with Lauren Taylor

Anyone that knows me, knows how much I LOVE to hear a person’s story. I’m the question-asker. 

Well, I had the privilege to take pictures of and sit down to chat with Lauren of Lauren Taylor Creates, in her adorable studio. My fellow California native is a self-taught artist and illustrator based in Ireland.

She is the epitome of kind, smart, and funny. Lauren’s love for the natural world around her inspires her beautiful paintings of botanicals and landscapes.

The online world can trick us into creating a narrative of someone’s “ideal” and “perfect” life. However, the reality is life is not perfect. Joys also come with challenges. Lauren bravely shares her experiences. We delved into the realities of running a business, facing failures, overcoming trials, dealing with miscarriage, finding inspiration through travel, and personal growth. Hope you enjoy getting to know the person behind the name and be inspired and touched by Lauren’s story. Happy reading!

Dee: How do you start your day?

Me: I’m co-sleeping and breastfeeding so my husband takes care of him so I can sleep in a little longer. So, I’ll have coffee when I’m up and hang with Oisín and James. I try to do 10 minutes of yoga or something from YouTube. New mom posture, ya know? I like to journal so I do morning pages. 

Dee: Is this before you grab your phone? 

Lauren: lol no not always…ideally it would. Sometimes I delete Instagram from my phone for a couple of days…which is helpful, but I do grab my phone. 

Dee: Is that for mental health? 

Lauren: Ya. 

Dee: How old is Oisín? 

Lauren: 11 months. He’s so friendly. He’s really fun!

Dee: Who are you most inspired by and why?

Lauren: This one kind of tripped me up actually. Lately, I’m really inspired by women in general. I have a strong urge to connect and uplift other women. I guess being a new mom I’m drawn to other moms, especially, creative moms. And just people doing things in that field to tap into that type of energy artistically. I’m really drawn to Joaquin Sorolla’s type of art. I saw it when they had an exhibit at the National Gallery in Dublin, a few years ago. It was incredible. I’m just like really drawn to anything that focuses on light. Any artist who is good at capturing light. And he is the master at capturing light (laughs)

Me: Were you always creative? 

Lauren: Yes, my mom was really creative and I’m inspired by her as well. She always pushed us and encouraged us to pursue things that we were drawn to. She’s a really good creative writer. I was always drawing and painting. I think most artists, you can ask how long have you been an artist, and it’s like since birth! (laughs)

Dee: Are your siblings creatives?

Lauren: My brother is. He is really into music and stuff. My younger sister writes poetry. But they don’t use that creative side in their work. One of my sisters is in the Marines in San Diego, and my brother is in tech. My other younger sister is creative too. 

Dee: How did you get started in your business?

Lauren: It is kind of long-winded but in college, (Laurent went to college in Hawaii) I studied business because I never thought that being an artist would be a doable career. So I never thought about it. Once I was out of college I got a job in a news station…local TV news. I was unhappy with it. It was a toxic workplace. I tried to think of other things to do. Art was always on the side. It was always something I did for fun. At the end of college, I started an Etsy account. I need to pull up my early stuff it’s so bad (laughs). So I guess that’s when I started. I never really took it seriously. I wasn’t thinking “This was what I’m going to do” until I was leaving my career in the news. I wanted to save money and travel, so I came back home to Cali. I worked at Apple and started to save money. I did some art on the side. Started to sell things, which, was cool, and tried out different styles. I did some fashion illustrations. (You can see this in her earlier posts) Since I started selling prints I found a company that dropped shipped to my customers. I thought wow I can do this while I travel. Then, I decided to take it more seriously & set up a website. So I traveled around South America. Painted. It was very much like fake it like you make it! (This is also my motto) Natalie Sizen had a business blog back then and a quote I read was something like: “Start before you are ready”. I was like YA! You know, completely delusional. I feel like no one would go into any sort of creative career without a little bit of disillusion. Looking back everything always works out. I met my husband while traveling. Moved to Ireland. Did a lot of commisions for years. During COVID I was like “Oh great no one is going to be spending money.” I told myself I’ll just paint what I want to paint because I really wasn’t happy doing commissions. This led me to paint loose botanicals. Something I wanted to explore. People loved it and I found that when I finally tapped into art I was more passionate about it sold better. People aren’t just buying a painting they’re buying the story. 

Dee: That’s why I love that you put yourself in front of the camera. Some people don’t do that (like me) but that’s what draws people to you.

