At first glance, Be Lulu Strong might look like a gorgeous collection of art and accessories — floral portraits, silk scarves, journals, handbags, and joyful pops of color that practically glow. But spend a moment with it, and you’ll realize it’s also something rarer: a gift brand with a heartbeat. A gift that makes a difference. Every Lulu, every pattern, every product is rooted in resilience, sisterhood, and the quiet way beauty can help us keep going.

Be Lulu Strong began with Maribess, my dear friend, who watched her sister Lulu endure unimaginable medical challenges.

When doctors told her family to prepare for goodbye, Lulu did what strong women do: she fought back. Her courage shifted the atmosphere around her — the kind of courage that makes you re-evaluate what matters, and how you show love when words feel too small.

During that season, Maribess began creating what she calls transitory nature portraits. She’d arrange flowers and natural elements into delicate compositions, photograph them, and send the image to Lulu to brighten her day. It was a simple act — a picture, a moment of color, a reminder that beauty still exists even when life feels heavy.

And in that simple ritual, something powerful happened: art became encouragement.

These images are a tribute to Lulu and to anyone living through a hard chapter — illness, loss, uncertainty, or the kind of fatigue that doesn’t always show on the outside. The message is gentle but grounding: hold things loosely, stay present, and appreciate the beauty of each fleeting moment. In a culture that rushes past everything, Be Lulu Strong asks us to pause and notice.

Today, BeLuluStrong.com is a living gallery of this vision — a place where each piece tells a story, and each purchase gives back to the same kind of community support that helped lift Lulu and her family. That’s where the “gift that makes a difference” part becomes more than a tagline.

It’s built into the model: you’re not just buying something pretty. You’re participating in a circle of encouragement.

What makes these gifts different?

A lot of gifting is transactional: check the box, ship the item, move on. But the gifts that truly land are the ones that carry meaning. They say, “I see you,” “I’m proud of you,” “I’m with you,” or “Don’t forget how strong you are.” Be Lulu Strong is designed for that kind of giving — the kind that connects.

Each Lulu is born from the world of flowers — not as botanical studies, but as emotional portraits.

Every piece has its own personality and story of hope, which you can find on the website and Instagram. That story element matters because it turns a gift into a message someone can return to again and again.

Collectors often tell us how they “live with” their Lulus: framed and displayed in kitchens, sunrooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms; set out as acrylic blocks on a desk; carried as notebooks for morning journaling; worn as scarves that drape art across the shoulders. The Lulu becomes part of daily life — a visual cue to breathe, soften your shoulders, and remember what you’ve survived.

That’s why these products make such meaningful gifts. They’re not one-and-done.

They become rituals.

Gift ideas that feel personal (and do real good)

If you’re building a gift list this season (or just trying to send love in a hard time), here are a few ways Be Lulu Strong shines:

For the friend who needs encouragement

A silk scarf, a silk tote, or a journal paired with a handwritten note can be the perfect “I’m here” gift. It’s wearable, usable, and emotionally supportive — a daily reminder that strength can be beautiful.

For the woman who loves her home (and deserves a little joy)

Art prints and acrylic blocks make wonderful housewarming, hostess, or “thinking of you” gifts — especially for someone who finds comfort in creating a peaceful space. Add a Lulu party plate set for easy entertaining with a pop of color and meaning.

For the one who is hard to shop for

Beautiful glassware is a sneaky win. Whether it’s the new whiskey glasses or something that elevates an everyday moment, it feels elevated without being fussy.

It’s the kind of gift that says, “You deserve to enjoy your life.”

For milestone moments

Birthdays, new beginnings, retirements, recovery seasons, or “I made it through” moments pair beautifully with a Lulu that matches the recipient’s personality. Because each Lulu has a story, you can choose one that mirrors what you want to celebrate: courage, renewal, softness, grit, hope.

A circle of giving

Be Lulu Strong has never been only about art sales. From the beginning, proceeds have supported those in need — from flood victims in Kerrville, Texas (where Lulu lives) to women facing challenges and communities navigating hardship. Each collection continues the mission, turning creativity into compassion.

And that’s what makes these truly great gifts: they’re beautiful in your hands, but they don’t stop there.

They ripple outward.

The kind of gift every woman deserves

We invite you to explore BeLuluStrong.com — meet the Lulus, discover the stories behind the art, and find a piece that speaks to your own resilience or the heart of someone you love. Because every woman deserves to surround herself with reminders of how strong and beautiful she truly is.

We hope you will be encouraged by this endeavor.

Be present. Be open. Be Lulu Strong.

About the Author

Barbara Barnes | Creative Director

Barbara thrives on helping brands tell their story through strong, compelling visuals—backed by strategic thinking.