Before writing this, I re-read my year-in-review from last year. Written only a couple of months after our official launch, it is a love letter to the process of founding a business, getting it off the ground, and out there into the world. It touched on the tough decisions and compromises that had to be made and acknowledged the inevitable difficulties and mistakes. 

AS I REFLECT ON THE LAST YEAR, LIFE HAS BEEN DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT. WHILE STILL IN A GROWTH PHASE, LES IS UP AND RUNNING. MY KIDS ARE OLDER AND IN MORE OF A ROUTINE, AND I HAVE LEARNED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT BALANCE. 

Editorials from VOLUME III: (Left) The home of Jerry Gomez Galvis and Joaquin Molina of Objet LA/NY with ceramic pieces from Erebos by Gary Oglander and  Evamarie Pappas. Photography by Ori Harpaz. (Middle) The home of LES artist Janie Kruse Garnett with her bronze tabletop designs. Photography by Max Burkhalter and Floral Design by Asmite. (Right) The cover of the issue shot at Friends of Form in Brooklyn, with work by Han-Chiao,  and Gary Oglander and Evamarie Pappas. Photography by Max Burkhalter. 

The start of a new year is a time to revisit our vision and ask the question, why? Why put so much time and effort into LES? Why give the world one more place to shop? These answers have shifted over time. However, the core principles have stayed the same. LES Collection was founded as a destination for unique and one-of-a-kind artful objects. A place to find those pieces that will truly set your home apart. I wanted to create a digital home for our artists, where we could tell their stories, show their work photographed in beautiful and creative contexts, and connect them with collectors around the world. 

Anastasio Home trays and Janie Kruse Garnett bronze work.

"THE CHALLENGE OF CREATING A BRAND THAT PEOPLE GENUINELY ENJOY IS ONE OF MY DRIVING PRINCIPLES"

A year later, our commitment to our artists has remained strong. We have grown our roster while staying committed to the artists who have been with us since the beginning, sometimes launching third, fourth, and fifth collections. Additionally, we have brought on several artful, small-batch décor lines made by thoughtful artisans.

Work by studiolo.int'l, photography by Eve Singer of BROYT.

THE CORE PRINCIPLES OF THE VISION REMAIN STEADY.

Still, this year we plan to sharpen that vision, fine-tuning the business to create a brand that genuinely gives our community exactly what they are looking for and supports our artists in the exact way they need.

(Left) Barnacle Vase by Nathalee Paolinelli, floral design by Love Me Not Floral. (Right) LES Collection's Mood Candle, photography by Eve Singer of BROYT.

The challenges of running a business differ from those of launching a business. For the last year, my priorities have included the following:

• Building a team.
• Thinking up new and creative ways to showcase each launch.
• Searching out new sales strategies and channels.
• Bringing on new artists and décor lines to compliment the collection.

(Left) Vessel by Kristin Yezza at our pop-up at Fox Fodder Farm. (Middle) Vessel by Canoa Lab (Coming soon), painting by Lauren Skunta, vintage bust, Han-Chiao vase. (Right) Cattleyas from The Iron Series, photography by Eve Singer of BROYT.

IN THE NEW YEAR, MY GOALS ARE TO SHARPEN OUR VISION, BRING PRODUCTS TO MARKET THAT DELIGHT, AND CONTINUE TO CREATE CONTENT THAT INSPIRES.

I am very proud of how far LES has come and excited about where we are going. Our growing team is incredibly talented, hardworking, and dedicated, and we are looking forward to adding new team members in the new year.

(Left) Work by studiolo.int'l and Fakasaka, photography by Eve Singer of BROYT (Right) Iron Balance by Lex Pavone. 

I AM SO GRATEFUL TO OUR COMMUNITY AND EVERYONE WHO HAS PURCHASED SOMETHING FROM US, READ A JOURNAL ARTICLE,  OR INTERACTED WITH OUR SOCIAL. IT MEANS SO MUCH. 

The challenge of creating a brand that people genuinely enjoy is one of my driving principles. I can’t wait to show you everything we have for the new year!   xoxo Lauren

Lauren with work by Han-Chiao. Photography by Natalie Black.

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