, and our commitment to living a life inspired by the world’s beauty.
Today, I feel immense pride in taking a leap of faith and persuading my sister to embark on this uncertain adventure with me, following my intuition and my heart. It was the best decision I could have made, even though the journey has had its challenges and moments when we both wanted to quit. Yet, we honored our commitment to never give up.
Thirteen years later, Violeta Lucce brand has graced global stages, from Prince Albert of Monaco Gala at the Museum Capitolini to renowned galleries and museums. Celebrities have also dazzled on the red carpet in Violeta Lucce gowns at the Venice International Film Festival. The brand has gained recognition in more than 400 prominent media outlets and television appearances. We have genuinely established a new realm in fashion by merging fine art with haute couture where each piece is a testament to artistry and elegance.
That journey that started with the first silk shawl collection has expanded into hand-painted bridal couture, art couture, luxurious resort wear. children’s couture, men’s accessories as well as extraordinary collection of masterpieces, where each work of art is one of a kind and an original painting that can also be displayed as an interior design detail on a specially hand-painted mannequin. Violeta Lucce also offers a collection of paintings beautifully framed for modern interiors. The artist can be commissioned to create a painting of your desire.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to success has been incredibly challenging. I believe that most people would have thrown in the towel long ago. For many years, we faced minimal sales coupled with significant expenses related to launching the business, marketing our products, gaining visibility, and showcasing our work to the world. It felt like every time we opened new doors, they were promptly closed in our faces, leaving us with a deep sense of disappointment.
However, we persevered, fueled by our unwavering belief in our vision and the passion that ignited our journey. Each challenge taught us valuable lessons, strengthening our resolve and refining our strategies. We connected with many mentors, discovering new paths and innovative approaches that gradually turned the tides in our favor.
As time passed, our persistence began to bear fruit. We celebrated small victories along the way, each one a testament to our hard work and dedication. Slowly but surely, our brand gained recognition, and our products started to resonate with a wider audience. The once-distant dream of success began to materialize, bringing with it a profound sense of accomplishment.
Looking back, we realize that every obstacle we faced was a stepping stone to where we are now. Our journey has been a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the belief that success is not merely a destination but a continuous journey of growth and learning. We are still growing and learning every day and that is the beauty of entrepreneurship, because you never stop and you just keep pushing the limits.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My sister Violeta was a natural born creative already painting at 5 years old. At the age of eleven, she was already attending the best art school in Lithuania and at age fifteen, she was admitted to the academy of fine art. Now she is a European master on silk and is known as one a of very few people in the world to create such masterpieces on silk.
For her, silk is not just a medium; it is a sacred practice where perfection is paramount. With every brushstroke, she transformed delicate fabric into breathtaking works of art, each piece telling a unique story. Her vibrant colors and intricate designs captivated the hearts of many art collectors and art lovers Violeta’s passion and dedication to her craft is evident in every creation, as she pours her soul into each masterpiece.
The artist is celebrated for infusing silk with feminine energy. Many of her artworks prominently showcase goddesses and women, highlighting the depth of their eyes and their inner beauty. Her paintings are a celebration of feminine energy, capturing the essence of strength, grace, and mystery that women embody. Violeta’s art invites viewers to explore the depths of the feminine spirit, encouraging reflection and admiration for the beauty and power that reside within.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
We lost our father at a very young age, which deeply impacted my sister. I was just two years old and too small to fully grasp the situation. My sister Violeta fell into a state of depression and became quite introverted. Our dad, who was a ship captain, passed away in Cuba, and I believe this experience shaped us into resilient individuals who learned to fight for our place in life. Without a father figure, our childhood was far from typical.
As we grew up, we cultivated our independence but in different ways. My sister, always the artist, often seemed to be “flying somewhere,” completely disconnected from reality. Our interests diverged significantly, and we didn’t particularly enjoy each other’s company. However, as time passed, we learned to appreciate our differences and support one another in our unique journeys. Violeta found solace in painting again, using her art to express emotions she couldn’t put into words. Her vibrant canvases became her voice, a way to communicate her dreams and fears without saying a word.
On the other hand, I was fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. My curiosity led me to explore and question everything around me, and I often found myself immersed in books and trying to understand my souls missio and the endless possibilities of manifestation.
Despite our contrasting interests, we shared a bond that was unbreakable, forged by the challenges we faced together. We learned to lean on each other, realizing that our individual strengths complemented one another. Violeta’s creativity inspired me to think outside the box, while my logical approach helped ground her artistic visions.
As we grew older, our relationship blossomed into a beautiful friendship and much later… a business together. We began to value the lessons our father’s absence had taught us, understanding that his spirit lived on in our resilience and determination. Through the ups and downs, we discovered that family is not just about being the same, but about embracing and cherishing the differences that make us unique.
The most captivating aspect is that our father’s spirit has guided us on our latest business journey. For the past year, I have been traveling on luxury cruise ships around the world, showcasing and selling Violeta Lucce art couture collections on board. Every time we sail past Cuba, I am filled with chills, sensing the powerful presence of my father’s spirit.
Pricing:
- Silk shawls: $400-$600
- Resort Wear: $600-$2000
- Art Couture: $3,000 – $8,000
- Paintings for interiors: $5,000 – $24,000
- Men’s accessories: $300 & up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.violetalucce.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violetalucce/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VioletaLucce
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jurateluckaite/
