From Loss to Legacy: The Story of Fleur de Garnet and The Lucky Rose
Sometimes, what starts as a small gesture becomes something far greater.
My best friend isn’t here in the way she used to be.
My mom. My muse. My biggest cheerleader. She’s moved on—not gone, just no longer in the flesh. Her presence is still very much with me, sometimes guiding me, sometimes nudging me in that unmistakable, helicopter-yet-laid-back way only she could. And though I can’t sit across from her anymore, sharing iced caramel lattes with a little whipped cream, her influence remains as vivid as ever.
Fleur de Garnet wasn’t planned. It wasn’t born from careful strategies or business plans. It came to life the way my mom inspired so many things—with love, with creativity, and at just the right moment.
At the heart of it all is The Lucky Rose.
The First Rose
It began as a simple pin. A rose. No name, no grand purpose, just something I created in a quiet moment to bring a little joy to my mom. She adored flowers, especially roses, and this one caught her heart in a way I hadn’t expected.
She pinned it to her coat with pride, wearing it everywhere as if it were her secret signature. When she noticed it had loosened slightly, she handed it back to me with the kind of trust only a mother can give. I fixed it for her, and when I returned it, her face lit up. She loved that rose—not just for what it was, but for what it represented.
After she moved on, I kept the rose on my dining room table. It became more than just a pin. It was a connection to her, a reflection of her joy, and a reminder that she was still with me in her own way.
A Magnetic Encounter on the Train
I was on my way to a union rally near City Hall, wearing my rose pinned to my coat. Everything was moving along smoothly.
That’s when I noticed her.
She was striking. Her short, gray hair framed her face in a way that reminded me of Annie Lennox from the Eurythmics—a mix of elegance and edge. Her features had the poise of Natalie Portman, and her bold red lipstick added just the right amount of drama. She stood tall, about six feet in heels, with an aura that was both commanding and approachable.
At first, it was just a glance. Our eyes met briefly, and I quickly looked away—New Yorkers don’t usually linger on eye contact. But when I glanced back, she was still looking at me, her expression curious and intrigued.
Moments later, she moved closer and stood in front of me, her eyes fixed on my rose. Without hesitation, she spoke: “I love your rose.”
I smiled. “Thank you,” I replied.
But she wasn’t finished. Her voice oozed admiration as she continued, “It’s so good. It’s handmade, right?”
“Yes,” I said confidently.
She closed her eyes briefly, as though savoring the thought, and then spoke again, “Whoever made that for you… it’s so good.”
The way she said it—emphasizing so good—made me pause. Her tone was filled with awe, as though she was moved by its beauty.
We continued talking as the train rolled along. I mentioned I was heading to City Hall, and as the train doors opened at a station, I realized I had meant to get off.
“Oh, I was looking for this stop,” I said, startled.
She smiled knowingly. “Don’t worry. You can get off at the next stop and take the train back one station.”
As the doors opened, the train I needed to take back pulled up in perfect sync, as if orchestrated by fate. Before I could even step off, she said with a warm, almost prophetic tone, “You’re a lucky girl. Today’s your lucky day.”
Her words hung in the air as I stepped onto the waiting train, her voice echoing in my mind.
Guidance from a Token Booth Attendant
After leaving the train, still thinking about the woman’s words and the ease of the day so far, I approached the token booth to ask for directions. The booth was tucked into the bustling station, its glass window reflecting the soft hum of movement around me.
Inside sat a woman with kind, alert eyes that immediately met mine. Her expression was calm but focused, the kind of presence that made you feel like you were speaking to someone who genuinely wanted to help.
“Excuse me, I’m trying to get to City Hall,” I said, unsure of my bearings.
Instead of giving a quick, dismissive answer or pointing vaguely in a direction, she leaned forward, listening carefully. After a moment, she smiled and waved me to wait. Without hesitation, she stepped out of the booth, a warmth in her demeanor that was rare and unexpected.
“Come on, I’ll show you,” she said, her voice steady but kind.
She walked with me partway up the stairs, pointing out the exact route I needed to take. She didn’t rush, didn’t brush me off, and for a moment, it felt as though the world had slowed down just enough for her to extend this simple kindness.
A Serendipitous Encounter at Starbucks
Before the rally, I stopped at Starbucks to grab a cup of hot water. I was ready to buy something by default—it’s just what you do, right? But that day, I asked for exactly what I wanted: a large cup of hot water. The barista handed it to me with no hesitation, no questions, just a smile and excellent service.
I made my own instant coffee right there. It was a small thing, but it felt like the day was aligning itself, one small moment of ease after another.
Meeting Jenny and Connection Through Laughter
At the rally, I met Jenny. We were both there as volunteers, and as we started talking, we discovered shared experiences with toxic workplaces. The conversation flowed easily, and we laughed, sharing stories that felt both heavy and light at the same time.
That connection stayed with me. Jenny would later become a coworker of mine at a luxury hotel, but on that day, we were just two people finding common ground.
The Lucky Rose Is Born
the lucky rose pin
That day stayed with me. Between the striking woman on the train, the barista’s kindness, my connection with Jenny, and the token booth lady’s help, it became clear that the rose wasn’t just a pin—it was a symbol.
It carried a kind of magnetism, sparking connection and kindness wherever it went.
It was then that the pin became The Lucky Rose. It wasn’t just a piece of jewelry anymore. It was a story. It was my connection to my mom, my muse, and the light she poured into my life.
The Lucky Rose became the first piece of Fleur de Garnet, marking the beginning of a legacy built on love, resilience, and connection.
Discover the elegance and meaning behind The Lucky Rose and other handcrafted pieces. Explore the Legacy Collection today and carry a symbol of love and resilience with you.
