Interview #6: Laura Vaughan
I’m delighted this month to be talking with designer and shop owner Laura Vaughan.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into design and retail?
Both my parents were self-employed, my mum had a children’s clothes boutique while growing up. So I spent a lot of time in the shop, working on summer holidays etc. I loved doing the window displays. This was a great opportunity to develop these skills.
Instead of going down the retail/merchandising route I chose interiors and textiles. So I went on to study studied Interior Architecture in the UK and textiles a few years later. After college I worked in commercial design for years.
I launched my homeware range at showcase 2016 and started experimenting with making lampshades. I was really lucky that the building my parents both had their business’s, was still in the family and after many years of deliberating I decided to open my own working studio and design and craft shop selling my own homeware range and a mix of various Irish makers and designs in the heart of Ennis.
I make all her own shades while also offering a lampshade restoration and making service for other interior designers and her customers.
How has this last year impacted your creativity/outlook? Have you gained any insights or created any new work?
The last 12 months has been challenging from a retail point of view as it has totally changed how people shop.
I think from a making and craft point of view it has been really interesting, as it has made people a lot more aware of buying Irish supporting Irish makers and craft. People want to buy something that they have a connection with and want to know the story behind it as opposed to buying something that’s mass produced.
What awakens life in you and where do you draw inspiration from?
Travelling to new places, having new experiences, seeing how other people live, how they interact with their built and natural environment.
What does design/your creative work teach you about yourself? and the world?
It has taught me that I need variety whether it’s in my daily routine in the shop or in my life in general.
I think I have kind of achieved this as far as my work is concerned, as my days are spent either making, dealing with customers in the shop, sourcing new makers, working on interior projects or rearranging the displays in the shop.
Do you have any daily rituals or routines to get your creativity flowing?
Daily meditation, grounding and a few yoga stretches! Some days it doesn’t happen, the days are better when all three happen!
How do you take care of yourself when you are feeling a bit blah, blocked or uninspired?
I would try and go away for a few days either in Ireland or overseas. Nice walks, swimming in the sea and lots of sleep. Having a laugh with friends.
What do you enjoy most about food? Do you have any favourite ingredients or recipes?
I love Indian or Lebanese food. I love eating in a nice place where the interior is interesting, good wine with good food and good company!
Can you share with us any books, podcasts or music that are currently inspiring you?
Music: the new War on Drugs and Soda Blonde albums.
Podcasts: Tommy and Hector, Fortunately… with Fi Glover and Jane Garvey on BBC radio 4, How to Fail With Elizabeth Day.
Books: Love Life, Fiona Cribben
Do you have any future creative project plans/dreams?
Definitely more travelling
Creative projects: I love hand painting patterns, printing and pottery. I do a pottery evening class every year and would love to experiment more with hand painting onto clay and lampshades.
September 2021