Here at Calluna we are always looking for new ways to highlight and honor some of the amazing creative partners we get to work with. We feel incredibly fortunate to work with some seriously talented vendors in the industry, and we want to show them off to you in our new Calluna Community Series! We will sit down with some of the fabulous vendors of Colorado and get to know about them, their business and what life is like behind the scenes. Stay tuned for more!
This week for Calluna Community we caught up with Lana of Lana’s Shop!
Cheers! Xo, Calluna
Describe what you do! “I’m a gal running my own business, so I wear a lot of different hats! But at my heart, I’m an artist and illustrator, who has the amazing job of painting feel-good, watercolor-esque, original designs for high-end weddings and events. In addition to my event work, I’m constantly creating new products and design for Lana’s Shop. I have a stationery line that I am lucky enough to say is sold across the country, and can be found in stores like Paper Source, Terrain, Tattered Cover Bookstore, the Denver Zoo gift shop and more. This fall, I’m getting ready to launch a line of wallpaper (so excited!) and since becoming a mom three months ago, and so inspired by my sweet son, there are (spoiler alert!) a lot of cute kiddo designs coming soon, too!”
What is your idea of a dream project? “I’ve been living my dream every day since founding Lana’s Shop! What really makes the process for me is knowing that the recipient of my art is getting something that will make them feel good. We’re all about ’nice matters’ over here. Sharing and spreading kindness is a big part of the dream. It also doesn’t hurt when the people I am collaborating with on a project are inspired, trusting and excited throughout the whole process. I love to work with people, and have had such truly wonderful clients. When kind and thoughtful couples come to me with a clear vision for the most important day of their lives, that they want me to turn into art, it is such a joy to bring their ideas to life.”
What has been your favorite wedding that you have worked, or attended? “I did a custom wedding invitation set for the lead singer of The Lumineers, Wesley Schultz, and his wife, which blew my mind because I am such a big fan of the band. They went with a bohemian style set, with lots of bold colors and mixed patterns. It was so fun to create, and Wesley hugged me when I passed them off, so that was a good day. Favorite wedding I have worked on.”
What does your morning routine look like? “I start each day with a French Press cup of coffee and some snuggles with our son Silas and pup, Lox. Eventually, I get the troops packed up and we head over to Lana’s Shop, a mint green-walled studio just 10 minutes from our home where we are headquartered. Then the day is filled with painting, sketching, more snuggles, emails, connecting with clients and vendors, packing up orders. I feel so very lucky every day.”
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing? “If I could live on a mountain top without wifi, I would. I try to unplug whenever I can, so with that, I might not be too savvy as to what the big trends are right now, which to me is refreshing. But, I know that people are always digging very clean, simple, designs and monotones. Which is funny, because truthfully people reach out to me when they want that exact opposite – lots of detail and color! Sorry, that’s no help at all! Next question?”
What advice would you give to a younger you? “The mistakes you make along the way, will no doubt help you in the long run. It really is all about the journey. Also – maybe take a course in how to be more organized? An artist’s brain, oy! I’d also tell myself to continue never giving up on those crazy, wild goals, and also to just embrace the fact that I’m kind of a slow painter, ha. The work will always get done in time.”
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning? “I can’t even believe I’m making a living creating pretty products to share with you. Every day is exciting! But the days when I know I can put on some headphones (binge listen to some shows) and just paint are real gifts. Also, it’s amazing to come into the studio now and see my team working so hard and passionately behind the scenes. Couldn’t do it without them.”
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight? “Lately, I have really been feeling Manhattans but now that it’s getting hot out, a big chilled glass of chardonnay will surely hit the spot, too.”
Follow Lana’s Shop on Instagram!
Photo | Laura Sobon Murray
