Meet Kathryn Lemancik: Libby Lou Creations, LLC

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

Hi Kathryn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business late in life after retirement! Being retired allows me the time to work on things I enjoy with no time restraints. I discovered that I have a talent for matching and combining fabrics and colors to create unique items that appeal to a large audience. The positive feedback and requests for special orders gave me the incentive to start Libby Lou Creations and see where it would take me. I had nothing to lose and retirement is a whole new way of life with lots of hours to fill! Today my Christmas trees, Libby & Louie Bunny, Ellie Fanté & Elbert Elephant, Quacker Jack, Digger & Daphne Dog almost come alive while assembling them! It is so satisfying to see people break out in a big smile when “meeting” my creations! I view my products as “works of art” since no two creations are the same, each being a unique, one-of-a-kind creation. In 2019 I was asked to partner with Haven Hospice to provide very special Veteran’s Bunnies honoring patients who have served our country.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I enjoy creating for Libby Lou Creations. My goal is to give people a unique, one-of-a-kind item different from all others. I follow my own aesthetic, am a bit picky about fabric and prints used and fussy about the outcome! I enjoy my work and believe if you do not enjoy what you are doing, if the fun factor is gone, the product will suffer. “That’s good enough” is not good enough in my sewing room!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to see and do in Arizona. Depending the friends interests here’s a little taste of what to do: I highly suggest a day trip to Sedona. The red rocks are amazingly beautiful. You can hike or bike the 400+ miles of trails, the Pink Jeep Tour is quite fun! Indulge in a glass of wine made in the Verde Valley. A trip to The Haunted Hamburger in Jerome for lunch and some shopping. Arizona has hiking trails galore! The Grand Canyon of course! And in Flagstaff, the Lowell Observatory and the Meteor crater.

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?
Libby Lou Creations became “real” after I made Christmas trees for my grandchildren and family members as gifts. After much persuasion from my Aunt Lee that I should be selling these unique, one-one-a-kind trees, I finally gave in and displayed my trees at a craft boutique. Other products soon followed and Libby Lou Creations continues to grow today. My husband gets the biggest Shout-Out from me. Always my rock, my biggest supporter, built my sewing room and helps me with the not-so-fun parts of running a business and is always there when I need him!