Lauren: It’s hard being vulnerable. You want to come across as professional having a business, but you’re a creative and an artist before the business. I think you need to lead with that.

Dee: What drew you to South America

Lauren: I studied in Spain for a year in college. I spoke Spanish. It’s very rusty now (laughs) I can maybe get by now. I spoke Spanish really well at the time. I was drawn to the culture and had been to Ecuador before. I just really felt like it was calling me, so I had to go.

Dee: and you met your man there!

Lauren: Yes! It was a one-way ticket to Buenos Aires and was like: “Ya I’ll figure it out.” (laughs)

Dee: How did you niche down and focus on the Botanics?

Lauren: I think just focusing on what’s important to me. In recent years I’ve been doing self-reflection and working on myself; to be more grounded. I think that even during the pandemic when we couldn’t travel, I noticed more of what was around me. My more recent collection Ebb and Flow…is focused on the seasons, and what’s growing in those seasons that are overlooked.

People are always like why are you here why aren’t you in California?! I’m sure you always get this. I’m like look around you! Except today it is really wet! (it was a rainy day)

Dee: What’s your type of audience or clientele?

Lauren: I sell mostly in the United States. A lot of Americans love Ireland. There is definitely an element of that. When I go back to the States…people are like: “Oh I’ve been to Ireland or I’m 1/10th Irish!” Once they hear my husband’s accent they have to tell him their whole Irish stories. I’m kinda dying that my son is going to have an Irish accent! (I’m dying as well)

Dee: How do you take the emotion out of pricing?

Lauren: I don’t find it that difficult now. I price by size. If I’m really struggling to emotionally sell something that I really love, I hang on to it for a little. I just actually sold a painting that’s part of that recent collection I did. I’ve been thinking of doing the collection for a couple of years, it just took a while to put together. So I painted that one two years ago. but I never sold it because I really really loved it. Even someone bought it and I was like “Oh man!” I’m like it’s been sitting in a drawer for two years! At the end of the day, I would rather someone hang it, frame it, and enjoy it in their home instead of sitting in a big chest with other paintings. 

Dee: What if they want a deal or say something is too expensive?

Lauren: I don’t really get that a lot no. I mean I might get people who are asking about something regarding a piece that’s not priced online or a commission. Some may come back and say “Oh that’s not in my budget.” I haven’t gotten the negotiators. I did actually get someone once who asked about a drawing I did in my DM’s and she was like “OH BOY”. That was her response. I’m like ok…cool… 

Dee: People are so weird

Lauren: I know…that was only once. 

Dee: Good so you do not have any trolls

Lauren: I hope not (laughs) I don’t think so…maybe like behind my back (laughs) Actually, a little while ago I posted about…Going through a hard time. I was just feeling frustrated because sometimes it feels like you have to be “on” online even if things aren’t great behind the scenes. We do tend to put our best foot forward on social media and it’s vulnerable. 

(Lauren’s husband James walks & is also so kind. Oisín was asleep)

I was just feeling fed up and frustrated with the way things were going. I was just raw in the post. It was terrifying to post because I was thinking people going to be like “Catch yourself on there are much worse things going on” However the response was actually so lovely. Just like 100’s of comments from other moms and just people who are so kind and supportive. I was like oh my gosh I have the nicest followers

Dee: That’s why I was actually inspired to reach out and want to start this series of interviews. Mental health issues are on the rise. So many deep things people are dealing with because like what you just said, people appear perfect online and no one can achieve perfect because it’s impossible. So thank you

Lauren: I just felt like I couldn’t keep showing up thought I had to because it is a very important part of my business. So I felt like I couldn’t keep showing up without addressing it or saying something. We do see people who are really real. Those who are oversharers. I mean if that’s your thing then more power to you…and there is no judgment here…but I’m like that’s not me. It’s uncomfortable for me. but you do want to be real and have real connections at the end of the day.

Dee: Ya you don’t seem to be an oversharer. That’s why I was like ‘Whoa’ when I saw your post. I’m sure it brought awareness to and connected with you on a deeper level. 

Lauren: Yes! I got so many DM’s with people sharing personal stories. It was really, really nice connecting with people in that way. I mean nothing changed in that instance in my circumstances or anything, but I felt lighter.

Dee: When do you feel you failed in business or life? 

