Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne Coppola.
Suzanne, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2003, I moved from Houston to London, England as a newlywed and while living overseas had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe as well as to Africa and Asia. During these travels, I fell in love with the outdoor markets, antique shops, and “marche aux puces” of these distinctly different areas and parts of the world. It was during this chapter of my life that I discovered my passion and appreciation for unique interiors, antiques, and cultures which blossomed and sparked the initial vision for LAURIER BLANC.
While in London, I worked with British-based swimwear and resort wear brand Heidi Klein and helped them to expand with the opening of their second boutique in London. I eventually became an investor and partner in the company and moved to New York in 2006 where I focused on launching Heidi Klein’s American outpost, a boutique on the Upper East Side. I ultimately moved back to Texas to start our family while simultaneously developing the business plan for LAURIER BLANC.
In the spring of 2014, I launched the LAURIER BLANC collection as a home decor e-commerce website with a small studio in Houston. Later that year, I was selected to evaluate and appraise a collection of Imperial hunting trophies originating from German and Austrian Royalty and families of nobility. I hired noted appraiser James Supp, best known for his work with the PBS production “Antiques Roadshow,” and launched The European Hunt Collection which was valued at over 2.5 million dollars. Being part of this extraordinary historic collection has been the project of a lifetime.
In October 2015, we had the opportunity to launch our official LAURIER BLANC gallery and showroom in Houston’s Southampton neighborhood, near West University and the Museum District. The gallery is next door to Raven Grill and Picnic on Bissonnet. I continue to curate the gallery with treasures sourced on my annual buying trips which include destinations such as France, Belgium, Italy, Marrakech, Istanbul, Cambodia, Laos, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka (with very special destinations on the docket for 2019!)
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If finding success in business were easy, I think everyone would do it! Yes, it’s been a journey involving a great deal of sweat equity involving late nights, research on almost every front and hiccups along the way. The passion I have fueled me through these times and I’m truly happy doing what I do with LAURIER BLANC. The gallery is my sanctuary. I love speaking with clients who are curious to hear the stories about many of the pieces I discover during my travels, and who also enjoy sharing their own travel experiences.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about LAURIER BLANC – what should we know?
I own a home decor and antique gallery called LAURIER BLANC that is a curated collection of antiques, vintage finds, and contemporary decor pieces that I discover on my travels around the world. I’m proud of the eclectic mix that I have collected that feels very distinct and unlike other stores. There really is something for everyone at every price point. I really enjoy the opportunity to uncover pieces that have interesting stories and that transport people to far away places and time periods. I’m also very proud of the products we sell that make a difference in communities around the world and have a social impact. As a gallery, we always partner with a local charity to donate a percentage of sales — giving back is something that is extremely important to me. Most recently, we’ve been working closely with Dwell with Dignity, an amazing charity out of Dallas that provides beautiful living spaces for people who have struggled with homelessness to help them and their families reach their full potential. Dwell with Dignity is in the process of fundraising to establish their Houston chapter and I’m honored to be a part of the planning committee here. LAURIER BLANC is doing everything we can to help them meet their goal as well as tell their story!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I’m originally from the Florida Keys. My father very much had wanderlust in his blood, which is where I get it from. My father enjoyed the water, was an avid sailor and traveled the world. He was once selected to lead an expedition to Suriname and it was through that experience that I have one of his most prized possessions, a giant tortoise shell that was gifted to him from the people of Suriname. I like to think I have a little bit of his love for adventure in me.
In addition to my sense of adventure which leads me too far-flung places where I discover treasures for clients, I believe my perseverance and curiosity have contributed to my success. I started my business from the ground up and am proud of what I have built with the support of my amazing gallery staff. My sense of curiosity keeps me asking questions and always searching for new pieces and more efficient ways of running my business.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1926 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
- Website: https://www.laurierblanc.com/
- Phone: (713) 485-0071
- Email: info@laurierblanc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurierblanc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurierblanc/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurier_blanc
- Other: https://twitter.com/laurier_blanc
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
