Billie M. Hilliard

From a young girl growing up in Houston, Billie was always creating something – doll clothes, rings, bracelets and necklaces. Her maternal grandmother, Jimmie Helena Hilliard, gifted her with her first sewing machine at the age of seven. Her interest in fashion never faltered. By the time she was in high school, she was modeling for Nieman Marcus, United Colors of Benetton, and international clothing designer, Selven Okeef Jarmon. After graduating high school, Billie left for college to study fashion design while continuing to model and undertake an apprenticeship with designer Jarmon.

Even though she loved modeling, Billie’s passion was creating beautiful things with the work of her hands. She enjoyed bringing her ideas to life. Years later, after numerous confirmations and requests for her designs, Billie decided, in 2007, to officially launch a jewelry line consisting primarily of bead and wirework. Her creations were carried in several boutiques in Texas and in other states throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. Her designs were also quickly sought after and worn by an array of celebrities including fellow Houstonian and intertainer Beyoncé, actresses Tracee Ellis Ross, Anna Camp, Robin Givens and the cast members of some of television’s most popular shows. Being the creative visionary, Billie determined to push her craft to greater levels began studying metalsmithing, casting, and other traditional silversmithing techniques under master designer Blacksmith, Mark J. Hopper in Atlanta, GA. Billie spent three years honing her skills and in the Spring of 2014 introduced the full collection of her new custom, signature, handcrafted designs to the world.

Billie now creates exquisite pieces in her workshop at the Goat Farm Art Center in Atlanta, GA, using a variety of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. She creates custom designed, one-of-kind accessories for the connoisseur of finely crafted heirloom lifestyle pieces. Billie has also collaborated on product development projects with other designers and brands. Additionally, designing jewelry has brought her back to her roots in fashion where her keen eye for design and styling has been put to good use working as stylist and creative director for various magazine photo shoots and as Fashion Director for Oh Brides Magazine. Billie Hilliard jewelry has been featured in editorials in Eide Magazine (U.S.), Oh Brides Magazine (US), Essence Magazine (U.S.), Timodelle Magazine (Paris, France), and Flawless Magazine (Dublin, Ireland).

Billie’s aim is to design life pieces that are meant to be passed down into the generations as family heirlooms. She is ever-creating pieces and changing styles as she is inspired by other creations, her environment, and her world travels. Billie’s work has rendered her unequivocally qualified to offer the fashion industry the best in custom-made, high quality, uniquely designed lifestyle brand accessories sold today.