Outspoken about her terminal cancer diagnosis because “there’s so much shame and fear surrounding cancer when there truly doesn’t need to be,” Stacey Pierce-Nickle is ensuring she lives the rest of her life with passion. She has been spending the precious time she has left pouring out love, laughter, and accounts of her experiences.
But that’s not all.
After her diagnosis, Stacey began a jewelry line called Mon Flamme as a form of connection and a way to give her creative energy a positive outlet. Now, the longtime Nashville resident is sharing her stories and eclectic pieces with us all, leaving a legacy of art, beauty, and empowerment. Please welcome Stacey Pierce-Nickle.
You’ve been candid about your cancer diagnosis. Are you willing to share your story?
Of course. My father was an Episcopal priest and chaplain for hospice in Lexington. He was actually part of the team that started hospice in Lexington. My grandmother lived with us from the time I was about 5, and there was never a time we didn’t discuss death. It was always around us, just like life. I’ve had some other serious health issues, such as a massive stroke when I was 33. My children were just 1 and 3 at the time.
There was nothing they could do for my heart until five years later; I was the first adult to repair the problem at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. They thought I was crazy when I walked in for my surgery! But we repaired it, my heart failure abated, and I actually did a half marathon five weeks later. My life went on.
My children have never not known me to have something life-threatening, which has been a blessing and a curse. It’s tough and beautiful to grow up knowing you could lose your parent at any time.
When I figured out I had cancer in that hospital room during Covid, it didn’t scare me or send me into a tizzy. This is life … and this particular cancer, primary peritoneal, is so rare it affects fewer than five out of 1,000,000. When I go big, I go big!
This is not for the faint of heart.
What inspired you to begin your jewelry line?
I’ll admit it’s depressing. I started hospice in October [2023] and decided not to drive anymore around January — both tough decisions affecting my entire family and friends. I’m 56 and feel like I’m grounded, staring at my car out the window. I got very depressed. I felt I had no purpose and even considered stopping eating.
I started planning my funeral, which will be an art show — I used to be a painter and sculptor. I thought about what I could do to show my close friends and family how much I am with them even when I’m physically not here.
Most of them have a painting, but that’s not something you carry around, so I decided to make them necklaces. It’s art, very personal, and something they can physically touch and know how much time and effort my hands and heart were loving on them while making it. I sent the necklaces near and far, then had a ceremony here at the house for those from here.
I printed out poems or writings from my favorite authors and had everyone surround the dining room table and read their poems one by one. Then, I had them open their necklaces so the others could see them. That way, they would know who the other [members] of the ‘tribe’ are.
All of us have friends from different times of our lives that never have the opportunity to meet. This way, they could identify each other. I think I made 24 necklaces — I didn’t even know what a jump ring was! I didn’t have the tools. I had never done this in my life. Ever. But I’m like that; I think of something and jump right in. If it’s a mistake, I’ll redo it. No fear.
After I saw how much energy and joy I had making the necklaces for them, I wanted to keep going. I realized that from January until March, the cancer wasn’t killing me. Not creating was killing me. And that’s all I needed: to create. It fed my soul.
What can we expect from your line?
It’s eclectic, like I am. I never have a clue what I’m about to make. It’s all completely different — from 1920s brooches with modern chains and hidden gems to geometric patterns with semi-precious stones. I love the mixture of all of it. I use things from estate sales and mix them with everyday items. I want them to be wearable pieces of art …
Particularly given your diagnosis, what are you doing to embrace self-care?
I am resting more and not putting as much pressure on myself to do things my body simply can’t do. I’d rather make plans and have to cancel than not make plans. It gives me something to look forward to.
Even if I can’t eat dinner because of this cancer, I can still have a glass of wine and laugh and listen to the sounds of life going on all around me. There’s comfort in that for me.
I also recently started doing sound baths. Robin Barnes is just … wow. I can’t even describe how relaxing yet invigorating it was, so I am scheduling those now. And I found floating at Float Nashville. It truly takes you into a meditative state. I also listen to music and go to any concert I possibly can because, as Bob Marley said, “One good thing about music: when it hits, ya feel no pain.”
Where can we shop your pieces?
I just returned from a “Meet The Artist” at Myrilla in Florence, AL, and it was a success. The weekend before, I had my one and only trunk show at a friend’s home. It was all I could have ever hoped for and dreamed of. As of this moment, the Mon Flamme Artisan Jewelry Facebook and Instagram are where you can see the pieces. Most of my sales have come from people contacting me directly and the two shows I’ve had. People are emailing, texting, IMing, or contacting me through the website.
Author’s Note: Stay tuned and follow Stacey’s socials — she’s opening a shop where you’ll be able to purchase her jewelry directly!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever given or received?
Fear is a Liar.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
Laughter, good wine, and seeing others see themselves for who they are — inherently gifted.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What is your favorite gift to give, and where do you shop for it? If it’s not a good bottle of wine, it’s candles or some such from Thistle Farms. And I just discovered ABLE. If I can’t get out because of the driving situation, then flowers. Always flowers.
Favorite recently discovered book or podcast? I recently had the great privilege of meeting Norbert Putnam’s wife. She told me about his book Music Lessons: A Musical Memoir. It combines not only the stories of what he has produced or written, but there is a QR code that takes you to the song! I’m blown away by the ingenuity of that and really looking forward to reading and listening to it.
What’s on your nightstand? A fake plant from my daughter because I [have] a black thumb. A pet hair roller because I have a 94-lb. Bernese Mountain Dog named Elmo. Two books I haven’t started reading yet. And a pen and notebook.
What was your most memorable recent meal? A low-key, pre-bought, pop-it-in-the-oven meal with my two daughters, my husband, my daughter’s partner, and his parents. We were just sitting around the table, drinking wine, laughing, swapping great stories, and simply being together. It truly doesn’t get much better than that.
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