Our Story
The story behind Le Cinq Août is one of passion, creativity, and deep personal meaning. Founded in November 2010 by Glen Watkins and Tiffany Keenan, the brand began with a desire to create something truly unique — made with intention. The name Le Cinq Août (French for “The Fifth of August”) holds special significance as it honors Tiffany’s birthday, symbolizing renewal, purpose, and personal expression.
From the very beginning, Tiffany’s love for creating was the heartbeat of the brand. Whether crafting jewelry, illustrating Black art, or designing custom shoes for weddings, her creativity pushed Le Cinq Août to grow beyond its early offerings. What started with custom jewelry and bespoke footwear soon evolved into a wide range of handcrafted items reflecting her artistry and passion.
In February 2022, Tiffany faced a devastating loss when Glen passed unexpectedly due to complications from COVID-19 and other health issues. Amid deep grief, she found comfort and healing in the art of beading — teaching herself the craft as a means of healing and self-expression. This rediscovered passion became a turning point, inspiring her to carry forward their shared vision.
To honor Glen’s memory and reconnect with the core of the brand’s identity, Tiffany made the courageous decision to rebrand Le Cinq Août. While some products were discontinued, the heart of the brand — love, passion, artistry, and authenticity — remained steadfast. Today, Le Cinq Août stands proudly as a Black-owned, woman-owned business rooted in intentional craftsmanship and meaningful design.
What We Create
Le Cinq Août now focuses on offering a curated selection of handcrafted pieces, including:
- Small-batch and one-of-a-kind jewelry (beaded earrings, bracelets, statement pieces)
- Original artwork and Black art illustrations
- Planner accessories and charms
- Small-batch crochet items
- Custom pieces ,such as personalized shoes
Every piece is crafted either as a unique, one-of-a-kind design or in intentionally small batches to ensure artistry, quality, and individuality. From color choice to final detail, each creation reflects Tiffany’s commitment to delivering a “Unique Line of Couture.” Every item carries the spirit of resilience, creativity, and devotion — honoring the past while creating beauty with purpose for the future.
Our Creative & Cultural Approach
Beadwork is an art form found in many cultures around the world, including rich and meaningful traditions within Indigenous communities. At Le Cinq Août, all jewelry designs are original creations inspired by our own artistry, color stories, and creative vision. We do not replicate Indigenous beadwork patterns or culturally specific designs.
We craft with care, integrity, and deep respect for all artistic traditions while staying true to our own unique style.
Join Us on the Journey
Thank you for supporting handcrafted artistry and choosing pieces made with heart and intention. We invite you to explore our curated collections and find something that speaks to your story, style, and spirit.
