Life and Work with Laurel Symone

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurel Symone.

Laurel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My life has been intricately woven exposing some of my seams for the world to see. I got into this industry of Art/Fashion in a crazy way and along this path, life’s lessons kept adding to my career. Since I was a little girl, I have always been keen on the arts. I started off as a dancer and actually taught dance to kids in inner-city Phoenix. I helped put on events twice a year for the school I was working at the time. The staff at the school along with students and parents loved the dance programs until one day life happened. I got “bombarded” with health issues at 19 which no longer allowed me to dance for quite some time. Within those eight months of being in bed and in pain, I created a new outlet for my creativity to push through. I found myself sketching and teaching myself how to sew while in bed and eventually I was able to go to school part-time to learn more about design. Although this period of my life was excruciatingly painful, I am certain that things happen to help you become more aligned with your souls calling which I found with designing. For this reason, I went all in when I found this outlet of expressing myself. I learned one of the most important lessons in my life and that is how to live with pain.

And so, I decided that no matter what happened in my life, I would go to Paris and earn a degree for my passion for designing. I spent the last three years in Paris getting my degree and learning more about people and most importantly about who I am as a human being, an artist and a contributor to our society… our world. Going to an art based school opened my eyes, more than I could have ever imagined. I learned how to infuse art and life. I was able to take my pain and come up with design techniques that were unique to me, therefore, creating an outlet to tell my story in a beautiful way. I use contrasting materials to evoke feelings that bring you into my world.

This past year; along with dealing with my autoimmune diseases and other health issues which got a bit scary at times, I was also raped and spent my last year without a home due to the fact that my mother could not afford to help me anymore in an unexpected time frame that happened sooner than planned. My whole world changed and my entire perspective changed along with it. Combining the world of high fashion, which I love, should be more than just pretty outfits, they should be interconnected and woven to the very world that we are a part of. Coming back home to Arizona, has allowed me to reflect and to change the direction of my brand.

Laurel Symone is an environmental, humanitarian and artistic brand. It is comprised of mini collections that encompass bridal, accessories, interior design, and fine arts. Using materials that are environmentally friendly which allows us to conserve our environment thus promoting a more conscious lifestyle.
I want to share my story in the most positive way possible and connect with others who go through such challenging issues of any sort and share that art heals. Eventually, as my brand becomes financially stable, I would like to share with non-profits that focus on stabilizing young people who deal with trauma.

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?
The challenges of life do not define you. Challenges help you become who you are. My life has not been easy and now looking back, I would not want it to be. At times, I felt that it was plagued with health impairments that I would never overcome. A few years back, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, allergies, and other health concerns. At the time that I was going through the worst of my pain, I felt that I would never be able to have a semi-normal day. Although there are days that I struggle with leveling my pain, there are days that I am happy that I have learned how to work with it. I have learned to know my body and to live a more conscientious healthier lifestyle. I say healthier because I have lost over seventy pounds due to changes in my lifestyle. In addition, to my health issues, I was also raped and was homeless for a good portion of my last college year in Paris. From what you can see, despite my challenges, I have not allowed life to deter me from what my passion and my goals. For young girls starting off, I would say that whatever challenges life throws at you, use it! Those are your challenges, those are your stories and what you go through emotionally and physically matters. It may not matter to anyone, it matters to you. If you are in the arts, learn how to use the challenges in your work, connect with your work and others will be inspired by it.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My brand started off as just styling and I knew then that evoking emotions was important for my clients. I am pretty proud of the use of materials that I choose in my designs to convey concepts in my collections. I feel that the use of specific materials has allowed my work to connect with a broad range of people and as an artist/designer that is pivotal. Through my work experience, I have learned to use the concept of duality with both fabrics and/or concepts. The contrast of dark and light sets my brand apart. I also use various techniques and materials such as the weaving of wires, chains, etc., thus allowing my pieces to bridge high-end fashion with everyday wear. I feel that this allows people to relate to and interact with textures in a meaningful way and evoke an appreciation for pieces of art even if it is not their “style” or preference. This in itself sets me apart as I am not just a fashion brand but also an artist that incorporates various mediums into my work. It is my hope to inspire “new eyes” to explore my world of fashion/art through a different lens.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I always believed that I could do anything I wanted to do and I have incredible parents who have always supported me in my decisions. Life brings challenges and when the mindset is one that believes that obstacles can be overcome, the ability to persevere increases. Opportunities will always be there and having a positive mindset allows them to become reality. For this reason, my mindset has always been that when there is a will there is a way. I was afforded with the opportunity to study abroad with that mindset even though I faced many challenges. I truly believe in my mind and heart that I will always be successful in life. Success for me is my ability to inspire and connect people to my work.

Contact Info:

• Email: contact@laurelsymone.com
• Instagram: Laurelsymone
• Facebook: Laurelsymone

Image Credit:
Ximena Echeverria, Chase McCurdy, Orlando Pelagio

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