Meet Rosalie Baseman | Jewelry Designer & Movement Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rosalie Baseman and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rosalie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I believe that where there is great risk, there is potential for great reward — but not necessarily monetarily or materially. Most of the time, the greatest reward for me that comes from risk-taking is internal, a sort of boost of spiritual confidence necessary to grow and expand in life — to really “level-up” at a more accelerated rate than I would otherwise, not having done anything differently at all. I have to admit that I may have an unconventional relationship with risk, but what can appear risky or scary to others (and they sometimes tell me so) can feel natural and almost necessary to me. Although I am usually fairly grounded and rational, there is a more spontaneous, curious, adventure-seeking side of myself that I do love to indulge, just to “see what happens.” As a result of following that inner voice of curiosity & intuition, I have gained an expanded worldview with increased wisdom and emotional depth, and some great stories to share — both professionally and personally.
Taking a risk is like taking a leap of faith in the gymnastics course of life and trusting that you’ll be able to land the jump and stick the landing. And if not, trusting also that you’ll have the grace to gather yourself back up and try again. It is absolutely about doing your level best with the resources you have at your current disposal, but also surrendering to whatever Higher Power you believe in — letting go of pre-conceived human control while trying to go with the flow of whatever universal outcome is intended for you along your path.
I have indeed taken great risks in my life (some with more positive results than others, but nonetheless all valuable experiences) and will likely continue to push my own boundaries and surprise myself, as my risk-taking behavior is sometimes what I need to spark my own creative or cognitive ignition to find solutions to the problems or limiting beliefs / environments that are holding me back from achieving my greatest potential.
Admittedly, sometimes my risk-taking does verge more on the impulsive, self-sabotaging style — which is not so cute. But I am becoming more aware of my own patterns and have certainly learned (and will continue to learn) from my mistakes in order to grow from them.
Change is inevitable — but whether or not we embrace it through taking a risk (i.e. following our own sense of intuition, not what is already safe & known), or whether we stay with the status quo and never find out what’s on the other side of fear — the choice is entirely up to us.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a self-taught jewelry designer and multidisciplinary artist (writer, dancer, musician) born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. While in college at University of Delaware, I studied my various passions and interests, achieving a double Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in French Language & Culture and Interpersonal Communication, with a minor in Fashion History & Culture.
After several years of professional experience in strategic communications & public relations in New York, NY, I relocated to Denver, CO in November, 2023 to pursue a more holistic professional creative life, and to be closer to nature. I am also a certified yoga / barre instructor, and my jewelry-making is yet another form of moving meditation and mindfulness. I have been making jewelry since I was a little girl, so it’s really been a lifelong passion and creative outlet that I’ve honed over the years as my style and technique has evolved.
Prior to moving out West, I enjoyed a 10-week séjour indépendant throughout Europe last summer, where I stayed in Paris, France and Venice, Florence, Siena, Naples and Barga, Italy while studying and conducting independent research in Classical Antiquity and the Italian Renaissance (history, fine art, music, literature, fashion, society, religion/spirituality, etc.) and other topics of interest. I identify as a global citizen and am passionate about language and communication (as well as art and style) as channels to connect and unite humanity — especially right now, when we live in such a divisive time. Zooming out, it’s clear that humans have always communicated through what we wear and how we present ourselves: in fact, more specifically, beads are considered by researchers to be the first evidence of human cognitive and creative ability, and even social networking and conveyance of status. Literally carved, inlaid or imbued with symbolic meaning, beads certainly were one of the earliest forms of communication in the Ancient world, across civilizations.
In 2016, with a growing interest in accessories and attire across cultures, a passion for making jewelry, and a collection of beads I’d been saving since childhood, I started my own brand Excelsior by Rosalie as a way to encapsulate what my jewelry and artwork means to me. “Excelsior” is a Latin word that means “onwards and upwards,” or “ever higher,” and the phrase has become my own personal philosophy: fully embodying & expressing my most authentic self while following my dreams no matter what — not letting anything (others, myself, my environment, or my fears) hold me back or make me (feel) small. I am passionate about all forms of self-expression (especially non-verbal and sartorial expression through jewelry, accessories and fashion) and the aim of my platform Excelsior is to empower others to express their most excellent selves — whatever that looks like for them.