Lauren: I mentioned last year has been hard. In 2020 and 2021 there was a surge of people supporting small businesses and buying stuff for their homes. then…it just feels like that stopped or slowed down and people are back to their way of living…and it’s more expensive to live now. So it’s been a real struggle. At the end of 2021, I launched and offered online painting classes. It did massively well. It was a time when people needed a creative outlet. People who never painted before and didn’t know how to paint enjoyed it! It was really fun, so I ended up recording and offering a pre-recorded class. It did not do well. I launched a membership thinking this was going to be a whole big thing. It has not done terribly, but just hasn’t grown or done what I imagined them to do. I’ve actually never said or shared this but I just heard a quote by Brent Brown: “Share your scars, not your scabs” so I feel like I had to be ready to talk about it. I had a miscarriage at the end of 2021 before getting pregnant with Oisín and that hit me really really hard. I had a hard time talking about it because I felt like people who shared a thought, who didn’t or hadn’t gone through it, said things they didn’t realize that were hurtful. Then it just felt like nothing was going right for a while. I had applied for a couple of different artist things like residency and a group and was rejected by both. It just felt like I was hitting my head against the wall. I feel like the last two years have been full of growth and change…and I’ve fought against it and resisted it. I’m kind of feeling like I’m coming out on the other side of that. So it is not necessarily one instance I guess. Over the course, of whatever, I’ve had other ups and downs and failures and successes…it has been hard but I think it’s been hard for a reason. I think I kind of needed to go through big changes to arrive where I’m at now. To be able to rethink the way I’m doing my business and being a new mom. To change and shift things.

Dee: Do you think these have made you a better wife, mom, and friend?

Lauren: Yes I think it’s really forced me to let go and be real with what I’m experiencing. When I was pregnant with Oisín, my first trimester was fine. In my second trimester, when I thought I was supposed to feel better, it was actually horrible. I had awful sciatica. I couldn’t sit or work. I had no energy and was exhausted. It was so stressful because I was like: “I need energy for the baby. I need to work and make money NOW, so I can take time off.” I was pushing myself really hard. Then I had to stop and say: “This is where I’m at.” I was forced to accept it.

Dee: I’m working on that too

Lauren: It’s hard

Me: Because you don’t always want to admit your reality esp when it’s not the way you imagined it to be.

Lauren: Weirdly things get so much lighter and easier and start working out when you do

Dee: Thank you for opening up and sharing about your miscarriage. That’s a really hard reality…and something that stays with you

Lauren: It is. I know many go through it and quietly go through it. It’s just really sad and hard.

Dee: It’s important to be heard because people will say things like: “You can try again!”

Lauren: “At least you know you can get pregnant!”….Do I?

Dee: Do you think you are healing?

Lauren: Yes it definitely feels more like a scar than a scab now. I feel I can talk about it without that initial sting.

Dee: That’s very brave of you! What did you do to get out of that space?

Lauren: Well, my near future plans for after the holiday season is I’m shutting down, closing my online shop. Probably taking a big break on Instagram because I really want to create art that’s a bit deeper. I feel like having to share and post all the time it’s a pressure to create, create, create. It’s really hard to dive deep into anything, and I feel like I’m really craving that. I’ve been craving that for a long time. I think sometimes things don’t work out because you’re supposed to go in a different direction. You can think “I really want this other thing” and it’s like “Then why do you keep doing this thing!” It’s not going to work! I think all that has happened over the last couple of years has forced me…and also I want to spend time with my son and shift how I do things. I don’t want to work all the time. I plan on completely starting fresh in a way. I feel I have to stop to think about what I want to do next. Play and try different things.

me: And be still 

Lauren: And rest!

Dee: How do you plan on building your new clientele?

Lauren: I imagine I’ll be back. I would like to document the process…probably just not real-time. I don’t think I’ll offer prints anymore. I to completely rejig how I do things.

Dee: I can’t wait to see what you come up with

Lauren: Thank you! I’m just going to completely turn it all off and see what I actually want to do. If you leave some things going it’s hard to give yourself that time and space.

Dee: People are going to appreciate this. I think a lot need to do that without realizing it

Lauren: It’s so so hard and terrifying! That’s why I’m hoping the holidays give me a bit of room to do that (her last few sales) I feel lighter deciding that. I’ve been trying and working so hard..doing marketing efforts and following all the strategies. And it’s like: “Why isn’t this working!” and it’s like: “Oh maybe because I’m meant to do something different”.

