Today we’d like to introduce you to Ansley Highland.
Hi Ansley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Dora Mae Jewelry began as a heartfelt tribute to my grandmother, Dora Mae—a woman of immense creativity, despite having only a third-grade education. She was a poet, pianist, and seamstress who inspired beauty in everything she touched. After she passed, I transformed some of her vintage pieces into modern, wearable art. The emotional connection I felt wearing those reimagined heirlooms sparked something in me—and soon, others began reaching out, asking if I could do the same for their own treasured pieces. What started with a few ziplock bags of jewelry in my mailbox has grown into a thriving Orlando-based studio where we transform sentiment into style.
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?
Definitely not always smooth. Like many creatives, I wrestled with balancing artistic integrity and business demands. Repurposing heirlooms is an emotionally delicate process—you’re not just working with materials, but with memories. I’ve also personally walked through seasons of loss and transformation, including divorce, which deeply influenced how I view reinvention—not just of jewelry, but of self. These challenges have only deepened my empathy and creativity, making Dora Mae not just a brand, but a safe place for people to honor their stories.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We specialize in modern jewelry with a vintage soul—reimagining outdated or broken heirlooms into one-of-a-kind, deeply personal pieces. What sets Dora Mae apart is our intentionality: with each design we carefully consider each person’s unique style and story…and then we name them using a line in my grandmother’s poetry. Our clients don’t just leave with jewelry—they leave with wearable memories. I’m most proud of the way our work has become part of people’s healing, their celebrations, their legacies.
How do you think about happiness?
Creating with deep connection and meaning brings me joy. There’s something deeply fulfilling about helping someone transform a forgotten piece into something powerful and personal. I also find happiness in community—whether it’s a studio workshop filled with laughter and stories, or the quiet joy of watching someone’s face light up when they see their transformed piece for the first time. At its core, my happiness stems from connection—through art, memory, and shared humanity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.doramaejewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doramaejewelry/
Image Credits
Sadie Schrimsher
Instagram Handle – @sessions_with_sadie
