Art & Life with Laura Hawkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Hawkins.

Laura, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I have always love decorating and being creative. About four years ago I started making jewelry for myself with a style that matched my personality. I really had no idea that it would turn into a career. The first time I sold anything to someone was on accident.

My husband and myself were at my daughter’s Pre-K graduation and two ladies that were sitting behind us tapped me on my shoulder and asked me where I shopped for my jewelry that I was wearing. I told them I handmade each piece myself and they complemented it, and said it was beautiful. I told them thank you and really thought nothing about it. After the gradation was over we were getting ready to leave and they stopped me at the door and asked how much would I charge to make them what I was wearing that day.

I told them I wasn’t sure and I asked them for their phone numbers and told them I would call them later that afternoon. When I got home that day I made the jewelry that they liked and texted a picture to them, they called as soon as they received the pictures, and asked if they could come to the house and buy them that day.

Later that night my husband and I were talking about it and decide to post a few things on Facebook to see if any other ladies would be interested in my design. WOW is all I can say. It started with family and friends, everyone started sharing my posts and the messages I received were so encouraging I started making more and more things. I basically sat in my dining room every day and would teach myself new techniques. Then one day I was contacted from my first boutique which is located in Lake Chares, LA called Catina Couture. She asked me if I would be willing to let her store carry my line of jewelry. I didn’t know what to say and asked if I could call her back. I thought to myself this is crazy I don’t even have a name for my line of jewelry, is this something that I can do? Again, my husband and I talked about what could we name my business, I wanted something simple, but something that would be easy for people to remember. We both but could not think of anything and then it hit me. All of my nieces and nephews call me LaLa. This all started because my oldest niece at that time could never say Aunt Laura, she was just learning to talk, and it always came out LaLa and it just stuck. I now have 5 nieces and 2 nephews that all call me LaLa. So, after picking the brand name I called Catina back and told her that I would love to have my line in her store. Catina is such a big-hearted person and was such a blessing to give me such an amazing opportunity. There are so many great jewelry designers out there, I never dreamed that I would ever have a chance to be in a well-known boutique. It is because of her I am where I am today!

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I do all my work from home, and I have a 7-year-old daughter and 3-year son. My office is set up like a boutique and I have ladies stopping by everyday shopping, but I ship out the majority of my work. I sell individual orders and LaLa’s is now carried in 28 stores in 7 different states! It still blows my mind the power of social media and how quickly this all took place. Again, just two sweet ladies that liked what I was wearing started a new career for me. People don’t realize how much of a marketing tool social media is, and how much just a like or a share can really make a difference to a small business owner.

LaLa’s Jewelry Collection is designed to be worn both around town and out on the town. I create earrings, necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and rings using precious metals such as silver and gold along with natural gemstones and pearls, oyster shells, alligator bones, peacock feathers, and genuine leather. All pieces are hand forged out of metal or wire resulting in a unique quality designer jewelry. My designs have been treasured by many as gifts for weddings, birthdays, new mothers, anniversaries and holidays. I design each piece of jewelry with love, inspiration, and attention to style, comfort and quality at a price that will not break your budget.

What I love about my job is getting messages and pictures from my amazing customers. To see them smile and thank me for making them a special piece of jewelry gives me enough encouragement that I need to get up and do it all over again. I have been so blessed to have so many supportive people in my life. I just love creating jewelry that makes people happy!

Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
This is why I love what I do! Of course, this is a very tough and competitive market, but what isn’t these days? That’s part of the fun of my everyday designs. You always have to stay on top of new trends and what people are liking at this time, because next month it will have all changed. I live in such an incredible city where I can go into Houston for just the morning and get inspiration! I hurry home and sit at my desk and just start creating. I can tell in my sales when I am not in my zone of getting out and experiencing the city. That’s what works for me, and I am lucky to be just minutes away from an incredible place that is full of life, and beauty, art, and fashion!

It definitely takes a lot of dedication, it is especially hard when you do it all by yourself. I never wake up hating what I do, and I know that has been the biggest part of LaLa’s being successful. I do get overwhelmed a lot……. but that normally happens when I will get 30 orders in a day and I don’t know how I will be able to take care of my family, my home, my husband, and my business. Things always come together and work out, even when you do not think they will! You just have to work through it! One quote that always sticks out to me daily is: “Find something that you love to do so much, you can’t wait for the sun to rise to do it all over again.”

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am designing new pieces everyday so it has been very challenging trying to keep my website updated. I have found what works for me right now is Instagram. I post new designs almost daily on my page. If someone is interested in pricing or purchasing please feel free to message me. I also sell wholesale, so if you own a store or boutique and would like to carry my line please feel free to contact me for wholesale pricing.

Contact Info:

• Address: Katy, Texas
• Website: www.lalasjewelrycollection.com
• Phone: 337-526-8908
• Email: lauragtaylor2002@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalasjewelrycollection/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lalasjewelrycollection/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaLasJewelry

Image Credit:
Alyssa Hawkins Imagery.

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