Hidden Gems: Meet Rhiannon Belcher of New Lee Made LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhiannon Belcher.

Hi Rhiannon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
New Lee Made started as something really simple and meaningful to me — creating handmade pieces alongside my grandmother. We’ve always bonded over crafting, and what began as making items for fun quickly turned into something more when people started asking to buy what we were creating.

At the same time, I was building my career in accounting, so I naturally stepped into the business side — handling logistics, operations, and figuring out how to actually turn our creativity into something sustainable. That’s when New Lee Made really began to grow from a hobby into a small business.

Over time, we expanded beyond just handmade items into a full brand offering gifts, accessories, and curated pieces that feel personal and intentional. I started doing pop-up events, building an online presence, and connecting with the local community, which helped us grow a loyal customer base.

There have definitely been challenges along the way — from navigating the realities of running a business to unexpected setbacks — but each step has pushed me to learn, adapt, and keep going.

Today, New Lee Made represents more than just products. It’s a blend of creativity, family, and growth — and I’m continuing to build it into something that not only reflects where we started, but where we’re going.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — and I think that’s the reality for most small businesses, even if it doesn’t always look that way from the outside.

In the early stages, it was a lot of trial and error — figuring out pricing, inventory, what customers actually wanted, and how to balance running a business alongside a full-time career in accounting. There’s a huge learning curve that comes with turning something creative into something sustainable.

One of the biggest challenges recently was the sudden closure of the Painted Tree location where I had a booth. It was a really tough situation — the closure came unexpectedly, and I wasn’t paid out for sales made leading up to it. On top of that, some of my booth furniture and products were taken during the shutdown, which was incredibly disheartening.

That moment could have easily set me back, but instead it forced me to pivot quickly. I shifted my focus back to online sales, pop-up events, and building stronger direct relationships with my customers. In a way, it reminded me why I started New Lee Made in the first place — and pushed me to rebuild in a way that I have more control over.

Challenges like that are hard, but they’ve also made me more resilient, more strategic, and more committed to growing something that lasts.

As you know, we’re big fans of New Lee Made LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
New Lee Made has grown into an upscale boutique known for its signature pink aesthetic, curated collections, and deep-rooted connection to the community. What began with handmade pieces has evolved into a full lifestyle brand offering clothing, jewelry, accessories, candles, and giftable items — all thoughtfully selected to feel elevated, feminine, and effortlessly styled.

The pink theme has become a defining part of the brand’s identity. It’s more than a visual — it represents a sense of confidence, softness, and intentional femininity that carries through everything we do. From our merchandising to our packaging and pop-up experiences, there’s a distinct look and feeling that customers immediately recognize and associate with New Lee Made.

Equally important is our commitment to giving back. Community isn’t just a part of the brand — it’s a driving force behind it. Whether it’s supporting local events, collaborating with other small businesses, or creating opportunities to reinvest into the same community that supports us, I’ve always been intentional about making sure New Lee Made has impact beyond retail. That connection has been key to our growth and the relationships we’ve built along the way.

I’m especially proud of how recognizable the brand has become and the level of trust we’ve built with our customers. New Lee Made has become a go-to for elevated everyday pieces and meaningful gifts — not just because of the products, but because of the experience and consistency behind them.

At its core, the brand is about more than what we sell. It’s about creating something that feels thoughtful, empowering, and rooted in both style and community — something people genuinely want to be a part of.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One thing that surprises people is that my background is actually in accounting — and I don’t fit the typical stereotype. I’m very social, I love being around people, and I genuinely enjoy the face-to-face interactions that come with pop-ups and running a boutique. Most people assume I’m creative first, but there’s a strong analytical side behind everything I do.

I’m also extremely hands-on with the business. From curating clothing and sourcing products to setting up pop-ups and packaging orders, I’m involved in every detail. What people see as a polished, elevated brand is still very much built day-to-day by me.

That combination — being both structured and people-driven — is something I think people don’t expect, but it’s also what makes New Lee Made what it is.

Pricing:

• Clothing: typically ranges from $30–$60
• Jewelry & accessories: typically ranges from $15–$35
• Candles & giftable items: typically ranges from $18–$30
• Curated gift sets: pricing varies based on customization

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.newleemade.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newleemade2025/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573530474953