Meet Lauren Lum of Fresloca

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Lum.

Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was a little girl, I would tell my mom and dad that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up, and my mom would always respond with “You already are”. So I think from the start of my life, my parents fed my artistic spirit and drive. I grew up around art and music, and in a safe environment for my “weirdness” haha.

Despite some bullying in my younger years in school, I would say the thing that pushed me to pursue this career would be the acceptance I’ve always felt from my family. I’ve had a love for crystals and mystical things from a young age as well. As most of us do. Movies like The Dark Crystal by Jim Henson and Never Ending Story were and continue to be a huge source of inspiration, as well as the environment I live in. I like to think of my style of jewelry as mystical streetwear. My main goal as an artist, as cliche as it might sound, is to inspire self-expression and acceptance. I want people to want to wear my pieces naked. I want to help people liberate their wild/passionate spirits. And desperately, I want to inspire love.

SO, with this in my heart, about two and a half years ago I quit my job as a bartender right before my wedding, put the pot on the fire, and took a huge leap of faith. I struggled hard, created my a** off, got a couple of odd jobs here and there to help cover costs, and luckily have an amazing spouse, that didn’t let failing be an option. Now, this is my only source of income, AND we are trying for a baby! For the last year and a half, I’ve gotten heavily into resin casting and creating fun/spiritual items for people to enjoy in their homes as well! This has actually become somewhat of a soothing ritual for me. The pouring, the mixing, the intention. When we all went on lockdown, my resin creating took off and created a whole new source of inspiration and income! This business is constantly evolving, and I think that is what keeps it alive.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Hmmm…I would say yes and no. The “lift off” process is really tough. The “am I making a huge mistake?” thoughts can creep in major when you have horrible sales a couple of events in a row. Or your online sales look like trash. I think the biggest obstacle is self-doubt.

HOWEVER, the rush of it all makes it so worth it. All of the struggles are completely outweighed by the joy of making a business from something I’m so passionate about. A community develops. A little village of people that support you and believe in your mission statement. It is so beautiful that it smooths out all those rough edges.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fresloca – what should we know?
I would say I specialize in spiritual/urban jewelry and resin. Spiritual art. I am known for my wire earrings first and foremost! But right now, because of the resin wave, people are starting to recognize me for that as well! I think what sets me apart, gosh. That’s a seriously hard question. How do you answer that without putting someone down? Haha! I would say, my vulnerability. I let my followers into my life, and I am honest with them. Because I am no better than them. I want to be as real with everyone as I hope they are with me. And I want their pieces from me to matter. Not that any artist doesn’t want their pieces to matter. But I seriously enjoy being involved in my follower’s lives. I am spread a little thin, but I care VERY deeply. And I can say that I am very proud of that.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Honesty.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @fresloca
• Twitter: @fres_lo
• Other: www.etsy.com/shop/fresloca

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