Today we’d like to introduce you to Lawren Marie.
Hi Lawren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
When I was 8 years old, I used to draw little outfits in a purple spiral notebook. That was my first sketchbook. Those were my first designs. The first time I used a sewing machine was in my grandparents living room. My debut fashion show as designer/model was in that living room in front of a very intimate audience- my grandma, her camcorder, and my baby brother. I was 8 and then I was 18. At 18, I finally decided I didn’t want to become a therapist and I had a flashback of that purple spiral notebook. I dived right back in like the next day. I printed some croquis off google, bought some basic patterns from joann’s, and my mom gave me her sewing machine and serger. I was all self-taught fashion sketching, pattern making, and sewing. I made all my first pieces in my mom’s living room on those machines on some tv trays and cut all my fabric on the floor and shared them (good or bad) on Facebook. I loved every minute of it. Since then, it’s been over 10 years, and after a great mentor that elevated my skill set, a degree in fine arts, a degree in business, and a lot of jobs… I was able to launch LM | LWRENMARIE in April 2021 completely based and manufactured in Los Angeles. Honestly a dream in itself, but a dream that’s blossoming in ways 8-year-old me probably couldn’t imagine…
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?
Patience. Patience is the hardest thing I struggle with. When you’re bringing a literal dream to reality, you just want to put it all out there now. And the reality is to do it right is by trusting the process. I remind myself that the process is the reward. The vision is a visualization of the end goal. Bringing the vision to life is what you will reflect on. Having patience in knowing it will all come together, everyone and everything will come together just as it should. Timing is everything. You will never miss out on something that is for you. I’m practicing every day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
LM | LWRENMARIE is a black female-owned, fashion brand based in Los Angeles. We specialize in cut and sew womenswear and unisex clothing that is contemporary, bold, and exclusive. All of our materials are sourced in Los Angeles and manufactured ethically in Los Angeles by black and brown businesses. Our motto is “ITS NOT ON YOU ITS IN YOU.” We create high-quality pieces with great attention to detail, feel and fit for various body types and silhouettes. All our collections are limited productions and curated by an overall theme for each season for our customers to embody. LA is home and has a “no limits” energy we aim to embody in every piece and detail. Be who you want to be today, tomorrow, forever.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always a creative kid. I drew. I painted. I sang. I danced. I wrote poems. I wrote songs. I tried to learn piano. I got some tags on some walls somewhere… you name it. I was curious about me and the world. I was curious what I could do in it to be honest. My teachers read me as an academic. All my report cards say doctor, lawyer or scientist but I never did homework, so I don’t know how they seen it working out. I played sports… you name it. Honestly, my mom allowed me to explore and experience so many things and I just tried as much as possible. I was making a list of “hmm, let’s see what I’m good at.” I was always looking for that perfect balance to see what I would love to do versus like to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: LWRENMARIE.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/LMLWRENMARIE
