Conversations with Caroline Lesley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Lesley.

Hi Caroline, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been an artist and creative all my life. I grew up with a mom who was an interior designer and an incredibly realistic acrylic artist.

My artistic professional background includes acting, red-carpet correspondent work, photography, and writing. I’ve lived and worked in Toronto, NYC, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

During the pandemic, I began working with resin. I started with geode coasters and colorful rainbow work that I posted on Instagram. So many people loved them and wanted to order!!! My biz TOO MUCH LUSH was born!

In the last 2.5 years, my work expanded to mixed media wall art and home decor. I make wall art, trays, charcuterie boards, side tables, and coffee tables. I also create small-batch jewelry.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a small business is difficult because you wear all of the hats and do all of the things. I create the art and manage inventory, invoices, social media, photography, videos, and marketing. I think you definitely have to manage your time well and be a self-starter to be an entrepreneur. I think the biggest struggle for small business owners is growing their team and scaling which is something I am in the process of right now. I have grown the business in 2.5 years and learned so much about what I want and what my customers want. It is important to listen to your clients and also stay true to your passion. If you’re passionate about it and love it, it will be great!

“Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life” – Confucius.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create handcrafted home decor using mixed media such as resin, alcohol ink, and textured mediums.

I specialize in ocean resin tables, charcuterie boards, and art. The detailed ocean waves are meticulously created by yours truly. I hand-pour each piece.

I also work with florals and make gorgeous dried flower side tables with flowers encased in resin.

My background as a photographer has definitely given me a keen eye for how a piece should be laid out and I am very discerning with my composition and materials.

I have sourced the best resin and pigments to create the most beautiful ocean cells. I get a specific white pigment all the way from the UK!

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I have fond memories of childhood trips with my family, but I also have this core memory of one Christmas hand-painting ceramic ornaments with my family. I remember my dad painted a black dog with a Santa hat and I couldn’t believe how good his painting skills were! My mom was the artist, and I had no idea he had that talent in him!

Contact Info:

• Website: toomuchlush.com
• Instagram: @toomuchlushresin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toomuchlushresin/