Meet Laina Rauma | Designer and Owner of Laina Rauma

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

Hi Laina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I never really set out to start my own business, I just followed my passion as far as it would allow me, to be honest. Thankfully, I have at least *some* decent business sense because when I started making clothes that was really it. I am just obsessed with clothes hahaha and I couldn’t NOT do it. I think as an artist that’s really all you need to do is follow that passion and the next steps become clear to you as you go. I’m still figuring it out every day. Hopefully til I’m dead! I’ll keep evolving and figuring it out.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I just think (know) that we all have a unique approach to the work we do, because there is only one me! And one you! I love what I bring to the table and I feel like I create like the little girl I still am inside. I don’t believe I have one particular style I like to wear a little bit of everything and I like to create a little bit of everything – it’s all expression and I am many things. I used to think I didn’t do things the “right way” and felt shame in that but I’m learning to realize that doesn’t exist. Or it does, but rather there is no one single right way. The right way is what feels natural to me and I definitely fumbled my way around in the dark with it and it definitely wasn’t easy but it was my path. I appreciate it now because as my team expands, I truly value every position because I’ve done it all. I’ve done every job! I know how I like it done, I know how to make it better, and I know what it’s worth and I value every single contribution to my team. I think it makes me a better leader.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh my god. I’m laughing because I am THEE Homebody. So this is going to be interesting. Hmm.. well first I’d probably make them a delicious spread at my house. I love to host and I love putting together a big fat, fab spread to just sit and graze and gab for hours. That is my favorite thing ever. But I would also take them to the beach, my other favorite place. Probably a hike/long walk through Griffith Park. Probably a Soho House day in Malibu just cuz it’s easy and laid back. Maybe Catch/Steak for a typical like, LA dinner night out – the food is so good. And def Dama and Manuela in DTLA Arts District. Red Bird in DTLA is also delicious and really nice ambiance. I also like The Proper in Santa Monica for food/drink/sitting out at the pool/staycation and my favorite place to staycation always is Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. It is so beautiful, the food/service is amazing and the rooms feel like your own cozy little apartment. So if they were staying for a week I’d prob end it there. But yeah I’m definitely a homebody and more like a, it matters who I’m with not where I am type of person I value one on one time in a cozy quiet place more than anything I don’t really care where we are.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shirley Raines, Beauty 2 The Streetz. I was introduced to the work Shirley does through a friend a few years ago and she is just a phenomenal woman. Her and her team heavily support and take care of the homeless community on skid row in Downtown Los Angeles and from what I’ve seen, she’s been traveling and helping people in nearby cities as well. With food, water, self care items, the list goes on but mostly, with love and acknowledgement and sincere kindness. The work she does hits home for me for multiple reasons and I hope to be able to work with her some day but for now I just support monthly and encourage everyone to check out her work and do the same if you feel compelled. She has a monthly sign-up where you can donate monthly or set up a subscription to donate whatever you feel comfortable doing or are able to.

Website: https://lainarauma.com

Instagram: @lainarauma

Twitter: @lainarauma

Facebook: LainaRauma

Youtube: On That Note Podcast with Laina & Roberta

Image Credits
Images taken by Christopher Parsons