Introduce yourself and your business.
My name is Laura, and I am the artist (human) behind “Last Minute Laura”. I create one of a kind works of art, often in the form of clothing, and I document the process.
(tl;dr:) I draw out an idea, and then I make the thing, on camera. I film different angles, and time-lapses while I work. Then, I edit and publish the regular videos on my YouTube Channel. I create patterns for the designs I come up with, and I sell them on my Etsy store. Sometimes I sell the items that I make, or take on commission projects. Primarily though, I make because it’s just something I want to, or need to do. Basically, I am making a business out of exploring and developing my creativity and skills in the fibre arts and videography world.
How did you launch your business & what made you want to start a small business?
I launched Last Minute Laura just over two years ago, as a side project. I began making videos on my YouTube channel, and experimented with selling on my Etsy store. When my fiancé and I made the decision to move from Ottawa to Toronto, I made the leap to full time artist. I started living off of my savings, and just creating things, all the time. This carried on for some time, until I was able to monetize my content, and determine a course for Last Minute Laura. I am currently still making videos full time, while developing crochet patterns, and making all kinds of warm things.
What are some struggles you had starting your business and how did you over come them?
It was very difficult for me to self motivate! I really struggled with setting up my own schedule and sticking to it! Eventually, I came to realize that I am most productive in the morning, so I modified my schedule to accommodate early work. I wake up at 4:30am, each morning, and then I don’t feel so bad about losing steam at 3:00pm or 4:00pm. My fiancé Alex and I have been on this early schedule for almost 6 months now, and I am really loving it! It gives me way more “day” out of every day, and gives me tons of time to plan out everything that I need to do, and actually get it done. I also use an app to keep track of how I am feeling. It’s called Daily Vibes, and it’s a good way to stay on top of your mental health. Alex actually built it for me, so I think its great!
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from the city that I live in. Toronto is so alive and so fast, that it forces the creativity out of you. I love the hustle and bustle of the busy city streets. I love the screech of the trains, and the traffic, and the lights. I love it all. I just need to go for a walk outside and I feel totally inspired. I also draw a lot of inspiration from my partner, Alex. He has such a strong belief in me and he supports all that I am and all that I can be. I feel totally inspired to be my most excellent self, in all aspects, when I interact with that particular human.
What motivates you as a maker?
I think, it all boils down to time. There is such a finite amount of it, that I want to spend my time doing a lot of things I love, with people I love. When I find something I really want to try, to learn, or create, I think: I can do this now. I want to do it now. When I think that, I also try to align my world around getting that done, while I can. We are all on a one way trip around. I feel like, at this time in my life, I am motivated by the idea that I can do it, so I should. I am making everything that I want to, so that I can say that I made everything that I wanted to.
What is a goal you set for yourself as a maker/artist and how did you achieve it?
While I was developing my work flow, I also made the goal to upload one video each week. I began scheduling filming times, and actually following through with them. I maintained, and continue to maintain an editing schedule, to keep the flow of videos on my youtube channel. I use bullet journalling (method) as a tool to stay organized and motivated, and to keep track of all of my time sensitive projects.
What is your favourite part of being a maker?
I love creating and making things. I crochet, sew, embroider, paint, draw, dye… anything I can do with colour and texture and creating, I love.
I also love running the ship, and working hard on the things I really love doing. I get to double down on the best parts of me, for my job!
It’s stressful all the time, but very rewarding.
Do you have any tips for new makers/ small business owners?
Don’t give up..? I mean, I would love to say it will get easier, and that it will all work out, every time; but it won’t. Sometimes, it’s just hard. It may not get easier, but you will get tougher, and be able to handle more as you develop. I would also say it’s a great idea to put aside a little bundle of money, if you plan on making the dive to full time. I know that my nest egg came in handy while I transitioned to a fully solo income.
What are some hobbies or interests you have outside of your small business?
I love learning about all of the medicinal, poisonous, edible, and useful plants and animals in my area. I have several books that I use for reference. They help me identify these things and I just think its so fun! I also enjoy active hiking: attempt to identify things and collect little specimens and dead bugs and such. I actually learned electroforming (which is the process of placing copper onto a surface by way of electricity) to preserve some large cicadas in beautiful copper plating.
Share a fun fact about yourself.
I can train any dog to learn any trick. CONFIRMED!
Where to find LML:
WEBSITE: www.lastminutelaura.ca
CHANNEL: www.youtube.com/lastminutelaura
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/lastminutelaura
INSTA: @lastminutelaura.ca
TWITTER: @LML_toronto
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nice
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