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

Hi Lucia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Quite simply, my love for fashion and my family got me to start my own business.

I’ve been in the fashion industry for over 15 years now. From a young age, I’ve had an innate passion for art and fashion. Finding, extracting, and creating beauty from the simple to the complex, has always excited me. I’ve also been able to expand my creativity by traveling to different parts of the world. I spent a month in India to learn about local factories, explored Europe in search of exquisite fabrics, garment construction, store merchandising, and also visited various parts of East Asia to manage seasonal collections.

In 2012, I married the most amazing man and shortly after we had two wonderful children. Having a family of my own is by far one of my greatest achievements.

The conversation about “work life balance” has always been a personal conundrum. The truth is, I was doing an excellent job trying to balance both, but on a surface level. I excelled at work and then ran home just in time to read bedtime stories and tuck my kids into bed. There was always a part of me that wondered how long I could keep it up. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that I was forced to take a break from work and that’s when my priorities drastically shifted.

Afforded the opportunity to spend more time at home, I felt a huge desire to create; I decided to open up my own business featuring my art. I also discovered that being creative didn’t just include art. To name a few: it was DIY projects, interior designing, building, and even exploring a new canvas – my ears!

This was a way to fuel my creativity and manage my time in a way that catered to my new lifestyle. In return, my husband got his wife back and my kids got more than a bedtime story from mom – they got an all-round mom!
It’s really easy to get comfortable in the rhythm of “routine.” Not stepping out of your comfort zone, not welcoming change; however, I learned that nothing changes if nothing changes.
Today I run my own business and I’m featured in various sites.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art has evolved over the years. With a background in fashion, I’ve always sketched and illustrated concepts and ideas, and designed collections. Initially, my “art” started as doodles (quick sketches) on my train rides home from work.
Art, for me, was a way to express myself where words fell short; an outpouring of emotions on canvas. The renowned Canadian Poet, Atticus, once quoted “when it comes to art it’s important not to hide the madness.”

Some of the lessons I’ve learned during this process is to stay true to who I am.  In today’s environment it’s easy to compare, lose focus, stir doubt, and divert from the original vision. We all have unique paths of growth; and some may be uncomfortable. At the end of the day creativity takes courage and vulnerability.

My business is fairly new, but based on my professional experience, consistency and momentum is essential in any entrepreneurial endeavor. “Talent is a pursued interest” – Bob Ross
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this question! But reality is, I’m a terrible planner. I have amazing friends, who plans according to my interest. They understand my creative madness. I am spontaneous by nature and they know it. Needless to say, we’d visit New York City museums such as the MoMa, the MET and experience art like the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit.

I’m a huge foody! We would eat Indian, Thai, ramen, sushi and brick-oven pizza (yes, possibly in one night). I also enjoy live music; anything from classical jazz to latin beats. If there’s an opportunity to dance – I’m there.

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 would like to dedicate this shoutout to my family and close network of friends. My family has always been supportive in both my role as a creative professional and as a mother. I’ve also been blessed with extraordinary friendships who support my out-of-box ideas. I do believe that the company you keep does have an impact and influence on your choices. I think it’s key to surround yourself with people who will lift you up and encourage you. Sometimes you have to stop asking people with no vision to proofread God’s plan for your life. ”Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” – 1 Thessaloninans 5:11

Website: www.luciagenao.com

Instagram: @lucia.artstudio

Linkedin: Lucia Genao

Facebook: Lucia.Artstudio

Image Credits
I have the rights to all photos – Lucia Genao

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA 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.