Meet Sharlene Lurie of Los Angeles, California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharlene Lurie.

Hi Sharlene, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you soo much for this special opportunity, VoyageLA. My story really begins growing up in the South Bay of Los Angeles, surrounded by the ocean, golden hills, and a family that filled our home with art, culture, and creativity. I always had a camera in my hand, and after years of exploring painting, ceramics, drawing, and different artistic mediums, photography became my true passion.

I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science in Business with a Marketing focus from CSUN, and later completed the Fine Arts program at OTIS College — all while working full time. That combination of business and fine arts turned out to be the perfect foundation for what eventually became My Mulberry Eye.

The name itself is close to my heart. It comes from the memory of sweet mulberries with Persian tea from my childhood — that sense of sweetness, warmth, and a particular way of seeing the world. That’s exactly what I try to bring to my photography. I developed my own vintage aesthetic over many years, capturing California — especially the South Bay where I grew up — through a sweet lens that feels both personal and nostalgic.

My Mulberry Eye came to life when I took inventory of my career and made a leap of faith — organically launching my small business by tapping into my lifelong love of art and photography. Pop-ups, art shows, festivals, private events, working with interior designers — each step has deepened my craft and connected me to the most incredible people. It was the moment my business background and creative journey finally converged, and turning that passion into a career has been an absolute dream.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, no lol — having a small business is tough!! The road has been beautiful and rewarding, but it has absolutely had its challenging stretches.

When you’re a one-woman show, everything falls on your shoulders — the creating, the marketing, the logistics, the client relationships, all of it. The biggest challenge I’ve faced is learning how to take care of myself while doing so much on my own. There are no set hours, no guaranteed salary, and no real holidays off when you’re chasing a dream. I’ve had moments, especially during busy seasons like the holidays, where the perfectionist in me pushed so hard, close to burnout. What I’ve learned is that taking care of yourself isn’t separate from the work — it’s essential to it!! When I’m rested, present, and connected to what I love, that energy shows up in my art.

And on the harder days, something always happens to remind me why I do this. It might be a customer at a pop-up telling me that a piece took them back to their favorite beach or a cherished childhood memory, or a kind message from someone whose home or office is now filled with my work. Those moments of genuine human connection always bring me back to center and remind me that creating from the heart truly matters. The road isn’t always smooth, but it has always been worth it.

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?
My Mulberry Eye is a fine art photography brand rooted in California — its beaches, deserts, cityscapes, and all the quiet magic in between. My signature style is a vintage aesthetic that feels warm, nostalgic, and deeply personal. I offer fine art prints in various sizes, greeting cards, custom photography, and custom framing, and I work with both individual clients and interior designers to bring meaningful art into homes, offices, and businesses.

What I specialize in is capturing the everyday beauty that people walk past without stopping to notice — a familiar stretch of coastline, a golden afternoon light, a neighborhood that holds a lifetime of memories — and turning it into something you want to live with on your walls.

But what I’m most proud of goes beyond any single milestone — it’s the human connection my work creates. That connection — between my art, my story, and the people who experience it — is the heart of everything My Mulberry Eye. My art isn’t just decoration — it’s a feeling, a memory, an invitation to slow down and appreciate what’s around you. The journey itself, putting myself out there, pushing myself to grow, and building something authentic from the ground up is my why…and I love it!!

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest piece of advice is to show up — genuinely and consistently. So much of what has shaped My Mulberry Eye has come from being present at pop-ups, art shows, and community events, and simply being open to the people I meet there. Some of my most meaningful connections have come from unexpected conversations I never planned for.

I’d also say to lead with authenticity. Listen, share and connect. That organic energy comes back in the most wonderful ways. Creating authentic relationships and naturally connecting will enrich your life in the best way. When someone connects with my work at an event, we’re not just talking about a print on a wall — we’re sharing stories, memories, and emotions. I’m grateful that I can just be me and let the My Mulberry Eye magic happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyMulberryEye
• Instagram: @mymulberryeye
• LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/sharlene-lurie-0953242b0

Image Credits
Sharlene Lurie, My Mulberry Eye