Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Gnapi.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My business was inevitable when I look back at it… As I have gotten older, I have reflected on what I want to do with my life, it has all led me here, to create Elemental Opal! Art and creativity have always been at the center of my life since I was little, so it was always a dream to incorporate that into my profession and do it for a living in some capacity.
When I became a mom, I knew that I wanted to stay home with my son, so I endeavored to work from home in some capacity and decided not to go back to my corporate job. So, in 2015, I opened my own Etsy shop, The Lilac Muguet, where I do digital illustrations, cute punny artwork, and manufactured items like enamel pins and stickers. Although it is fun and I have met so many wonderful people and fellow artists, it didn’t really fulfill me; I felt like I had more to contribute to the world.
Elemental Opal brand identity design studio came as a sort of accident in its inception. From my Etsy shop, I had a few people reach out about designing logos to which I jumped at the chance! I realized that I fell in love with branding not only my own business but helping others do it too!
That was when I started to do more research and did a great deal of learning and building on my art education to delve into the world of brand identity design (it is SO much more than a logo). After a lot of hard work, I officially launched my new business this March and I am so excited to start helping other businesses create the visual identity that they are dreaming of!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My biggest challenge is finding the time to do all the work I WANT to do! (And doing something you love means you really do want to do it, you don’t HAVE to do it.) I have two very young bosses I work for in my “main” job, and they can be quite demanding.
They make me do such menial tasks all day like get them snacks, help them to the bathroom, help them find the right toy… Thank goodness they do rest during the afternoon for a bit, and after I help them to bed at night I am finally off the clock. In all seriousness, I do this for them!
My boys are my biggest pride and this business is giving me the opportunity to provide for my family in a very real way. Being my own boss allows me to schedule my day as I see fit, and having the ability to design and draw from my tablet means I can do it with me during the day around the house as I also provide for and enjoy my family.
The other challenge of a new business is getting your story out to the world and getting people excited about it. This is why I was so grateful and amazed when I had been contacted to do this story and have the perfect opportunity to share my business with you all here!
Finding the right way to get your name out there and utilizing social media can be hard, but I know I have to be patient and work hard.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is, at its core, translating a business’s essence into a visual identity through design graphics and branding, so you can attract your ideal client/customer. It is my job to understand who you are and what you do and communicate that through eye-catching visuals.
I have a unique approach in that I love to know your WHY and really understand every aspect of your business in order to create a mindful and intentional brand identity. Nothing I design is by accident, every little aspect is there for a reason.
There is a lot of psychology in design and there are very real factors to consider in a design that speaks to your audience. For example, colors, shapes, and fonts all elicit emotional responses. I love to utilize all of this to create the perfect brand identity design.
I also have a strong studio art background, and my art education gives me the foundational knowledge to make sure the brand comes together in a cohesive and visually appealing way to really grab your customer’s attention. Your brand image gives the first impression and says so much to your customer without ever saying a word.
It only takes your customer 7 seconds to form an opinion that will ultimately decide whether to interact with you or not, did you know that?! Our mission is to help businesses visually/graphically portray their essence with mindful and intentional brand identity design in order to attract their ideal clients so their business can thrive!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have learned so much about launching two businesses.
The main takeaway to pass along is that it’s okay if you don’t know what you are doing all of the time, as long as you don’t give up! Try. Keep learning. Reach out for help.
I have realized that we are not alone on our journey and there are lots of people willing to help us on our way and cheer us on. Do what you love and (with hard work) the rest will follow.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.elementalopal.com
- Instagram: HTTPS://www.instagram.com/elemental.opal.design
- Facebook: Https://www.faceboook.com/elemental.opal.design
- Other: HTTPS://linker.ee/elementalopal
