We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Fuhr Ruark recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lauren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful pieces I’ve worked on are those that I’ve made for family, friends, and people I look up to. This year I was able to create a custom commission for an author who has inspired me for years and whose books have shaped my life and business significantly.

When I graduated with a BFA from Colorado State University in 2018, I knew right away that I wanted to start a business. I wanted to help make people’s spaces feel more meaningful, inviting, and peaceful. The thought of playing a role in helping people love their environments more and want to open up their homes to others was exciting to me. I have also always loved connecting with people, hearing their stories, and sharing my own. But as I was starting out, I began to struggle with comparison, feeling like I needed to prove myself and strive to measure up. I am a 3 on the enneagram and in that time right after college I could feel myself wanting to achieve to try to earn my worth and purpose.

That spring, my friend gave me a book called “Nothing to Prove“ by Jennie Allen. The words in the book were like honey to my soul when I read them – I didn’t have to try hard to be qualified enough, put-together enough, successful enough to be able to do the things I believed I should. Instead, Jennie wrote about a different experience where my soul could overflow with contentment and joy, embracing the fact that I will never be enough but that’s okay because I believe that Jesus is. For the rest of that year, as I set out to build my business, connecting with brands, boutiques, and other artists, I no longer felt the pressure to promote myself, instead I felt free and assured, and believed that opportunities would come as God wanted to use me.

Last September, I got to connect with Jennie through mutual friends, and partner with her nonprofit, IF: Gathering. I created custom painting for her home as part of a giveaway that we did together. Jennie sent me photos of her ranch and I created an abstract piece that depicted beautiful rolling Texas hills and their reflections on a still, peaceful lake. When Jennie received the painting she sent an audio message about how much it meant to her and her husband. I was so encouraged. It brought me so much joy to be able to connect with someone who’s had such a big impact on my life and get to share my art.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Lauren Fuhr Design Co. is a lifestyle brand specializing in abstract and landscape acrylic paintings that focus on color, texture, and movement. I also design products and homegoods that promote artful and meaningful living. I believe that our environments directly affect our wellbeing, and I want my art and products to help make people’s spaces feel more peaceful, inviting, and beautiful.

I have always loved art and come from a line of artists and creatives in my family. I knew early on that I wanted to pursue art, digital design, and business in college. I started my business as a freelance branding studio, but shifted to a lifestyle brand in 2019. Through many highs and lows in life and in so many different life stages, art has been a constant for me–it has been a part of every season.

I am proud of the way my business has been a part of my community around me. I love having a creative outlet that also allows me to connect with people and hear their stories. I have met incredible people through the creative communities in Fort Collins, Denver, and Dallas, and have learned so much by being mentored by Denver live-painter, Jennie Tucker.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I have built my audience on Instagram through connecting with my local community, organizing giveaways with brands, hosting pop-up shops, re-sharing customers’ photos of my paintings and products, and engaging with other artists and individuals who inspire me. I have sent emails to brands expressing my interest in being involved in any way with them, and likewise have received emails from brands and magazines about their interest in sharing my art with their audiences. My best advice when it comes to social media is to keep your posts consistent in their look and feel, collaborate with others, profile your ideal customer and follow people who align with that. Also, don’t be afraid to send emails, dms, and other forms of communication to expand your network.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

I am fascinated by the concept of NFTs and would love to learn more about them and someday create them. I love seeing how art evolves with time and technology.

Contact Info:

• Website: laurenfuhrdesign.com
• Instagram: @laurenfuhrdesign.co
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lfdesign.co
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-fuhr/

Image Credits
Abigail Newton, Dayna White, Coletta Aderholt, One Lady Studio