Meet Lexi Debaltzo | designer and creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lexi Debaltzo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lexi, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important part behind success with my art is that it focuses on the power of words and their ability to evoke memories. Initially starting with my hometown of Lakewood, Ohio – and then venturing out to other local cities, vacation spots and schools, I discovered that people love to “remember when.” And of course, there are commonalities when we are looking at the same places.

As I talked with people discussing their hometown, many of the same favorites emerged. Remember going to Malley’s after every concert? Remember the 4th of July parade? Remember twist cones at Dari View? As I would sit in my booth at an art show, it was always fun to watch people start to point out individual phrases and see a smile come to their face. They were remembering!

Every design has an audience but the designs that have boomed in my business are the ones that have connection to many people. The 2020 Silver linings ornament that I created – which featured new phrases like “flatten the curve” and “stay in place” literally connected with the world audience. That world audience also connected to the positivity on the reverse side of that ornament – Every cloud has a silver lining – “more concern for others,” “we’re all in this together”, “better work/life balance” and more.

While my business has expanded primarily by designs that connect with many people, a smaller piece of my business is designing custom lexiconetc designs. When somebody brainstorms a list of 30+ memories and I create their “one of a kind” item, I know that the recipient will love it. In a world where it is easy to buy things, it means so much to capture meaningful moments and share them as a gift.

Whether my word art connects with one person or literally millions, I feel joy and success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I wouldn’t call myself an artist in the traditional sense, but I do love being creative. I enjoy painting pictures with words. I love coming up with ideas and learning how to make new things.

As I look back on my work experiences, I can see all the steps that made a difference in my business. For example, working as a merchandiser/buyer in retail helped me learn about presentation and financial margins that make a business viable. Working for a scrapbook company helped me learn about connecting with clients and meeting their needs. There is a takeaway from every job you do.

The very beginnings of lexiconetc designs involved making tiles that I pasted a design on and then used resin to finish. They were well received and my little company was starting to grow when I became so allergic to the resin that I had to completely stop using it. I remember thinking, “is this it? is this over?” and knowing that I didn’t want it to be. I was so frustrated! But I figured out another method that worked temporarily as I continued to research production methods. Soon I found a way to print tiles in my home which was exciting but was a financial investment that I wasn’t ready to make.

Then someone asked me if I could make 1200 tiles for an event – I said absolutely because I knew that job would pay for the equipment I wanted to purchase. It was Christmas time, it was crazy busy and I had tiles all over my house – but I did it and used the income to buy the equipment I use today to make a product I am very happy with.

I have never been afraid to tackle a large project/job because I know that it is just a matter of figuring out how it can get done! I love the challenge, and it is exciting to me to accomplish big things. Producing thousands of ornaments in my home in 2020 was unreal, but it happened! It was exciting!

Right now I am very enthused to be licensed with Miami University (my alma mater) and newly licensed with The Ohio State University (yes, Go Bucks!). I look forward to growing my business by connecting with these communities!

I am grateful for lessons that I have learned such as when one way doesn’t work, there must be another way. One other thing I would say has made a difference to my brand and story is that, from day one, I believed that what I was doing was going to become a “real” business and I treated it that way. Recognizing your own worth whether it be in the talents that you have or the time that you are spending is an important step in the process of developing a business in my opinion. Believe that you CAN.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Cleveland. Yes, I grew up mostly in Michigan and was ONLY going to Ohio for college – but 41 years later, there is no where I would rather call home. I am a passionate ambassador for this beautiful part of the world.

A week in northeast Ohio led by me would include showing off Lake Erie, it’s beauty and beaches. Collecting beach glass and watching a sunset and having a cook-out or picnic.

A day would be spent going to Mentor to see President Garfield’s home and then to Lakeview Cemetery – the history buff in me loves to share that parklike cemetery, especially in spring with Daffodil Hill. The Garfield monument and Wade Chapel as well. Popping into Little Italy post visit to check out the shops, delicious food and some treats at Presti’s Bakery. On the east side, I would also talk about how lucky I feel to live somewhere where medical care is some of the best in the nation.

Part of Cleveland I always like to share includes talking about the history of Millionaires’ Row, pointing out the few mansions that have been repurposed and remain as we drive down Euclid Avenue. Visitors are always amazed that you can get in and out of Cleveland so quickly – I always point out the Theatre District and Cleveland’s support of the arts. The Old Courthouse is so beautiful inside and driving around Public Square.

Cannot spend time here without appreciating Cleveland sports and the fan base. I would want to go to a Guardians game – where the Cleveland skyline is visible and the energy, excitement of the crowd is so strong. Stadium mustard on a hot dog – so Cleveland.

Mitchell’s Ice Cream is a diehard favorite for our family – and the W. 25th street location is a great place to see production, although I would also go to the Rocky River location that we frequent the most. I would encourage tastes of multiple flavors and suggest a Taster’s Duo to get 2 smaller scoops of your favorites. Currently I am in love with caramelized chocolate. I would share how inspired I am by Pete and Mike Mitchell and their business success. I had the privilege of spending time talking to them at a wedding and was so motivated by their insight on continual product improvement and the challenges of growing a business.

Great dinners out would include the Marble Room for the spectacular setting and amazing seafood/steaks. Sharing again the way that a historical building (in this case a bank) has been repurposed for current use. And in Lakewood, Pier W – which since 1965 – has been a destination for special occasions, consistently fabulous food and service. I would definitely get a table at the window to have the view of Cleveland.

All-time best pizza would be at Angelo’s in Lakewood – My favorite since 1988, original crust with sausage and banana peppers but you really can’t go wrong. Great lunch spots I would recommend in Lakewood include Aladdin’s or sandwiches from TJ’s Butcher Block (to take to the beach!)

Day trip I like to share is Amish country which is so close but feels a world away. I love going to Lehman’s Hardware that literally has everything and eating the best fried chicken at Yoder’s Kitchen in Mt Hope, Ohio. To see the miles and miles of farmland and see the horses/buggies is something peaceful and beautiful.

The Metroparks – Emerald Necklace – is a quick pop out of the city and an appreciation for the green space preserved in the metro area. Bike riding or a hike is easy here or taking a kayak/jet ski out down Rocky River and into Lake Erie. Love jet skiing along the coast from Cleveland into the western suburbs and seeing the lake homes from that vantage point.

Before leaving town, you would have to stop at GV Art in Lakewood to pick up a souvenir T-shirt from a local grown business gem.

Honestly, as I always tell my husband, pretty much everything has an Ohio connection. And that is a good thing. For Ohio in general but Cleveland in particular, I submit that the people are nice, the food is good, housing is reasonable, the Lake is right there, the traffic is minimal, the natural beauty will surprise you and there are always new things to discover. It’s a amazing place to live.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have always been deeply connected to family history and the keeping of memories. I have had strong friendships with my parents and grandparents. Through them I have been taught what matters most, the people and memories made along the journey of life. Preserving those memories has been important to me in an individual way. I feel my business was inspired by the realization that on a different kind of scale, I could help others capture their memories.

But for day in/day out, shoutout would be to my husband, Dennis. For the 36 years, he has encouraged me in my “eras”! Whether working full time, choosing to stay home to raise our 5 kids, representing a scrapbooking business, or now for the past 12 years cheering on my own business, he is always there as my biggest fan.

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/lexiconetc or www.lexiconetc.com

Instagram: @lexiconetc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexidebaltzo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexiconetc