Today we’d like to introduce you to Lacie Loose.
Hi Lacie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2018, my family moved into new home and started building farmhouse-style signs for our own walls. Before long, we started making custom signs for others . We started selling them online and at craft fairs as a way to make a little extra money—especially since I was a stay-at-home mom to our three kids, all under the age of five.
Not long after, I began making glitter tumblers in my kitchen. One day it hit me—if I loved playing with glitter this much, maybe other people would too. I decided to test the idea by hosting parties in my mom’s kitchen. After just three parties, and glitter all over my mom’s kitchen we decided to look into opening a location. I was scared of failure but with the support of my husband Brian and faith we took a big leap (maybe more of a push) to open the shop downtown Belleville
In 2019, we opened our first storefront in Downtown Belleville. The original plan was to run the shop part-time to help pay for nursing school. But the business grew faster than I ever imagined. I ultimately turned down nursing school—and then, just two weeks later, COVID shut everything down.
Only three months into having our storefront, we were forced to temporarily close our doors and convert our basement into a makeshift workshop to keep up with custom orders. It was a huge obstacle so early in our journey, but we pushed through and found a way to keep going.
In April of 2023, we took another huge leap of faith and moved from our small shop on Main Street to our current location at 16 South Illinois Street, right by the Belleville fountain. That move was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made for our business. Over the past six years, our growth has been incredible.
Today, we offer a wide variety of creative parties—glitter tumbler making, painting, kids’ birthday parties, family events, office parties, tie-dye t-shirts, and more. If you can dream it, we can probably make it happen. We also have a full retail space filled with handmade items, a full women’s and kids boutique and Home Decor.
I would have never opened this store without faith and the support of my family. My husband is my rock—the one who pushes me off the ledge when I’m too nervous to jump.
I thank God for the incredible opportunity that is Sawdust & Glitter. I have to give God all the glory. Taking that leap of faith six years ago changed my life. There have been many ups and downs and obstacles along the way, but I’ve learned so much, grown in more ways than I imagined, and I have an incredible staff and support system.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all.
Owing a small business is like a roller coaster.
We opened our business just three months before COVID shut everything down. As a brand-new business, I had to completely reinvent how we operated right as I was finally getting into a smooth groove. Overnight, everything changed, and I had to find new ways to serve customers, stay creative, and keep the business alive.
Just when things began to feel steady again, we faced another major obstacle. After moving into our new shop, we were hit with yet another shutdown—this time not from a pandemic, but from road construction. The water company had to replace pipes, and all the streets around our location were shut down for nearly three months, one block in every direction. The hardest part? We had only been open in our new space for four weeks when we found out the roads would be closed.
Customers had a hard time getting to us, visibility dropped, and business slowed significantly. In many ways, it was even harder than COVID.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m most proud of starting this business from nothing. I had no background in business or art and honestly had no idea what I was doing at the beginning. I’ve had to learn everything along the way—and I’m still learning every day. I thank God for giving me the courage to start and for blessing me with a husband who supports me completely and helps make this dream possible.
Sawdust & Glitter started with a crazy idea, some glitter, and a whole lot of faith. What began as a small creative outlet has grown into a family-run business. My husband is our woodworker, we joke that it’s his second full time job. my kids help when they can, and it’s something we truly get to build together. That alone means the world to me.
What we do is all about creativity and connection. We specialize in hands-on DIY projects, custom designs, and creative parties for all ages—glitter tumblers, wood projects, kids’ parties, family events, office parties, and more. I love designing custom pieces and bringing ideas to life, and my creative brain is always dreaming up something new.
What truly sets us apart is the atmosphere. I love bringing people together and providing a space where they can create, relax, and just enjoy the moment. I’ve had people walk in after having a terrible day and tell me, by the end of their DIY project, that being here completely turned their day around. Knowing that my shop brings joy—to kids, families, and adults—is what I’m most proud of.
Sawdust & Glitter isn’t just a business to me. It’s a place filled with creativity, family, faith, and joy—and I’m incredibly grateful to be able to share that with our community.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Belleville is the beauty of Main Street. Being able to look out my door and see the historic fountain every day never gets old. Main Street has so much character—you can shop, grab a great meal, and always find something fun to do. There are constantly events happening, which makes it feel alive and welcoming.
We’re not just a one-stop street—we’re a destination. People can come downtown and make an entire day out of it, and that’s something really special.
The biggest challenge, without a doubt, is parking. It’s the number one complaint I hear from customers. While downtown has so much to offer, better parking options would make it even easier for people to visit, shop, and enjoy everything Main Street has to offer.
Pricing:
- Our DIY projects range from $30-$85
- Party packages start at $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sawdustnglitter1.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawdust.n.glitter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D1pTaqnie/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sawdust.n.glitter
