Lynn Lilly Designs is not just a cute name, there is an actual Lynn Lilly behind the brand!
We sat down with Lynn for a super fun interview and talked about all types of topics ranging from Lynn Lilly Designs to what fashion trend she wishes would disappear forever!
So, if are wanting to learn more about the colorful and crafty woman behind Lynn Lilly Designs, check out our exclusive interview below!
Q&A WITH FOUNDER & DESIGNER LYNN LILLY!
Hey Lynn! Thanks so much for sitting down with me and doing this interview!
No problem! I'm so happy that I can finally talk about everything Lynn Lilly Designs!
I know! You been working on this product launch for such a long time! Actually, that is good place to start, is Lynn Lilly Designs your full-time job?
Technically yes. Lynn Lilly Designs is part of a larger brand company Creatively Living with Lynn Lilly which includes CraftBoxGirls.com, CraftBoxKids.com, and my digital streaming show, Creative Living.
The company started 9 years ago after I got laid off from a job in experiential marketing. I always loved crafting and inspiring creativity in others and it seemed like the perfect time to start a blog. Fast forward 9 years, the brand has evolved to multiple channels, products, a book, hundreds of television appearances and now launching and creating my very own line.
I am so thankful for the community that has been along for the ride and sticks around day after day for my antics and inspiration.
That is a lot of crafting! So, what made you want to start Lynn Lilly Designs?
When I first started my company 9 years ago, products were always in my 9-year plan but I never knew when the right time would be. I dipped my toes in the water when I partnered with Surebonder to launch the Lynn Lilly by Surebonder cordless glue gun in 2019 (which was a dream come true).
Fast forward to October 2020, I had COVID and was quarantined in our basement by myself for 2 weeks. I had gotten a few requests asking if I had a recommendation for a pouch or container to store my glue gun. A light bulb went off! I made my way to the craft room, found fabric I had created a few years back from one of my favorite watercolor paintings, soft pvc plastic, a random zipper, trim, and my glue gun. In about 3 hours I created the first version of the Everything Tote. From there the creative spark was lit and I started sketching, and prototyping totes.
Just like with my content and tutorials, my goal is to add creativity to your life. So, when it comes to our product line, it's all about creating colorful and happy designs that will hopefully make you smile! My hope is you will be putting away your craft supplies, putting your makeup away, or packing for a weekend trip and smiling as you store and carry your essentials in one of my totes!
The products definitely make you smile! If you had to describe Lynn Lilly Designs in 3 words, what would they be?
Colorful, Creative, Inclusive!
I love that! Since this is your first product line, what is your favorite piece from the new collection?
That is like asking which child is your favorite! I really do love them all but the Everyone Tote has my heart since it was the first product I designed and prototyped. It started my design adventure and sparked a new joy inside me!
Since we are on this subject, what Lynn Lilly Design product would you recommend for busy moms?
I think all moms can relate to having to carry everything for all the little people and yourself (and sometimes your significant other). For this reason, I would recommend the Everyone Tote because it holds so much stuff, is water resistant, clear, and comes with the mini snap-in pouch perfect for snacks or to use as a wallet.
What about crafters? What Lynn Lilly Design product would you recommend to them?
I would recommend the Everything Tote! It is the perfect pouch for your small supplies, tools, and it is clear. Works great for paper crafters, scrapbookers, knitters, and the everything crafters like me!
As a creative individual yourself, where did your inspiration come from for this new collection?
You will often hear me describe the aesthetic of the line as ''Palm Springs Meets Miami with a Pop of Southern Charm''. The functionality of the products literally has come from years of my saying I wish this had that, and this looked like that, and it would be helpful if!
What is your creative process?
I am most creative when I am way from the studio, and my mind is clear. When it comes to painting or digital design, I like to give myself solo blocks of time in my craft room or she-shed and see what I can do in that block of time.
Sometimes the creative process (in general) can be a bit daunting because I usually never like a design until I am done with it. I have to fight myself to not stop halfway through and start over. I make a promise to myself to see a design through to the end.
When it comes to designing products, I am a tactile person. I like to sketch out a design first then create a prototype. Most of my prototypes are created from materials I have in my craft room or laying around the studio, and sometimes that ends of being cardstock!
