We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Cooper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
I’m not sure that I know my absolute end goal, but I do have some big dreams. I would love to have a fabric line in quilt shops, greeting cards in stores, and have goods in Target or Anthropologie. I’m a maker myself, with lots of creative hobbies, including sewing and knitting, so the though of having a fabric line or designing stationery is exciting to me! I’m excited to see where God takes me in this journey!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I never felt like I fit into the mold. I struggled through school with trying to decide what I could possibly devote my life to and nothing sparked a huge amount of joy in me. I have ADHD and have suffered from depression and anxiety, which has made life difficult. For better or worse, I’m one of those people who needs to be head over heels with what they are doing. I’ve always been very creative and wanted to pursue something in that general direction, but I had a hard time pinning it down.

When my daughter was born, I realized having a career that allowed me flexibility was super important. I got an ipad and an apple pencil a several years ago and started drawing. I took so many classes, learning how to use programs, techniques, and how to make repeating patterns. It wasn’t until last year that I began to think there may be something there in terms of a career. Once I realized the scope of what I could do with art licensing and freelance, and the freedom it could bring, I knew I had finally found my sweet spot.

My work is joyful and filled with color. I love infusing nostalgia from growing up in New Mexico and Southern California into my pieces. It’s my hope that the Lord will use my art to bring smiles to faces and add a lot of color into the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite places locally is Old Town Lewisville. It’s a great Texas Main Street that has been revitalized in recent years. There’s some great local shops like Main Street Mercantile, Flourish Flowers and Gifts, and Odin Leather Goods. They have gorgeous murals, great food, and they host community events all the time. I feel like it’s one of the best kept secrets of the metroplex!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, my husband. He’s the complete opposite of me, grounded to my floating in the sky. He’s logical and stable, always thinking things through. I value his opinion so highly and the fact that he’s in full support of me and my work means the world. He encourages me to chase my dreams, while also reeling me back in a bit when I need it.

My group of friends from First Baptist Church Lewisville have been the best cheerleaders. They are so encouraging, are happy to hear me brainstorm ideas, and they actually buy my stuff! I really feel like I struck gold with them. I’ve been through some tough personal times in the last few years and God has used them to support me in ways I could have never imagined.

Website: https://www.laurenhayescreates.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhayescreates/

Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopLaurenHayes

Image Credits
Lauren Cooper

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.