We were lucky to catch up with LAURA THOMPSON recently and have shared our conversation below.

LAURA, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At LKT London, our journey began with a shared commitment to consciousness and sustainability. We envisioned a brand that not only offered unique, handmade homewares but also made a positive impact on the world. Inspired by the talent and dedication of traditional craftspeople, we set out to create products that honoured their craftsmanship while minimising our environmental footprint.

Our belief in using natural and sustainable materials led us to embrace eco-friendly practices, from sourcing raw materials to packaging our products. We recognised the importance of supporting local communities and preserving traditional arts and crafts, which became integral to our mission. Each handmade piece carries a story, whether it’s been upcycled or woven from scratch, reflecting our dedication to celebrating artistry and culture. Including our handwoven, hand dyed socks and garments, our natural pure essential fragrances poured by hand using no chemicals or toxins.

As we embarked on our journey, we realised that our mission extended beyond creating beautiful homewares—it was about making a meaningful difference in the world. Witnessing the challenges faced by marginalised communities and the environment, we knew we had a responsibility to use our platform for good. This drove us to support charities aligned with our values of compassion, community, and sustainability.

From environmental conservation to women’s empowerment and education for underprivileged children, each cause we support holds special significance to us. We believe in the power of small actions to create significant change, and our commitment to these causes shapes every decision we make as a company.

Our mission isn’t just a statement; it’s the heart and soul of our brand. By aligning our business with our values and supporting causes we’re passionate about, we strive to create a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come. With every purchase, our customers join us in our journey towards positive change, making a difference one beautifully crafted piece at a time.

LAURA, 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?

Our founder, Laura worked in the fashion industry for over a decade designing luxury accessories and heading up a team of talented designers. To travel and surf was her temporary escape from the constraints and pressures of working within the world of constantly changing seasons and fast fashion. Surfing is her release, her therapy, and her motivation. Whilst on surf trips, all over the world, her passion for design inspired her to collect unique pieces created by local artisans. Skills used by the artisans are passed down over the generations creating long lasting pieces that never lose any of their charm or appeal. As an avid surfer Laura has total respect for the ocean.  Her concern for indigenous communities and the destruction of our ecosystem has led her to work with natural and sustainable products.
Laura was on a surf trip in Morocco when she first encountered the handcrafted pieces created by the Berber women in the Atlas Mountains. She was completely enthralled by the originality, the colours, the textures and the fascinating stories hand-woven into each piece.  The LKT ethos is to engage with the artists, provide insights into their inspirations and traditional ways of working and to make these individual pieces more accessible for everyone to enjoy.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist or creative is the journey of transforming ideas into tangible creations. From the initial spark of inspiration to the final brushstroke or design, there’s a profound sense of fulfillment in bringing a vision to life. Meeting people who resonate with your work and seeing their joy and appreciation firsthand adds another layer of reward to the creative process.

The ability to make art accessible to all and to share it with diverse audiences amplifies this sense of fulfillment. Whether it’s through pop-up shops, or online platforms, knowing that your creations can touch hearts and minds across different backgrounds is incredibly gratifying.

Moreover, the collaborative nature of creativity opens doors to endless possibilities. Working alongside other talented individuals, exchanging ideas, and merging different perspectives can lead to extraordinary outcomes that surpass what any one person could achieve alone. Building these connections and partnerships with other artisans enriches the creative journey and adds depth to the stories behind each piece of art.

Ultimately, the most rewarding story of being an artist or creative lies in the profound impact your work can have on others—inspiring, uplifting, and connecting people through the power of creativity.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Embarking on the journey of starting a new business from scratch alone was both daunting and exhilarating. With nothing but a vision and a drive to make it a reality, I dove headfirst into the unknown, unsure of what the future held but determined to push forward.

As a one-woman team, I wore multiple hats, tackling every aspect of running a business single-handedly. From designing the website to capturing the essence of my creations through photography, from setting up pop-up shops to collaborating with artisans to bring my vision to life, every task fell on my shoulders. Packing and sending out parcels became second nature as I navigated the intricate dance of logistics and customer service.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties, my resilience shone through. I faced moments of doubt and fear, wondering if my efforts would bear fruit or if I was simply chasing a dream. But with each obstacle I encountered, I found the strength to persevere, drawing on my passion and determination to keep moving forward.

The journey was a testament to my resilience, as I learned to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship with unwavering resolve. It was a journey of self-discovery and growth, where every setback became an opportunity to learn and adapt.

Looking back, I am proud of how far I’ve come and grateful for the lessons learned along the way. Starting a business from scratch alone was not just about building a brand—it was a journey of resilience, courage, and unwavering belief in myself and my vision. And though the path ahead may still be uncertain, I face it with renewed confidence, knowing that my passion and drive will carry me through whatever challenges lie ahead.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lktlondon.com
• Instagram: lkt_london
• Facebook: LKT London

Image Credits
i took the images The photos taken of myself were by a friend