Memoirs of a Disney-obsessed Stage Mom

The evolution of an Enchanted Rose, throwing myself into the role, and how jewellery is just another form of armour

Once upon a time, I was obsessed with Beauty & the Beast. My favourite fairy tale and Disney movie, I fixated on that library, though! Belle’s bravery and tenacity. And of course, that Enchanted Rose… How cool would it be to capture it sartorially?

Disney granted my wish with a cute kids' “snowglobe” version. Then in 2011, Kidada Jones launched a collection for Disney Couture which aside from debuting on such early ‘00s nostalgia names as Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton included a more grown-up version of the Enchanted Rose in stunning 24K plated gold and the most adorable little Lumiere charm—an anniversary gift from my own ‘Beast’. He came into my life right around the time I was involved in a staging of my favourite movie! The serendipity… Ten years later, my also Belle-obsessed best friend gave me Pandora’s Enchanted Rose charm; the matching one to hers. My collection’s complete… Oh wait, wrong movie;)

Three generations of an Enchanted Rose, chronicling a childhood love into adulthood—one where I still believe in magic and happy ever afters. It’s a little bit necessary in the world we live in. Not exactly rose coloured glasses, but a hopeful persistence, rather.

In the midst of that timeline, 19 years ago, I joined my local theatre’s production of Beauty & the Beast as Sound Assistant. My job, my one-and-only job, was to press the button that would make the Beast ROAWWWR.

No, really.

And now, my eldest Kidlet is playing Beast in his middle school’s very same production. Am I reminiscing over all the pictures of our first day in Disneyland seven years ago, when he happened to meet Belle and Beast?! How little he looked? I’m in the middle of all the feels about it. Tickled at this bit of “full circle moment” but loving that one of mine is experiencing the same kind of community thanks to theatre, love for story, and connection to this particular one that I’m so fond of! You can bet I’m wearing all the Enchanted Roses, Beauty & the Beast-inspired jewellery in colour and fairytale nature, to mask my absolute hot mess innards.

He’s so brave. Where did he get that from?!

Oh my heart, he’s amazing when he pours his heart into something.

Oh my darling, you drive me mad with forgetfulness while you’re so engrossed with this play!

Please don’t forget your lines you’ve been practicing so hard.

When did you grow up?

And because I cannot imagine being anywhere but front row for you, lastly, selfishly, how will I dress the part of a Stage Mama? How will I show up, completely shattering inside, but smiling and chatting — oh the chatting! It’s not me. I don’t “people”. I am a writer so very content behind my cozy desk. But for you and your brother. Anything.

So on the armour goes: the Enchanted Rose, and the deep rose-red “Curtain Call” (how apt, no?) Hillberg & Berk studs. The custom couture “The Spell” beaded chandelier earrings by Woolly Bear (read the Designer’s Story here!). The silver bangle with a crystal rose clasp from my Grandmother (Oh how I cherished your stories!) etched with “True Beauty is Found Within”; one of Pandora’s original Disney releases.

Over the top?

Definitely.

Touchpoints for when I wear them at a later time, infused with these new memories?

Absolutely.

Me being quietly brave, you see. Jewellery can be armour. An outward statement of our soul’s style. What we cherish, what we aspire to, and a reminder of what matters to us. It’s so very, very personal.

It’s also connection. The “I love those earrings!” moment shared with a friend, or more powerfully the catalyst to a conversation with a stranger. Something more tricky for some of us than others. And I’m so appreciative! The story of how and why we got and are wearing those earrings…that’s my favourite part. I could talk about the story behind jewellery for hours. It’s why I’m here on Substack, sharing all those connections with you, Dear Reader. I want everyone to know who designed what and why; why these little pieces of wearable art matter.

While this has been months of rehearsal culminating in a week of performances; long days and a careful carpool schedule, years from now, it’ll be a mere blink in the wink of sunlight off the red garnet center stone in my Burns & Forge Beauty & the Beast ring. I’ll remember my Kiddo on stage. I’ll be reminded to be brave and that beauty is found within.