Meet Lindsay Laguna | Lead Designer & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsay Laguna and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I really liked the idea of working for myself. I was working at Bloomingdales in NYC before. It was a very fast paced environment and there was a lot of goals to meet. It was corporate/retail so I had to be on time, I had to clock in and I didn’t feel like I was truly “free.” I craved more freedom. Once Covid hit, I was furloughed and I was actually able to put my all into this business. By the time everyone was going back to work, I had created a product I was confident in, so when asked if I wanted my job back, I took the risk and said No. During my time working at Bloomingdales, I was always beading though. It wasn’t something I decided to take on as a “hobby” during the pandemic. It helped my anxiety and keeping my hands busy. I’ve been beading ever since I was a little kid, so it truly has been a dream come true to now have the freedom of working for myself doing what I genuinely love to do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ll tell you that the product you are seeing now, is not what the product has always been. When I first started, I was figuring it all out. I knew how to make a bracelet, but I didn’t know how to make one worth selling. That took time. 4 years later, I am finally creating a product that I am proud of which is a 14k Gold Filled stretchy bracelet with semi-precious, and precious gemstones. It took time, it took failures, it took having to explain myself to people, but I learned that as long as you are open and honest with your customers, they will most likely give you another chance. They want to hear from you.

We all know there are many other gold beaded bracelets these days but line them all up and you’ll see… our bracelet will not be wonky ( meaning it will be a perfect circle. ) Our bracelet will not tarnish. Our bracelet will have real gemstones. Our bracelet will never be plated. These are all things that are very important to us as a brand.

Quality.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would probably take my bestie to a yoga class, a hot yoga class. Then, my best friend and I have gone to a store down the shore called Just Bead It for as long as I could remember. We would EVERY SINGLE YEAR for years and make bracelets or necklaces, so I would have to take her there for old times sake. I would also then have to take her to the farmers market in Asbury Park NJ, she hears me talk about it all the time so I would love to show her. And then I’d probably find something Taylor Swift related because we are swifties. SO yeah, that’s what I would do if my bestie came to town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
100%. Our first farmers market was in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Thank you to Lisa and Jeff for allowing us into the market with no experience at all, no tent and barely any product. It really catapulted the next 4 years of market life for us. Another major business that has helped us succeed is Asbury Fresh Markets. The team that runs Asbury Fresh Markets have invested their time in us, and have truly helped us grow. Cara, Jenna, Danny, Bret, we really do appreciate you giving us the chance, always taking care of us and for opening your markets to us.

I also couldn’t get through this question without thanking my parents. My mother who is part owner with me has been the best mentor and I would not be able to build this without her. As well as my father, who always believes in me and listens to my next crazy idea for the business and is always a YES for us.

We have an amazing team of ladies, family & friends who support us and help us get through the day to day. Shout out to Cathy, Carmela and Bridget. We are beyond thankful for your support, loyalty and love.

Website: www.lagunabohemia.com

Instagram: @lagunabohemia