Meet Lauren Roth | Artist and Business Owner

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

Hi Lauren, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
This is a great question, which I get asked a lot! I think from the outside looking in, it may seem like things are fluid and on an upward progression constantly. And not that that isn’t that case, but there is so much that goes into starting a business and keeping it running. It is an endless cycle of putting yourself out there and not knowing what will come of it. You have to be ok with the conventional idea of “failure”, and learning to keep moving from there. There are constant roadblocks, pivoting of ideas, and an understanding that it will be ok when things don’t necessarily go the way you wanted them to. I have learned to continue forward and see the lesson in each thing I have tried, both the ones that have worked out and the ones that haven’t.

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 have been creating my entire life. It’s what I do to express myself, to relax, for fun, for work, truly whenever, wherever! I’ve always viewed art as an extension of myself, everything I see and touch my brain processes into an art piece and my hands are always moving as if I should be painting. My work is a colorful collection of the beauty that surrounds me, which changes depending on where I am (I am currently in Hawaii). Right now, it is everything from the blooming flowers to the turquoise ocean, the magnificent mountains, the feeling of the wind, and all the colors, textures and emotions of the Islands. I love to capture inspirations with my sketchbook and camera before bringing them to life with a paintbrush.

I grew up in New Jersey and attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and graduated in 2007 with a BFA in Illustration and Art History. I moved to Hawaii in 2009 to work as a Graphic Artist for the Whole Foods Market in Honolulu. While there, I showed my art at galleries, art fairs, coffee shops and restaurants, before pursuing my art career full time in October of 2012. Since then, I’ve expanded into textile design and a full line of apparel, home décor, and accessories. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with companies such as Hermes, Nordstrom, RipCurl, Kate Spade, LeSportsac, ANA Airlines, and many others.

In 2018, my husband and I opened the Lauren Roth Art Gallery in our hometown of Kailua. We wanted to open a place not only to display my work and products, but also to create a space that supports local art and artists in the community. It is grown into so much more than we could have imagined. The artistic community and support for it in Hawaii is truly something special. We have been able to connect with artists all around Hawaii and have met people from all over the world at the gallery, which is pretty cool!

I published a sketchbook in 2021, which I was/am so excited about! As an artist and gallery owner, I always hear people say that they wish they could draw, and my response is always . . . you can! That was one of the motivations behind publishing the sketchbook. I wanted to create a book to be enjoyed by everyone, whether you are an artist in the traditional sense, or not. We all could use a place to lose ourselves in thought and creativity. I carry it at my gallery and online, but would love to see it out there in the world more!

I have learned so much along the way. At first, as a shy child, art was a way for me to express myself, but it is now how I understand myself and the world around me. It has been a slow and organic evolution into a business, which has come with plenty of incredible moments and experiences, and a lot of hurdles. I would say, a few of the things I have learned and would love to pass along, is that, if you know you want to try something then you absolutely should! Don’t be scared or bogged down with “what ifs”. Everything is worth a try, and as long as you are committed to putting in the work and ok with whatever the outcome will be, you will be glad you did it. Another lesson I have learned, is that it is ok to not be stuck or set in one style. You can do whatever you’re feeling, as long as you’re staying true to yourself. You don’t need to have one set look, or medium. Try, experiment, learn! And lastly, don’t be shy about putting yourself out there. Participate in shows, share and tell people about your work, go to other events and network. The community around you makes all the difference!

Art is my passion, but I have found so much joy in connecting with people through my work. I believe my goal in life is to bring a little bit of joy through bright colors and whimsical creations, it fills my heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a fun one! There are so many great places on Oahu, and each part of the Island is so different. But since I live in Kailua, I will stick to that! I would say, grab a coffee from one of the many local coffee shops here, a few of my favorites are Traditions Coffee Roaster, Morning Brew and Cafe Kopi. Then hit the beach! Kailua has a very long stretch of beach which is perfect for enjoying your morning coffee while walking for sunrise. After that I would suggest shopping in Kailua town, most of the stores are small business and locally owned. A few of my regular go-to’s are Island Bungalow, Aloha Kira, Splash, Mahina and Red Bamboo. And of course…my gallery, Lauren Roth Art on Hekili Street! After that I would grab lunch at Nalu and probably go back to the beach to enjoy the rest of the day splashing in the ocean and enjoying the warm ocean breeze.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh gosh, this list is endless! I have always been an artist, but I don’t think I would be where I am without the support from so many people along the way. Starting with my parents and siblings, seeing that in me in a young age and helping to nurture it. I feel like I have been so blessed, through each part of life, I have been surrounded by friends, family and teachers that have recognized my path and encouraged me, and still continue to. And then of course, my husband. We met while I was working as an artist for Whole Foods Market in NJ, and moved to Hawaii shortly after. I would come home from work and dedicate hours to my art. He was always right there, cheering me on, helping carry all my work and set up shows, excited about the opportunities. Which then evolved into us getting to work together full time, he now runs the business end of things. But overall he still is so positive, supportive and loving.

Website: www.mynameislauren.com

Instagram: laurenrothart

Linkedin: Lauren Roth

Facebook: Lauren Roth Art

Yelp: Lauren Roth Art

Image Credits
Lauren Roth