How do you create your designs? On the IPad, sewing prototypes or some other way?
The current fabric used in these products were created from my original watercolor pattern paintings. I have dabbled in digital design on my Ipad and have a few designs I am working on plugging into upcoming products. When it comes to prototyping a product, I am old-fashioned and cut and glue things together, kind of like a child until, I get something I am happy with. I am not a great sewer.
Fun fact, I was a better sewer when I was 9 than I am now!
Ok, let's switch gears a bit and talk about you! First, tell us about your family!
My family is my everything! If you follow me on social you know I am obsessed with my girls. My husband Brennan and I will celebrate our 10-year anniversary this September, and we have two wonderful little girls, Lily (5) and Bella (2).
What are your hobbies when you are not designing or working?
I always laugh a little when I get this question. Between running a company full-time, juggling the girls' schedules, planning family adventures and activities the only hobbies I currently have is watching late-night true crime and singing in my car. Check back in a few years and hopefully, I will have a hobby or two!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Fail Fast. A very successful mentor early in my career said this would be the best piece of advice anyone would give me. I can't say that I have always stuck to it, but I have always found it to be true. If something isn't working in your business, learn why, pivot, and don't look back!
That is good advice! How do you start your day?
Before getting out of bed, I check my calendar to make sure I refresh my mind on the girls' activities and my work schedule.
Besides your phone or wallet, what are a couple of must-have purse items?
Sunglasses, Chapstick/Lip Gloss, Wet Wipes, Hair Tie, Bag of Crayons, Colorful Pen, BandAids, Random Scrunchie!
A bag of crayons is always a must (lol)! What is one random fact about you?
I got my purple belt in tae taekwondo when I was in 5 grade!
What is the best place you have traveled to?
It is a tie between Rome, Italy, and Tokyo, Japan!
Those are amazing places! If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would live right where I am. My family recently moved to Historic Roswell, and we are loving our neighborhood and new little city! I have always loved Georgia, and I don't see our family ever moving! If we could have a second home (it's on the dream board) it would be at Lake Blue Ridge where you get the best of the mountains and lake!
What are your 3 favorite books?
I wish I could read more! One of my favorite parts of traveling is getting more time to read. I love to read for escape and relaxation, so nothing serious is on my list. The Weekenders (Mary Kay Andrews), Something Borrowed (Emily Giffin), The Lost Sister (M.L. Rose). I really like all of Mary Kay Andrews and Emily Giffins books.
What is your favorite food?
I can't pick just one thing but my top 3 favorites...Steak, Pizza, Caprese Salad, Wedge Salad with Grilled Chicken (balsamic instead of blue cheese)!
Yum! Ok, along that same vein, what’s your guilty pleasure?
Nutty Buddies, Slim Jims (my favorite road trip snack), Ginger Ale (I must have 1 a day), Processco, The Bachelor/Bachelorette!
If you could switch lives with one person for a day, who would it be?
My kids because they are so creative and their imaginations are wild.
What’s a superpower you wish you had?
I would love to duplicate myself!
Don't we all wish we had that superpower?! Now, since you love fashion, what’s a trend you would like to see disappear forever?
High-rise mom jeans and crop tops. Enough said!
I definitely agree with the crop tops! Finally, before you go, can we do a This or That?
Sure! Fire away!
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Introvert or Extrovert? Extrovert
Smartphone or Tablet? Smartphone
Store Bought or DIY? DIY
Attend a party or host a party? Host a Party
Neutral or Colorful? Colorful
Patterned or Plain? Patterned
Books or Movies? Movies
Dogs or Cats? Dogs
Cookies or Brownies? Cookies
Pizza or Tacos? Pizza
Halloween or Christmas? Christmas
That was fun! Oh, one more thing, where can people find out more about you, Lynn Lilly Designs, and Craft Box Girls?
Well, I'm always online (lol)! You can find me at @lynnlillydesigns, @craftboxgirls, and @craftboxkids on Instagram. You can also check our LynnLilly.com and CraftBoxGirls.com to see all the creative things that I am currently working on!
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