Laura Foote is one of my fabulously talented college friends! We were dorm mates, sorority sisters and had tons of fun. Even in college, I knew she had an eye for design. Her room was always decorated beautifully, and her bed always looked like it was out of a design magazine. I have loved following Laura’s career over the years on social media. Her fun personality always shines through in her posts, and she is one of my favorite follows.

Laura worked for years in New York City as a creative director for an international perfume company. A few years ago she moved back to the mid-west to start her own company, The Laura Foote Designs. She is combining her fun and whimsical personality with her eye for style. She has created “a Luxuriously Fun Jewelry & Accessories Brand. Mixing Parisian Chic with a touch of the American Southwest.”  (She describes it so much better than I ever could). 

You can find Laura’s designs on her website, and now in her newly launched Etsy Shop. And I highly recommend following her on Instagram where you can not only see her gorgeous new creations, but you can get to know the fun personality behind the brand. 

HERE IS MY INTERVIEW WITH HER

What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?

“Do what you LOVE and the money will follow!” ~Robert T. Foote Jr.

I received this advice from my father a couple of months before graduating from Denison University. I was like “Oh  Really?” in a very skeptical reply. But, twenty-something years later I have to acknowledge that he was absolutely right! People can see your passion for your work and when it makes you shine that reflects onto others. I think this is especially true if you work in any creative capacity. I really learned this lesson while working as the Creative Director, Global Fragrance for Interparfums in NYC. The more my team and I were able to deliver beautiful products that satisfied our client’s needs…the more sales our company had which in turn (over time) caught up to me in terms of financial compensation. I don’t think I would have been able to put in all the grueling hours it takes to create something truly unique and never seen before if I absolutely did not LOVE every minute doing it!

What other women do you admire, and anything you want to share about them?

This is a tough question because there are so many women I truly admire. To pick one for today, I would have to say Lele Sadoughi. Her design education and career experiences are similar to mine. I really admire how she has been able to grow her namesake brand over the last 7 years. She is definitely one of the female designers I look to for inspiration!

What app can’t you live without?

Quickshot! It’s basically a mini Photoshop App for your iPhone. I am always retouching my pictures!

What is your favorite podcast and or book?

The Universe has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein. I love the message and re-read sections of it all the time!

What piece of advice would you share with other women?

TRUST YOUR GUT! Listening to what your inner voice is saying to you is so important. I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t listen and then regretted it later. This is applicable for both business and life! 🙂

What are you most grateful for?

I am the most grateful for having the opportunity to take a risk and go out and build my own brand. This is something I have wanted to do my whole life. I am so lucky to have had the work experiences that put me into the position I am in now. **Also, inheriting a strong work ethic from my Dad!**

Is there anything else you want to share with my readers?

Yes, it’s what I say to myself every morning “ROME WAS NOT BUILT IN A DAY.” Amen!

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You can find Laura on her website, her Etsy Shop, and her Instagram