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

Laura, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

It all began in my grandmother’s art studio, where as a child, I found solace and inspiration in the vibrant world of color that surrounded me. Those early days were the start to my passion for painting – and it would only grow stronger with time.

In 2012 after my father suddenly passed away, I picked up a paintbrush in my husband’s studio and found solace and healing teaching myself to paint. Drawing inspiration from my travels and personal experiences, I poured my heart into it. And it wasn’t long before my collections started to gain recognition. My artwork found its way into renowned galleries in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Atlanta, earning acclaim and opening doors I never thought possible.

But it was in 2016 that the next chapter of my journey began. With a suggestion from a friend and a lot of encouragement from family, I stumbled into the world of textiles, transforming my art into digital patterns that could adorn fabrics.
The debut of my signature-patterned pillows at the New York Now trade show marked the beginning of something truly special. The response was overwhelming, and before I knew it, Laura Park Designs was born.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

What started with pillows soon grew into an expansive range of offerings, from wallpaper to lifestyle accessories and tabletop décor. And through it all, I remained true to my vision, infusing every piece with the vibrant energy and bold colors that define my art.

Today, my flagship store stands in Charlotte, North Carolina, a testament to years of hard work from our team and my family. With the support of my husband, Trip Park, our four children, and of course our three beloved dogs, I continue to chase my dreams and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

But perhaps the most rewarding part of this journey has been watching my daughters, Sumner and Lawson, follow in my footsteps. Sumner launched PIECES, creating accessories inspired by my original art, while Lawson introduced Brooks Avenue as the apparel sister brand to Laura Park Designs.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Our mission. If there is one thing that drives me, it’s the pursuit of joy and happiness. At Laura Park, we firmly believe that everyone deserves a little splash of color in their lives, something that brightens their world and brings a smile to their face.

It’s not just about decorating a space; it’s about giving it life, personality, and happiness. We want to make it effortless for our customers to express their own creative side by embracing the colors that speak to their soul.

I know smiles are contagious, and I also believe color is too. That’s why all our products are designed with one simple goal: to spread happiness through beautiful color, patterns, and designs.

Happiness is always in season.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building our audience on social media truly began as an organic journey for us. When we first launched Laura Park Designs, we were navigating uncharted waters. None of us had much experience running an eCommerce business, so we relied heavily on trial and error.

Luckily, I had the invaluable input of my teenage children, who provided some much-needed advice. But for the most part, our approach to social media happened naturally. Initially, our account was simply my personal one, and it continues to have that personal touch today.

Authenticity is at the core of everything we do on social media, even if it sometimes drives my professional team a bit crazy. I’m passionate about showing the behind-the-scenes of our business and sharing snippets of how I live creatively. Whether it’s a getaway with my husband or a simple walk with our dogs, I want our followers to see the real me.

We’ve always aimed to strike a balance between showcasing our products and fostering genuine connections with our audience. It’s not just about selling; it’s about building relationships. We love seeing how people incorporate our patterns into their own spaces, whether they’re seasoned professionals or college students decorating their dorm rooms for the first time. We make sure to highlight all of it.

Approachability are key pillars of our social media strategy. We make it a point to respond to every direct message personally, and I’m often the one sharing stories and posts on weekends so our team can have a break.
If I were to share some lessons learned from our social media journey, it would be this: lean into what feels authentic to you, leverage your family and friends as early supporters and followers, and focus on building a community rather than just pushing sales. That genuine connection is what truly matters in the end.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lauraparkdesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraparkdesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraParkDesign/