We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Schloesser. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.

Alright, Lauren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents have always served as an inspiration for me to follow my dreams and to do what will lead to happiness- even if that means having an untraditional career path.

Being raised by two hard workers in artistic fields served as inspiration to follow in their footsteps and start my own creative endeavor.

I count myself as incredibly lucky to feel supported and encouraged to create from a young age. My mother fostered a strong sense of self-expression and my father served as an amazing example of how to turn a passion into a fulfilling business.

As a child, I went through just about every messy medium there is to make with- from giant rolls of paper to finger paint to taking ceramic classes, making mud clay in the backyard and spilling beads in every crack of carpet in the living room.

When I started to focus on opening my first Etsy shop, my dad was a well of information for business tips for getting started- and I knew I could count on my mom to proudly wear the jewelry I’ve made and encourage her friends to check it out as well.

Most recently HAVEN haus got a spot at a large brewery craft fair, and my parents didn’t miss a beat- even bringing the family dog along to support, encourage, and help pack everything up at the end of the day.

I have been so thankful every step of the way to know my family believes in and supports my dream to have HAVEN haus be a successful small business.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been a maker for as long as I can remember- and absolutely fell in love with creating handmade jewelry and sustainable home good items.

HAVEN haus is built on taking ordinary items and making them something special.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the freedom to do what I find fulfilling.

I am able to create items that I am proud of for HAVEN haus that also represent me as a maker.

Most recently, being an artist has allowed for connections to be made with some incredible woman owned businesses in Saint Paul. Seeing people encourage and lift one another up has been an amazing experience.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

As a small business owner and artist, the most impactful support that I have received has been seeing my work shared by others- as simple as a friend liking and passing on a social media post. Supporting a creative doesn’t always mean monetarily, word of mouth is invaluable and can lead to more connections.

On a bigger scale- I feel that a creative ecosystem needs space to thrive. Whether it be a physical space or an openness of mind for others to approach art with. Having a space to meet, share and create with other people leads to a stronger sense of community between artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: havenhaus.art
• Instagram: havenhaus.art

Image Credits
Lauren Schloesser