Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly adore Lo Boheme any more designer Lauren Christensen (one of our Plucky Pioneers!) went and released this spring/summer campaign last week. Typewriters, vintage books, lady-like gloves and pink lipstick…my knees are weak! Congratulations Lauren, they’re as lovely as you are! xo
(photographs by Sophie Murdoch and Mike Larson)
Happy Monday my darlings! I’m so pleased to introduce you to our latest Plucky Pioneer, Lauren Christensen of Lo Boheme. One of my sweet readers recommended Lauren’s beautiful hair accessories to me recently and I couldn’t help but smile—I happen to have grown up with the designer on California’s central coast! Lauren is such a beautiful, creative spirit and I’ve been in awe of the girl’s style since grade school days. Her darling company Lo Boheme features one-of-a-kind, vintage inspired accessories for weddings, special events and everyday wear. From chic birdcage veils to silk flower pins and vintage rhinestone bridal garters Lo Boheme has thought of every detail. Without further ado, here’s Mrs. Christensen in her own words…
Five words used to describe yourself.
Observer, calm, thankful, dreamer, list maker. [Above, the adorable designer sporting one of her early creations.]
What inspires you creatively?
So many different and sometimes opposing things, below are just a few that come to mind: Anything old, worn, loved, or discarded. Wide open spaces, and the rolling hills of my hometown on California’s central coast, as well as the beautiful dirty, busy, bustling streets of large cities. The soft, feminine fashion of the early 1900′s as well as the hard, rebellious, and sometimes masculine aesthetic of rock and roll culture.
Who were/are your design mentors?
My family for their endless support and compliments/feedback about my work. My husband for his own unique view on things. Although I think my lifestyle and creative process is often confusing (and sometimes frustrating I’m sure) to them, my family has never been anything but encouraging as I try and forge my own quirky little creative path in life. So to them I owe everything!
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
Its funny because my design aesthetic plays out much differently in my work for Lo Boheme, than it does in many other aspects of my life. Lo Boheme tends towards the romantic, feminine, and vintage inspired, while my own fashion sense and interior design style could be categorized as a bit more funky, boyish, and eclectic. I guess the one common thread is the underlying vintage theme throughout, I just can’t get away from it!
What propelled you to found your own company?
To be honest I didn’t ever anticipate Lo Boheme being a full time job. I always hoped to be doing something creative and on my own, however for many self deprecating and “practical” reasons I never thought I could actually make a living doing what I love. I began selling on etsy after friends and family encouraged me to give it a try, once I got my first sale I was hooked, and things grew from there. I wish I could say I planned it, but that would be a fib!
Most glamourous part of owning your own company?
Actually having a budget to buy piles of sparkly, pretty things! Sourcing my materials is one of my favorite parts of the job, and also one of the most inspiring. Before I would go to flea markets and antique shops and dream of the day when I could afford to buy the beautiful things I saw, and now I get to, but alas I don’t always get to keep them. But every once in awhile a few pieces make their way into my personal collection!
Least glamourous part of owning your own company?
A lot of alone time. I would consider myself an introvert, but having a home based business lends itself to many housebound days, and I do find myself longing for the social outlet that comes with having coworkers.
Best business advice you’ve been given?
Create what you love and people will take notice.
Creative businesswoman you admire?
Darcy Miller the editor of Martha Stewart Weddings, Abby of Style Me Pretty, and my mom.
What keeps your organized and on task?
You might guess based on one of my previous answers, but lists, lists and more lists. They keep my focused and allow me to plan ahead, plus I’m one of those geeks who gets a rush when I get to cross things off of them!
Moment you knew you’d “made it”?
The day I quit my day job and was able to focus on Lo Boheme full time, or maybe a week after, when I realized this wasn’t actually a vacation, that I really never had to go back! Amazing and scary at the same time.
Describe your typical work day…
I’m too embarrassed to actually state my bed and wake up times, but lets just say I am not a morning person! But the day usually begins with me checking the etsy shop, then responding to any urgent emails. I don’t do well with routine, so beyond these two tasks, my days activities vary widely. However I tend to focus more on the administrative tasks during the day, as I’m much more creative at night. But you can also find me running to the post office 5 minutes before 5 most days, and I usually end the day with emails late at night (as evidenced by this email!)
Your dream project?
Designing pieces for Martha Stewart Weddings magazine, of for a bridal runway show.
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
To work smarter and to increase the wholesale portion of my business.
Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?
Set up your business and legal structure first, you will save so much time in the long run. I made things much harder on myself by procrastinating in this department. Also the same advice that was given to me: create what you love and not what you think will sell, you will have so much more pride in your work, and trust me, people will notice.
Be sure to check in tomorrow for Lauren’s Plucky Pioneer Cheat Sheet—her top picks for film, fashion, travel and more! Thank you Lauren! More to come this afternoon loves…