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

Marlene, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

After working at the corporate level of a college for many years and dealing with considerable stress, I decided to go for it and pursue art professionally. I knew I was an artist since I was a little girl and I had all these ideas. I got the opportunity as a hobbyist home designer to redecorate an apartment in Miami Beach. That opportunity led to another and so forth.

During that process, things stood still for several years as I moved to Ocala and became a caregiver for my mother during her illness. Finally, in 2020 during the Covid lockdown, I began to reflect on my home design work, particularly on how I always incorporated a piece of furniture in my work.

During the pandemic, I took the time to fully immerse myself in what I love most. This time, I decided to focus more on furniture art, selling both through my website and locally. In 2021, I began creating 1920s-inspired art and selling it online, as well as at local markets. I’ve always enjoyed sketching women’s faces and fashion designs since grade school, and the 1920s era has always fascinated me. So, I thought, why not combine these interests along with my passion for vintage style and the visual aesthetics of the 1920s into my home decor and furniture designs? The “20’s Roar Collection” then expanded, leading me to create pillows, canvases, and portraits, which quickly became a very successful part of my business.

In 2022, I had the exciting idea to expand my business by introducing dinnerware and holiday decor. By Spring of 2023, I released my very first pieces, marking a new chapter in my Business. My inaugural collection featured the charming “Bow Bunny Plate” just in time for Spring, setting the tone for what was to come. This was followed by a stunning line of chinoiserie-inspired dinnerware, custom-designed to reflect the unique tastes and colors for each customer. The final highlight of the year was to extend the 1920’s “Roar” collection into the dinnerware which became a beloved addition to clients’ homes and events.

I continued to incorporate furniture into my home decor and the business continued the way that it started, growing much bigger than I could ever imagine. I thank God because he is involved in everything I do, and has given me inspiration for my pieces and in times when it was hard to concentrate due to my mother’s illness, he always lifted me up, and gave me the strength to pick up my brush again and again.

Marlene, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a dinnerware, furniture, and canvas artist with a deep passion for creating custom, one-of-a-kind pieces that bring joy and elevate both the spaces and lives of my clients. My journey into this creative world began in 2020, during the national lockdown. In a time when many were seeking comfort and joy, I realized that art and design had the power to bring a sense of warmth and happiness back into our homes. I wanted to be a part of that transformation. It was then that the idea of concentrating more on custom furniture pieces and later creating custom dinnerware was born—what if I could turn an ordinary meal or gathering into an unforgettable experience? I set out to design pieces that not only combined functionality with artistry but also reflected each client’s unique family and style for years to come.

What sets me apart is my commitment to blending art with function in a way that’s both elegant and deeply personal. Whether I’m designing a custom dinnerware set for a wedding, birthday party, or creating a canvas that incorporates into their home decor, that captures a special memory, or creating furniture that speaks to a client’s aesthetic, I aim to create pieces that transcend the ordinary. Every work I create tells a story, and it’s that story that transforms my designs into true works of art that resonate deeply with my clients.

I’m most proud of the meaningful relationships I’ve built with my clients and the joy I feel when I see how my work makes a lasting impact in their homes. Helping people express their unique style, or life’s experience through art that is both beautiful and functional is incredibly fulfilling to me.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that each piece I create is made with care, love, and a deep passion for Art. I am committed to providing a personalized experience for every client, ensuring they receive something truly special. My work is about more than just enhancing homes—it’s about telling a unique story, their story. Whether it’s a festive dinnerware set, a statement piece of furniture, or a decor item that captures a moment in time, I want my creations to leave a lasting impression. My motto is “One design at a time.”

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to see someone smile, someone stare into what I created, and feel the joy as I feel it when I am creating it with love.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, there are quite a few goals, one of them is to have my very own line of furniture, where I can oversee every step of the process—from working with carpenters to creating custom-painted pieces that truly reflect my vision. I want to move beyond just designing furniture to crafting entirely new, original pieces from scratch. By combining skilled craftsmanship with my own designs, I aim to create furniture that is not only functional but also a work of art, tailored to fit each client’s unique style and needs. This journey allows me to bring my full creative vision to life, offering custom furniture that will be cherished for years to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lamorasfurnituredesigns.com/
• Instagram: @lamorasfurnituredesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Lamoras-Furniture-Designs-100075812113203/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LamorasFurnitureDesigns
• Other: Etsy
  https://www.etsy.com/shop/Lamorasfurniture?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1775644614&from_page=listing

  Pinterest
  https://www.pinterest.com/mlamora090016