Check Out Lauren Zavala’s Story

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

Lauren, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Zavala Bespoke was a hobby turned business. In 2017, I was living in London working on my master’s in Decorative Arts; living away from family studying all the time and I was *stressed*. The only thing that seemed to help was painting. I had been deep into watercoloring when I discovered leather paint. This acrylic paint is able to bend without cracking, making it perfectly wearable. It was Christmastime, so I painted pieces for just about everyone in my family, including my boyfriend’s leather jacket. I kept working on it throughout my MA program and when I got back to the US, it was done. So many people started asking about his jacket that he told me I should make a business card and website. I did while I was looking for a job and Zavala Bespoke was born. It started gaining traction after a few months and became a full-time gig. So, I always say it’s my favorite job that I never thought I’d get to do. 

Now a few years in, I’m a full-time practicing artist and I love it! Wouldn’t trade it for the world. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has the road been smooth? Definitely not. I think if you asked any full-time artist OR any business owner, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who has had their journey totally smooth sailing. That’s the nature of running your own business. It’s scary. I’ve had months before with no leads, and you just have to keep chugging along. It gets so much better with time, hard work, and patience. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I pride myself on painting on just about anything, but my biggest love is wearable art. Zavala Bespoke uniquely operates where fashion and fine art intersect. Customization and personalization transform luxury pieces into one-of-a-kind wearable art. From clothing to luggage, bags to briefcases, and everything in between, we are here to help. 

My undergrad and master’s are in Art History and Decorative Arts, and I’m used to seeing art in museums. I love surrounding myself with art, and if fine art is just in galleries and museums, then it’s hardly accessible on a wide scale. Not in everyday life at least, which is where I want to see my art! I want to see fine art at the store, or the farmers market, or at a concert. With Zavala Bespoke, I feel like I can take a custom piece out with me, surrounding myself with art all the time (an artists dream). 

I paint in a pop art and impressionist style, using bold colors and fine likes to really make my work pop on my pieces. I love implementing aspects of Mexican folk art into my work, using lots of regional flowers and images like candy skulls often. These motifs all inspire me and become the Zavala Bespoke style! 

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I will be in Beverly Hills at Neiman Marcus on November 26th from 12-6 pm. Come see me for all your holiday shopping and get complimentary paint with purchase. See you then! 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zavalabespoke.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zavalabespoke/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zavalabespoke/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUsJJM6Z58Ps55h9WmveTkQ

Image Credits
Lauren Zavala