Today we’d like to introduce you to Layne Kula.
Layne, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I graduated from Boston University with a BFA in theatre arts + a minor in art history and immediately following graduation, I moved out to Los Angeles to begin my next big adventure. I worked for a variety of different wedding and event companies, and did tons of creative direction + design/ production work for a number of fashion + lifestyle influencers before deciding that it was finally time to do my own thing. After years of back and forth, working copious weddings + events, honing my interior design + styling projects all over the United States, and working in the social media sphere, I knew that it was officially time to launch my very own brand: Penny Layne, Maison Creative — a creative production house offering groundbreaking event design, interior design + styling, and creative direction all under one roof.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There has definitely been some trial and error — but I would say that for the most part, everything has sort of brought me to this place.
It’s always interesting working for other companies and brands that don’t necessarily share the same ideals, creative goals, and/ or overall aesthetic as you. It has definitely made me a better creative, a better business person, and a better designer, but ultimately, I have such a strong point of view on the world and what I believe in — so much so that I think ultimately, until I’m truly creating work for me — work that matters, clients that carry weight, design that challenges, style that sets the bar rather than following trends — it makes it impossible to work for someone else in order to really say what I need to say and tell my story through whatever medium that is – events, weddings, interior design, art direction, production, installations, styling, you name it.
Over the past five years, I’ve grown so much and I think that’s a testament to all of the varying roles I’ve played at different companies, working for different creatives and entrepreneurs. But at the end of the day, no one will ever be me. I think that’s my greatest strength and until now has also been my greatest weakness. Coming to terms with that and choosing to own it has opened up so many doors for me in my life, creatively. It’s very liberating.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Penny Layne – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Until now, I was simply freelancing and working as an independent contractor for different creative companies, event companies, and influencers.
So I’m thrilled to officially announce the creation of my creative production house, Penny Layne.
Penny Layne will serve as a “maison creative” and will offer groundbreaking wedding and event production, interior design + styling, creative direction + consulting for influencers and brand partnerships. Also if you can dream it, I can probably make it. In addition, I also offer creative services ranging from custom installation pieces to calligraphy.
I would definitely say I’m known for my forward-thinking approach, my no-bullshit attitude, my ability to stay at the forefront of whatever the next movements and trends are, and to fully realize people’s dreams + visions. And to do it all while cultivating strong personal connections with my clients – who are some of the greatest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Collaboration is key and it’s always been the most important thing to me when it comes to my work.
Since I’m just at the beginning of this wild ride and in a market that may seem oversaturated at times, I’m proud to be taking on such an all-encompassing role. As a creative, I also love the business side of things and I’m so thrilled to be able to offer all of these different services under one roof.
As for what sets me apart, I think my ability to continue to grow and evolve, to stay ahead of the curve, to break the rules, to always listen, and to always put my clients’ interests before my own has made me the best version of myself. I also just like to do things that feel unnatural. I’m a march to the beat of my own drum kind of girl — and my design work really follows suit.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Growing my empire. I want Penny Layne to be a lifestyle with a strong sense of style and identity. The services I offer are just vehicles for that, and I cannot wait to expand my team so I can really feel the reach of PL in so many different avenues.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laynekula.com (this will soon be transitioning over to www.pennylaynecreative.com)
- Phone: (954) 415-4311
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @laynekula
Image Credit:
Photographers: Chandler Kim, Nick Radford, Evangeline Lane, Pilar Valtierra, Cibelle Levi, Rebecca Hollis
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
