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

Hi Laura, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, there wasn’t much thought behind it – at first! My business is my second job, and I started it because I was becoming deeply invested in my art, and wanted to be able to sell some of it to continue funding the hobby. Since then, I’ve started setting small goals for myself in the hopes of expanding my business, mainly because I’ve come to love the community connections I’ve made.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started working with UV Resin in March of 2023, as a way to cope with the loss of my furry soulmate, Snickers, who crossed the rainbow bridge after 16 years of being my constant companion. Working with resin was a new challenge, and I embraced it fully.

Today, I work mainly with epoxy, and I’ve branched out from tiny jewelry pieces to larger, multi-pour projects that combine resin work with acrylic painting and other mediums. I’ve been in one gallery show at the Spectra Gallery in Denver, and will soon be submitting for a second.

I sell my work online, but my best experiences are face-to-face. I love connecting with customers who fall head-over-heels for my unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of art. My biggest challenge, though, is maintaining confidence in myself and my work. Putting myself out there has been hard, but I am continually grateful that I continue to do it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think my favorite place is Old Town Fort Collins, when the holiday lights are twinkling in the trees and the shops are all lit up. It’s truly magical. I’d love to take a friend on a stroll downtown, grabbing a bite at one of the amazing little restaurants, and browsing the shops. We’d have to stop into Wayward to say hello – they just started carrying Glitter Geek Boutique merchandise, and I am so excited for that opportunity and new connection to the community!

As for a full itinerary, I feel like it would also need to include a visit to Bear Lake in RMNP, for a leisurely and gorgeous hike, plus a trip out to Estes. Maybe a spooky tour of the Stanley? There’s so much to do. It’s hard to pin down just a few things I’d want to share.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am grateful to Rebecca, who inspired me to start my small business shortly after she started hers. She’s also an amazing friend and human being.

I am thankful for all of my friends and family who have stepped in to support my small business in numerous ways, from ordering custom art, to helping watch my daughter on market days, to spreading the word about my work. It is truly humbling.

And, of course, my husband, John, and my brother, Tom, sister, Jenny, and sister-in-law, Abi, who share this crazy overcrowded house with me, and somehow manage to accept that we will all forever be covered in glitter because there’s no time to be careful when you’re creating sparkly art!

Website: https://glittergeekbtique.etsy.com

Instagram: @TheGlitterGeekBoutique

Image Credits
Laura Exner

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado 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.