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

Lauren, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I’m slowly but surely making this a reality. It takes time and it is extremely difficult in the beginning to keep preserving, but ultimately worth it! At the beginning of your journey, your energy is being pulled in two directions: the need to survive & pay for your expenses and taking the time to build something greater for yourself. Your business won’t replace your current income from the beginning, so it’s important to either have a savings pot or another job to supplement. Another key step I took was to reduce my living expenses as much as possible – subscriptions, rent, and other unnecessary purchases. During this process, you should remember not to overlook the role that your community can play in relieving some of these stressors. We’ve grown up in an individualistic society that keeps us separate when so many of our problems can be solved by coming together.

“In and about community lies the salvation of the world” – M Scott Peck

If you can, build a community where you can share the hardships of life – roommates to split grocery bills with, friends to share streaming services with, and people you can depend on when life becomes too overwhelming. We don’t need as much as we think and even the things we need don’t have to be owned by one person. This is a great way to lower your monthly expenses and keep your current lifestyle. Once you have a manageable income-to-expenses ratio, keep going. It takes time to build a client base and have a steady income stream, but all good things take time. With a lot of hard work and a little luck, you’ll successfully earn a full-time living from your creative work.

Lauren, 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?

My name is Lauren Holmes and I’m the Owner of Corl West, a Los Angeles-based user experience design studio that empowers businesses to better reach users, streamline operations, and utilize platforms to the fullest. I’ve been designing products for the tech industry for over 9 years – helping to deliver digital experience solutions for organizations both big and small. What my clients gain when working with me is a hybrid knowledge of top-notch design & development practices – allowing me to think outside the box when delivering innovative and intuitive solutions. I started Corl West, during the pandemic, when the need for user-friendly digital products was being steadily realized around the world. The name “Corl West” was derived from combining my middle name ‘Corl’ and ‘West’ as a way to tribute our West Coast start.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

This past year was one of my most difficult years. I went full-time with my business (again, after being part-time while learning from a full-time job), my grandpa passed quickly after, and I had been injured on my right hand from a dog attack. It prevented me from focusing on my business the way I needed to and building my client base back up.

I took some time off (using my savings pot) and considered what I wanted. Although this time felt like a loss of control, it truly allowed time for introspection, innovation, and building resilience.

I bought some land in Joshua Tree and started a campground as a side business I knew would provide fulfillment in the physical world. In the digital world, I was able to get one of my largest clients to date.

The resilience to get through the dark times came from consistent habits, focusing on what I could control, and taking it one day at a time. It was a difficult road, but there was always a light at the end of the tunnel, even when I couldn’t see it. The best advice I can give is to keep walking your path (what feels true to you), even without that guiding light, you’ll eventually see the glimmer and it will provide that second wind you need to reach your goals.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Most of my clients come from word of mouth from past co-workers and clients. The goal is to always do an outstanding job – above and beyond what they imagined – and keep the referrals coming! I’m always honest with potential clients and want the best for them so if I can’t help them, I do the best I can to send them down the path that will. We need each other more than we think and I’m happy to help any business owner rise to success using my strengths so they can focus on their strengths. If you have questions about the user experience design industry, starting a business, or persevering through difficult times please feel free to reach out to me – I will always be there for someone who wants a helping hand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.corlwest.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corlwest/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/42783329