Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jay Lana. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

It began over a decade ago when a hobby of mine evolved into the business I run today. For years, I collected discarded items, which lay dormant until I found myself yearning for a creative outlet. That’s when I began crafting functional sculptures from these collected pieces. After creating my first ten sculptures, I approached local art galleries to showcase my work and, following local success, I launched an online store to reach a broader audience.

As time passed, the market became saturated with similar art, and sourcing materials grew challenging. This prompted me to leverage my skills and inventiveness to design a unique line of light fixtures, unlike anything available in the industry. My bespoke lighting designs gained traction, distinguishing my studio with their artisanal hand-finishes and customizable options.

My business model focuses on made-to-order products, eliminating the need for inventory. This approach not only allows for competitive pricing but also significantly reduces waste, setting my studio apart in the market.

Jay, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, my name is Jay Lana, and I am the creator behind Retro Steam Works and RSW Studio. I craft unique handmade light fixtures using only the highest quality materials available on the market.

I entered this industry as a means to support myself as a single father raising two children. Finding a job with flexible hours was challenging, so I contemplated what I could create with my hands in this saturated and underpaid market. That’s when I conceived the idea of creating functional art pieces, not merely objects to be admired. My art was immediately well-received, but the initial success was fleeting. Consequently, I decided to leverage the knowledge gained from my artistic pursuits to design unique handcrafted light fixtures accessible to all, distinguished by their finish and appearance.

Customization is one of the services my clients value and frequently use. Whether they seek a specific color, finish, or configuration, I collaborate with them to realize their vision. I take great pride in my proprietary artisanal finishes; although the process is extensive, the outcome consistently meets satisfaction.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

I’ve always been cautious with marketing, opting not to pay for advertisements. However, when I started out, I seized every opportunity to market myself and my work for free, utilizing social media and online stores, among other platforms.

This aggressive approach to social media marketing garnered national and international attention. I was contacted by people, blogs, magazines, and websites, and among them was a purchasing agent for a multinational electronics company. They requested over a hundred fixtures for their stores across the US and Europe. The prospect thrilled me, but the logistics were daunting. It wasn’t just a single client purchasing one fixture; it involved shipping over a hundred individual packages worldwide. It stands out as one of the most memorable moments in my business journey.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

My initial creations were crafted from objects I had collected at no cost over the years, so the initial investment was virtually nil. As my artworks began to sell, the proceeds were continually reinvested into the business. Although I didn’t draw a formal salary for some time, there was sufficient income to cover the bills.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.retrosteamworks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsw.custom.lighting.design/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RSWCustomLightingDesign/
• Other: https://rswstudio.com/index.html https://jaylana.art/