Meet Lawren Marie | Fashion Designer & Owner of LSBYLM

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

Hi Lawren, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
It’s “Never Quit”, for me. Life is constant changes, it’s constant learning and it’s constant endings & beginnings.

To find your purpose is truly a journey. It’s full of seasons that come to serve your growth and development; to equip you for your purpose.

Yet, seasons are set periods of time and then they end. You are meant to be there but just for the moment. Where there’s seasons, there’s lessons. Where there’s lessons, there’s tests.

I promise the closer you get to your purpose, the harder the tests. Because those tests come in seasons where you’ve become comfortable, and where you could be content …but you know you will ultimately not be fulfilled if you stayed. In those places, you learn how and when to “quit”.

Life is a combination of flowing, preparation and timing. “Never quitting” can translate to blind commitment, underdeveloped discernment, unhealthy attachment or just plain stagnation.

So, quit what does not serve you and your purpose. Quit whatever is out of season. Quit often and as needed.

P.S. People never see the vision until they see the vision. So don’t worry about what they think. Don’t blame them either. We are all just in a season.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an Black/African American female artist and fashion designer living and working in Los Angeles. I am originally a Southern California native.

I studied Business and Design at West Los Angeles College. I received my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts at University of California, Irvine (Claire Trevor School of the Arts), focused in painting.

I have had a non traditional path to fashion design since I wanted to be a designer in 2010. I am primarily self-taught but was blessed to have access to mentor like guidance from a great fashion instructor, Deborah Houston, who helped substantially polish my design skills and knowledge early on. Interestingly enough, my biggest challenges has always launching my clothing brand. For many years, fashion has been on pause as I navigated full time working, going to school and other art work-painting. I overcame these obstacles by simply trusting the journey. I believe I learned and experienced so much that support ed my growth and the launch of my business. Managing work full time, completing school and becoming a trained artist I believe has set me apart in my field and my execution.

I launched LSBYLM (L’s by Lawren Marie) in 2021 as my official debut brand. It is Los Angeles made and based brand featuring womenswear and unisex pieces showcased in limited edition themed capsuled collections. Designed. Cut & sew. A Black Woman owned and operated business. Exclusive. Timeless. Luxury.

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?
This is such an interesting question just to consider pre-pandemic answers. What’s also funny is, I’m not the take you out friend. My friends literally time stamp how long it’s been since I’ve left my house. But …

When I do leave these are some my faves:

I am a big foodie for soul food so my list is Annie’s Soul Delicious, Roscoes, Stevie’s Creole, 2Cents, Bludso’s…

Brazilian honorable mention: Bossa Nova

We are definitely going to the beach! That’s my happy place. Malibu or Dana Point are my tops. If in Malibu, drop by Paradise Cove Beach Cafe.

Nightlife is fun, but I prefer the private parties with friends and friends of friends. Definitely catch some great museum exhibitions.

If I’m feeling really adventurous (and everyone has their passports) we drive down to Rosarito, Mexico. Horseback riding on the beach, lobster dinner and Papas& Beers for partying.

LA really has anything you can think of or is in drive-able range! The best nights are the spontaneous ones, you didn’t plan.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my family and close friends. They’ve poured into who I am, directly and indirectly. It’s always love and support. They inspire me by being authentically unique individuals and sharing their aspirations/journeys of life with me. I’ve learned from them how we all need each other in life, it’s not a one man show. We are all working for ourselves, for each other. I am a woman of faith, my ultimate dedication is to Christ. My story is impossible without Him. That’s more than a little credit, lol.

Website: lsbylm.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/shoplsbylm

Twitter: Twitter.com/shoplsbylm

Facebook: Facebook.com/shoplsbylm

Youtube: YouTube.com/shoplsbylm

Other: tiktok.com/shoplsbylm

Image Credits
Dreymon Jones