Excelsior by Rosalie one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art are comprised of authentic semi-precious gemstones, high grade freshwater pearls, handblown and lamp-worked glass beads and gold-filled hardware as I value creating high quality jewelry that will keep its alluring luster & shine and won’t tarnish over time. As part of my sustainability model, I often use reclaimed vintage beads in my designs, (like ones sourced in Chelsea, Manhattan, NY; New Orleans, LA; and Fort Collins, CO that feature in my latest Spring / Summer 2024 collection). I love to breathe new life into beads, charms and components that would otherwise be lost to time, or to landfill. I also source beads from all over the world throughout my travels: most notably, this past summer I hand-selected several gorgeous genuine handblown artisanal Venetian glass gold foil beads at Neropaco Murano, alongside several brecciated red jasper and clear quartz pendant beads sourced at the gemstone store Brésilophile in the charming Passage Jouffroy in Paris, France.
Each Excelsior by Rosalie piece is inherently one-of-a-kind, as no two beads are ever truly the same — just like us as humans. Sometimes it takes years for me to know what to do with a certain bead, and I just hold on to it, patiently waiting until inspiration strikes. Yet each bead does find its place eventually through the creative process; in a similar way perhaps, it can take time for us as individuals to find our place in the world. But once we really get to know ourselves deep down, we can then celebrate and express ourselves on the outside — bringing our own spiritual essence forward and letting it shine. My ultimate goal with my jewelry and artwork is to help people feel a little more connected to both their own divinity and humanity — and to find their own Excelsior. Onwards and upwards, always!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am still discovering so much about Denver after moving here only a little over 6 months ago, but I can recommend a few good places that I’ve found so far! When the time comes for my close friends from the East Coast to make their way over for their first visit here in Colorado (you know who you are!) — this is where I’d take them.
For coffee and breakfast / brunch (and good people-watching), we’d go to St. Mark’s Coffeehouse and enjoy some morning sunshine on the back patio while having a good chat.
Once our stomachs are satiated, we’d head over to the Botanic Gardens for a stroll, admiring the lovely plants and flowers. No matter where I am in the world, I always find myself close-by to a park or garden — I’ve realized it’s paramount to my sense of well-being to have quality time in nature. And a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens always uplifts my spirits!
For lunch, Leven Deli has been hands-down the best lunch spot in town not only for their delectable menu but for the warm and vibrant atmosphere inside. They have the best brownies and snickerdoodle cookies too.
Then to fill our souls and feast our eyes, we’d make our way to the Kirkland Museum of Art: I was introduced to this charming museum through a friend of mine who works there, and I was immediately captivated given my affinity for fine and decorative art. The salon-style layout and object display is very inviting compared to most traditional museums, and I also love that Vance Kirkland’s actual studio setup is visible and so well-preserved. And his pointillistic style of art is simply mesmerizing.
We’d end the evening with dinner at Mister Oso in RiNo — their tacos are so tasty! It’s another great place with une ambiance chaleureuse as one would say in French — good vibes all around. And thus concludes my ideal day in Denver!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my Shoutout to my dad, Frank Baseman. I certainly would not be where I am today in life without him. His support, guidance, unconditional love, and general sense of humor about most things (encouraging me to always look on the bright side) is what keeps me going when I can’t quite get there myself. As an independent graphic designer, letterpress printer and business owner himself, (in addition to being an academic university professor / design educator for over 27+ years in my hometown of Philadelphia, PA) he has taught me a tremendous amount about what it takes to be a professional creative in the modern world. Which is, that it takes a lot of time, energy and effort — as well as a strong work ethic and a persevering, radically optimistic spirit. Although we don’t always agree or see eye to eye about everything, I look up to my father so much and respect & admire his perspective and way of viewing the world.
Last summer we got the chance to travel together around Europe for a few weeks through Italy and France and it was such a transformative time that brought us closer together and strengthened our relationship. Upon my return stateside, when I decided to move out West in the fall, my father was instrumental in helping me make that dream become a reality, and I am forever grateful to him for his assistance and support. Although the distance has changed our relationship again in different ways, we still make sure to call and check-in regularly, and most importantly, I know he is there for me when I need. Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader!!
Website: https://www.excelsiorbyrosalie.com
Instagram: @excelsiorbyrosalie
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalie-baseman-373938107/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excelsiorbyrosalie
Image Credits
Aurora Dawn Venetian Murano Glass Bead.JPG — Photo Credit: Ashlynn Hernandez
Orchid Amethyst Product Shot.JPG — Photo Credit: Ashlynn Hernandez
Primavera Product Shot.JPG — Photo Credit: Ashlynn Hernandez
Rosalie Hands BTS.JPG — Photo Credit: Ashlynn Hernandez
Venus Woven Bracelet Product Shot — Photo Credit: Ashlynn Hernandez