Dee: It’s so interesting because from the outside looking in it DOES appear like all you’re doing is working. That’s the thing with social media, one can make their life appear to be anything they want it to. Then people create their own narrative in their minds. Being open and real about it all is so cool. So what advice would you give to someone who’s starting their own business? or feel stuck?

Lauren: I’d say: follow your gut. There is so much noise online about what you should be doing. I get all these targeted ads for course coaches like: “Buy my $27 e-book and you’ll have my marketing secrets.”Do follow your gut and do what actually feels good for you. Also, everyone feels afraid…Everyone feels fear no matter what level you’re at. Just do it always. I like that quote: “Feel the fear and do it anyways”

Dee: One of my favorite quotes is: “Growth starts outside of your comfort zone.” Are you typically a decisive person?

Lauren: Yes and no. I think working for yourself you can get decision fatigue. It’s like making all the decisions all the time. Knowing what to do. Moving in the right direction. So I feel when I am, I am and when I’m not, I’m not

me: When is the last time you did something you were afraid of?

Lauren: I think it is shutting down my business. Having a baby…I have a needle phobia. I ended up having a planned c-section. He was a big baby. The doctor was like ya he’s not ready to come out anytime soon!

me: I’ve had two so I feel your pain

Lauren: I did a lot of work with gentle birth, hypnobirthing, meditations, and stuff and I found that so helpful. Otherwise, I mean I was scared but I would have gone into it deathly afraid. I tried to go into it positively. Oh! A fun scare was bungy jumping in South Africa!

me: wow!

Lauren: I know! I don’t ever want fear to be the reason I don’t do something.

Dee: What area do you feel most proud of?

Lauren: I feel like I’m a really good mom. I mean it’s always changing. But I feel like I’m really in tune with my son. He’s really happy. Of course, it’s hard but I feel really good in that area.

Dee: Did you learn a lot about yourself being a mom?

Lauren: being a parent brings up so much of your own childhood stuff. I’ve been working on that for a couple of years so I had already a self-awareness. I’m 34 in two days so being a bit older as well, a bit more confident in myself in what I want and don’t want.

Dee: I sorta wish I had waited. I was 20/21. While you were traveling I was having babies (laugh) So I agree when you’re older that confidence comes.

Lauren: Yes life experience. It takes time to make decisions on how you want to do things instead of allowing well-intended family and friends to tell you how you should do things.

Dee: A piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

Lauren: Don’t stress so much. Things work out and oftentimes work out better. It’s so easy to get worked up about things…so don’t stress. It’s like my brother and my younger sister are in their 20s and they go through things and I’m like you’re so young don’t stress! They’re like shut up! (laughs)

Dee: When do you feel most connected to yourself, family, and friends?

Lauren: I think when I’m taking care of myself. Feeding myself well. Stretching. Doing yoga. Journaling and practicing gratitude. It’s really easy to get into the habit of not doing things for yourself. Then you’re not kind to yourself at all or to anyone else.

Dee: As moms we neglect ourselves. When we have someone watch the kids or do something for us we feel guilty!

Lauren: So guilty!

Dee: Moving to Ireland, how was that transition? Do you have good friends?

Lauren: Yes I do. It takes time to develop friendships, especially as an adult. When we were dating I started coming here over the summer for a couple of months at a time. So it wasn’t all new. I did back and forth for a little while before moving full-time. It’s different here. I would say I deal with SAD with the dark winters and short days. That was a big transition. People are so friendly I moved 5 years ago..so it has taken a little while but I do feel at home here. I don’t feel at home in the States anymore. My family loves coming to visit so that’s nice. 

Dee: If life stopped today what would you regret not doing?

Lauren: I guess…watching my son grow up. Not being present enough. I try not to have a lot of regrets. I still have a lot more art to create and a lot more life to live!

Dee: How do you relax?

Lauren: Being out in nature and walking with my dog. Hiking. We live on the doorstep of the Mourned, so we are spoiled for places to go.

Dee: If you’re gift giving what gift are you giving?

Lauren: My love language is quality time and I have a lot of joy in finding something for someone; something that I think is very them. Trips and spending time together as well. I give what I want to receive.

Dee: How do you want to be remembered in life?

Lauren: I guess just like someone who is always true to themself and always goes for it! A woman who never let fear hold herself back. Someone who created really incredible art. Being impactful and meaningful as a great mom, friend, and family member.

Dee: Words to live by?

Lauren: I’ll go with the quote I said earlier: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”