We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Montgomery a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I take a lot of risks when it comes to my creative journey. After working in theatre as a costume designer and wardrobe supervisor for years, I was starting to feel unfulfilled by projects that were available. So I decided to do something that seemed more “stable” and jumped into aparrel manufacturing.

You might think that going from commissioned theatrical designer to a steady job with benefits isn’t risky. It was a challenge to go from making my own hours, being creative, and collaborating with other artistic people to rigid structure and quotas to fill. In that field, I risked jumping from working under a global automotive corporation to a very small, sustainable business, Detroit Denim.

This has hands down been the best place to work for. Generous owners, sustainable mindset, and they truly put their people first. Even though I’ve been sewing since childhood, i was really able to hone my skills there. Making custom jeans for people has been so much more fun and rewarding than I ever could have imagined. Here comes my most recent risk…

Detroit Denim announced their closing. While we finish making our final orders, I realize how spoiled I have become working for such a great company. So I’ve decided to start my own brand, Lo’s Closet. Part original designs, part vintage appreciation. Years of costume design gave me a deep appreciation of the evolution of fashion, and an obsession with vintage. Working in aparrel manufacturing has given me a keen eye for craftsmanship. This risk is choosing my artistic fulfillment over trying to wedge myself into a place where I feel unfulfilled, underappreciated, or mistreated. I’m excited to see what this next chapter looks like.

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?

I started out in theatre! I was an acting major who eventually turned to costume design. I regularly perform with Michigan’s Rocky Horror Preservation Society shadow cast. What’s great about this cast, is blind casting. Whoever wants to play a part gets that opportunity regardless of looks. I’ve been so inspired working with these folks over the years. We have fabulous costumes that we make ourselves, and I have had the pleasure of seeing performers of all.shapes and sizes on our stage strutting their stuff.

These friends inspire me to make artistic, fun clothes and accessories for everyone. I’m in the process of working with some friends whose body types have been difficult to find cute clothing for. Having worked in making custom jeans for the past few years has shown me how much confidence can come from wearing a garment that truly fits properly and makes one look good.

In the meantime, I have been having a great time making leather harnesses from repurposed automotive leather. I love using upcycled or repurposed materials. Sustainability is important! Reducing waste is important! I try to use as much material as possible from as much pre-existing materials as I can. It feels like a magic trick taking something and making it something completely new.

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

I love seeing something I’ve made in the wild. It’s only happened a couple of times. It is thrilling to see a stranger wearing something you’ve made. I’ve also had the pleasure of seeing women cry tears of happiness putting on a pair of jeans that I’ve made, because they’ve never found a pair of jeans that fit them before. Knowing that something you created is appreciates and loved is such a warm feeling.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Try to buy from a local artist before going online to buy something cheaply mass made. Donate to community art programs when you can!

During covid, I was fortunate enough to be employed during lockdown. Whenever I received a stimulus check, I would commission art from my artist friends. I donated money directly to friends who were performing artists.

It’s about doing what you can when you can. Donating supplies to artists or organizations is great. A lot of theatres take old clothes donations. A lot of theatres rely on volunteer ushers. Every little bit helps!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_loz_closet