Designer Spotlight: Lauren Neal
I February 14, 2014
A brief story of what you do and why you do it
After working in Social Work and at a bank, I knew exactly what I did NOT want to do anymore. Jewelry making gave me the creative outlet I was craving and it allowed me the opportunity to be my own boss and create my own work environment. 5 years later, I am focusing more on being the CEO of my business and freeing up more time to design rather than simply “make”. Now, I am focusing on building my brand and vision so that I can grow my business! I keep pressing on because I love running a business and can't imagine doing anything else. Even when things are really hard, I still love designing jewelry that people connect with.
How did you get into jewelry design?
I have always needed a creative outlet & have tried my hand at most everything. I just so happened to fall in love with jewelry making during a time in my life when I hated my job and was ready for a change. It felt like a very natural change for me. I quit my job and went all in!
What makes your collection unique?
My collection is very personal. Every piece comes from a personal story, experience & inspiration. It's because of this that my clients also have a connection to these pieces and they easily become a part of that person's life journey.
What are your inspirations?
I am inspired by nature, history and story telling.
How are you making a difference in your life?
Running my own business allows me to be in control and make decisions that are in alignment with my values. Using recycled materials, employing best practices in the studio and creating a product that will last for years to come makes me feel good about what I do. I'm making a positive impact in people's lives and creating a product that is special. At the end of the day, I feel good about how I spend my time, which is important to me.
What's something unusual about you that makes you “you”?
As a “creative” I think people are usually shocked to find that my studio is immaculate and organized…..ALWAYS. I find that I cannot be creative or get things done when my spaces are cluttered. I'm a total neat freak.
What's the biggest struggle in running your jewelry business like a business? OR What is your biggest success in running your business like a business?
The biggest struggle in running my jewelry business like a business is that I am incredibly hard on myself. It's great to always be aiming to do bigger and better things but even CEO's need a day off!
Carrier Pigeon is a Minneapolis, Minnesota based jewelry line founded in 2009 by Lauren Neal. Inspired by her love of nature and narrative, Lauren works with archetypal images and environmentally responsible materials to produce her collections. Trained in jewelry manufacturing and self-taught in design, she creates jewelry for people with a tough, independent and effortless style.
Website: www.carrierpigeonjewelry.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrierPigeonJewelry
Twitter: @CarrierPigeonTC
Instagram: @carrierpigeonmpls
