Meet Lana Bear | Owner of a Vintage Shop and Birth Doula

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

Hi Lana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It was an entirely organic process. I have always loved thrifting and when I was clearing out my own closet and selling my old vintage + thrifted clothing, it was fun and I was making money so I just started doing it more and a business was born! It gave me something to do while I was newly post partum and navigating my maternity leave. I’m a driven + highly motivated person and staying home all day with my newborn was not enough for me. This was a great creative outlet that happened to bring enough income in that I was able to quit my career.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is really founded on transparency and authenticity. Inclusivity is the pillar of our success. There is something for everyone and we “celebrate all bodies with goods that make you smile.” We donate 10% of our profits, we buck trends and stock what we love. I got here (a webstore + pop up business, now about to open it’s first brick and mortar!) through years of a professional career in corporate retail, and a life long love of thrifting and fashion. My business background helped build a foundation for growth. I made every decision on how to run the company with longevity in mind. Following my joy has brought every opportunity my way and remaining open + saying yes. It’s been a completely organic process, and labor of love, I truly can say I have the best job! My advice is stick to your instincts and intuition, don’t try to do what everyone else is doing. Ask for help, use your resources and don’t be afraid to change your mind or try something different. I am a parent of 2 small children and this business has often been my oxygen mask. The thing I can turn to for joy and to be myself. Having something of my own helped me navigate post partum depression and become a person who isn’t restricted to only being a parent. Find the thing that brings you the most joy and pursue it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Great timing, I have two best friends coming to town soon! Definitely getting coffee at Sound & Fog, bagels from Loxsmith, pastries from Temple and lunch at Ciudad. Dinner reservations at Rupee, and then a cider at Yonder where we’ll hop in the photo booth. Taking the water taxi from West Seattle downtown to pop through pike place (not just a tourist destination!) and probably up the Space Needle (epic views, I never tire of them). We’ll likely hit a park (Lincoln Park or Golden Gardens) and grab the best hot chocolate in town at Made in House. Over the weekend we’ll pop into Barn Owl Vintage and stroll through Fremont Sunday market. A night out in Cap Hill will get us to La Dive for all the yummy natural wines and tapas and a dessert at Hot Cakes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
it’s funny, growing up with parents who owned a business and were entrepreneurs, I had very strong feelings against ever wanting that life for myself. I worked for my dad throughout my youth and spent 16 years in a corporate career. Once I became a parent the flexibility and freedom of owning my own business suddenly was very attractive. Watching how hard my dad worked and how passionate he was about what he did was all the inspiration and motivation I needed. I know I wouldn’t be doing this now if it weren’t for his influence.

Website: www.peacelovebear.com

Instagram: @peacelovebear

Other: New shop coming soon: www.shophoste.com and @shophoste on IG.

Image Credits
All photos my own