Inspiring Conversations with Mackenzie Taleno of Mackenzie Lauren Creative

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mackenzie Taleno.

Hi Mackenzie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I moved to LA as an Event Coordinator (which is still a large portion of my business), but post-March 2020, there weren’t very many events happening. So I decided to pivot. When the pandemic hit, I saw people in my circle lose their 9-5 jobs and re-discover their passions outside of the traditional workplace. But when it comes to establishing a new business, there are a lot of pieces that can fall through the cracks if you don’t know what you’re doing.

So I wanted to fill the gaps with what I knew about self-employment, admin, branding, and web design and turn my business into a full-service creative agency! I was taking their big ideas and turning them into clear, concise messages accompanied by bold design and dreamy aesthetics. I quickly started learning more and more about online presence and how a strong one can inspire a connection between small business owners and their ideal clients. So during a time when there was very little connection happening in person, my goal was to create it digitally by helping people figure out what story they were trying to tell and how to tell it in a creative way.

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?
Back to the pivot, that definitely was not a quick and painless move.

Changing career paths is scary, especially given all of the unknowns of that time. But everything happens for a reason, and while it was a tricky thing to do, I am so glad that I was given the push to try something new and step out of my comfort zone with the intention of supporting people.

As you know, we’re big fans of Mackenzie Lauren Creative. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Mackenzie Lauren Creative is a female-led creative studio inspiring connection through bold, intentional design. I focus on two avenues of design: Event Design and Branding/Web Design.

For Event Planning, I do both Personal Events (like weddings or showers) and Corporate Events. I love being able to come alongside my clients and implement unique, beautiful details to their day that really speak to their personal vision; whether that’s executing a bold art installation, designing a beautiful invitation suite, or helping them come up with the overall design direction for the event as a whole. Being a small part of someone’s new favorite memory makes my heart so happy.

On the flip side, Branding and Web Design is my newer baby. Having the opportunity to help people create something so new and so personal to my clients is such an honor. I love that I am constantly trusted with something as huge as a person’s brand. I do a ton of exploration and pre-work to make sure that I understand the exact direction that my clients are heading in. From there, we can develop a Logo Suite, Brand Guide, and cohesive Website! There’s a ton of extra stuff in there, but I won’t bore you with all the nitty-gritty details.

I am known as someone who loves people: connecting with them, supporting them, and bringing them up with me.

This life is not one that’s supposed to be lived alone. So I love that this line of work allows me to not only create beautiful things but also befriend so many amazing creatives and be so inspired by people. My brand is a reflection of that. It’s connection-driven, ever-changing, bold, and fun. And if you’re someone reading this and intrigued by this process, let’s chat! I am so excited to meet you and hear about the story you’re wanting to tell.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
This year I became a mom! Which brings on a whole other layer of who I am as a business owner. Taking on that entire new identity while also running my own business is a bit hectic.

It definitely has its challenges from a work standpoint, but my little Isla Sol is my spark. I learn so much from her and am inspired by her every day. That said, I have learned this year to acknowledge that two truths can exist at the same time: I love being a work-from-home mom, and it is also a lot harder than I expected.

Pricing:

• Events: approx. $800-$3000
• Branding: starting at $1000
• Web Design: starting at $2000

Contact Info:

• Website: mackenzielauren.com
• Instagram: @mackenzielaurencreative

Image Credits
Olivia Matia Photo, Mint Kim, Josh Escandon for Donny Diaz, Kaylee Chelsea Photography for Emma & Ryan, and Tom Choe Photography for James & Maddy