Check Out Steven Lancaster’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Lancaster.

Hi Steven, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from Helotes, Tx (just outside of San Antonio), I studied Interior Design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and received my BFA in 2011. I immediately started working in the furniture industry (before graduating; during a recession) for a small company that operated two brands in NYC. I went from their intern to their only Designer on staff, and took on a lot of responsibility to design their furniture, graphics and web . After an intense year of full time burnout, I moved to LA to live with my brother.

I worked for a few different interior design firms before landing at Nickey Kehoe for a 5 year stint. While I was there, I worked on interior design projects for celebrity homes and high end commercial spaces, while simultaneously building out their brand and product collection of Lighting, Furniture and Home Goods.

During college, I picked up freelance work doing rendering work for design professionals. I continued to render on the side throughout my professional career, until I was approached by Michael Smith to be his personal studio artist. Michael designed the White House for the Obamas. I joined Michael’s team for a year and half, working on high end interior design projects as well as his product collection.

My time working with Michael made me realize the value of my artistry, and pushed me to follow my own path in 2019.

Nani Goods was originally created in 2017 as a commitment to honoring my professional creative expression and my grandmother, Ella Josephine Sanchez Dunford, whom I called Nani. I always try to harness her sense of joy, warmth and creativity in all my projects.

The design studio currently centers around handmade, ceramic home goods and bridges my fine arts background with my professional product development experience, as well as my love of folk art.

I’ve been doing ceramics consistently since 2015, when I took classes at Barnsdall Art Park. I had one college class previous to that.

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?
Nani Goods was originally conceived as a festival clothing brand. After spending time in the festival scene, I got into the idea of fashion as a medium and started creating festival wares.

As an artist, it can be hard to focus when you have so many interests and outlets. I had to recalibrate to make sure my interests and goals were more in alignment.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I run a creative studio called Nani Goods, where I design and handcraft home goods that fuse the spirit of folk art, the history of the American West, and contemporary design. My work sits at the intersection of nostalgia and modernity — objects that feel archival, as if they’ve always existed, yet unmistakably new.

With a background in interior design and home furnishings, I’ve always been drawn to the emotional weight of everyday objects. At Nani Goods, I focus on pieces that carry the imprint of the human hand. Imperfection isn’t a flaw; it’s a signature. I’m known for celebrating irregularity, material honesty, and the quiet beauty of handmade work in a world dominated by mass production.

What I’m most proud of is creating objects that people form real relationships with — pieces that feel lived‑in from the start and become part of someone’s personal history. My work reimagines heritage with reverence, blending the warmth of folk traditions with the restraint of minimalism. Each piece invites connection: to culture, to memory, and to the tactile experience of the handmade.

What sets me apart is my commitment to designing objects that feel both deeply personal and timeless. I’m not chasing trends; I’m building a body of work rooted in care, craft, and a sense of place. My goal is to create pieces that are meant to be lived with, cherished, and eventually passed on.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is when preparation when meets opportunity– and I have always been very prepared.

Most of the opportunities that have been stepping stones to making my professional career possible all were based off being fully prepared at a moment’s notice.

Pricing:

• Fruta Flushmount $975
• Cereus Lamp, Medium $925
• Accordion Pendant $700
• Oak Leaf Sconce $425
• Fiesta Wall Lantern $575

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Nanigoods.com
• Instagram: Nanigoodsstudio
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenklancaster

Image Credits
All Photos by Amelie Uchiike Photography with the exception of the photo of the leafs on the wall. This photo is by Steven