Meet Lily VinCola | Founder of Lucky Chance Label

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

Hi Lily, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I think the creative industry pursued me. I can’t think of a time where I wasn’t creating, designing, or finding inspiration in the little things around me. Fashion, art, photography, and other creative outlets have been such a big part of my life since I can remember, I honestly couldn’t see myself in any other field of work. I firmly believe that you should love what you do, and I was having a hard time picking which creative outlet I wanted to pursue, so I decided— why not do them all? Being able to create what I want and share it with others is the only career I could see myself doing. I’m a senior at the University of South Carolina right now , so I’m not sure where this business will take me after, but I love what I do and I’m excited to see where it takes me!

What should our readers know about your business?
I would say I’m simply inspired by the fear of being average. I want people to look at my work and brand and think “I’ve never seen that before.” Fashion is how I express myself on a daily basis and I’m always thinking of designs and ideas that let people feel anything but average. Something that you won’t wear twice and put in the back of your closet. When I’m creating for myself or for my business, I try to create something unique and unordinary. Stepping outside the rules of design, or fashion for that matter is what I strive for.

Designing something different and unique is anything but easy. It took me awhile to learn that not everyone is going to want my vision, and that’s ok. I lost myself for a moment and started creating for a profit, and thats when I lost the most money. When I made designs for my audience and what I thought people wanted, I just wasn’t happy with what I was putting out. You need to create what you love! When you create something you are passionate about, it shows. Thats when you start to reach the people who truly love your work, and it will pay off. I think originality is a beautiful thing, and thats how I want my company to make people feel—one of a kind.

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.
The University of South Carolina is well—a party school. But I like to think there are some sweet spots around town that really bring this city to life. Starting off at The Gourmet Shop, the best spot around to get some brunch. Located in Five Points, this area of shops, bars, and restaurants is a different world before the sun goes down. After fueling up for the big weekend ahead, we have to go to Soda City Market. Every Saturday from 9-1, vendors and food trucks line up and down Main Street, with endless clothing, gifts, food, and dogs to see. Another one of my favorite spots in Columbia is Publico, an awesome Latin American restaurant with the best margs and tacos.

Now if its football season—different story. We will in fact be tailgating and going to the football game. The environment and experience of the game gives me chills every time. Win or lose it’s a good time there. After the game we will be heading straight to Jake’s, one of my favorite bars in Five Points. Amazing chicken tenders after a long day of heat and drinks? Music to my ears.

However, let’s say you sadly come visit after football season. It seems only fitting that we do a bar crawl, right? Starting at Salty Nut Cafe for some deals on LIT pitchers and some food is the only way to go. Next were off to Breakers, to listen to some live music before heading to Roof Top. Roof Top does have a special place in my heart! Great music, drinks, and a patio. And ending the night at Jake’s is always a good idea, there’s always dogs roaming around which is a plus! I definitely recommend visiting Columbia, no matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s always something to do!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom! She is the whole reason I had the guts to start my own business. She was working a 9 to 5 and sewing curtains for friends on the side. Later on she decided to pursue her hobby full time and started running her business out of our basement. Flash forward, she now owns a full service interior design studio and home furnishing store. It’s awesome having another creative person in the family, she has always loved helping me with my crafty school projects growing up, even when I told her about them the night before.

I think the drive and passion she has for her work has rubbed off on me in all the best ways. We support each others dreams so much, and being able to go to each other for projects and inspiration has allowed us both to grow so much creatively. I simply would not be doing what I am today if it wasn’t for her hard work and support. She really is a great role model!

Also a big shoutout to my friends and family who continue to support my dreams. My sister who was my first customer, to the strangers who are now loyal customers, I really wouldn’t be here without them! I may be the only face of Lucky Chance Label, but the team of support that I have is definitely apart of the brand too. I really can’t thank everyone enough.

Website: www.lilyvincola.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/luckychancelabel/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lilyvincola