Conversations with the Inspiring Lauren Detweiler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Detweiler.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Lauren. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a creative person. I’ve always made things. I love all things art and design. I have my cosmo license and I do photography. In school, projects were my absolute favorite. It gave me the creative freedom to really show what I could do. Art classes were definitely my strongest suit. My dad has always said to do what I loved for work because you will be doing it for a very long time. There’s no point of going through this short life doing something you don’t like. Up until last year, I didn’t really think that I could turn what I truly love doing into a business where I can make money. Then, I bought my cutting machine. At first, I just wanted it for myself. To make my own shirts, party decorations, etc. I then had a friend ask to do a pretty big art installation and I was so proud of my work, I wanted to share it. And thus Ivy + Olivia Custom Goods is born. Named after my incredible daughter and outrageous Frenchie.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I started my company in 2018 (so it is still a baby so to say) but in that little amount of time, there have already been a few snags. A lot of situations that arise are completely new to me, so trying to navigate that has also been a tad tricky. With that said, I am so incredibly blessed to have such a huge group of supportive family, friends, and customers. Starting anything new and putting your self out there can be nerve-wracking. But surrounded by the right people, you’ll be able to achieve anything. If I have any advice it would be: be you. Be exactly who you are. You have ideas and thoughts that no one else has and that is what is going to make you stand out of the rest. Believe in yourself and go, get it done!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Ivy + Olivia Custom Goods story. Tell us more about the business.
I make personalized gifts and home decor, with a little bit of everything else sprinkled in. That mainly includes floral design, paper goods, Customized t-shirts, vinyl designs, and my personal favorite are my customized coir doormats. I’ve also been dabbling in graphic design creating logos. Pretty much, if you can dream it up, I’ll help you make it come to life. I am so proud to say every item is designed and handmade by me in our beautiful city of Peoria.

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
You are going to make mistakes, big and small. You have got to learn how to handle those and learn from them so you can continue to grow. One of my favorite quotes is, “There is no failure, you either win or learn”

Contact Info:

• Phone: 6236987414
• Email: ivy.oliviacustomgoods@yahoo.com
• Instagram: ivyandolivia_customgoods
• Facebook: ivyandoliviacustomgoods

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