Meet Lori Fenn | Owner & Founder

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

Hi Lori, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always wanted to have my own business. I never had a shortage of ideas, the hardest part was taking the first step. I have always worked well on my own (I joke now that I am unemployable because once you work for yourself, you can’t go back!). I just really wanted something that I created, that was my own and allowed me to have the independence I was looking for in building something from the ground up. Somedays I work 15 hours, somedays I work 2 but in the beginning your business only grows as much as you put into it. It can be incredibly stressful but I seem to do well when I have a lot going on, the stress can be addictive!

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.
Art has always been a big part of my life and have been drawing or painting since a kid. I started with drawing, then transitioned to making my own clothes and jewlery in High School ( was so close to going into fashion design). and then started painting. I always wanted to go against what was considered “normal” and was made fun of in High School for how I dressed (think Dr Seuss mixed with rainbows, knee highs, and black work boots.) I think that helped me not be afraid to do what I want and have carried the intense color combinations/patterns into my paintings which also served as the inspiration for the packaging and labels with Lua skincare.

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?
First I would tell my friend to come in March! I think that is one of my favorite times of year here. We would start with getting some coffee at LUX or Dark Hall and hed to the Superstition Mountains for hiking. I think that is one of my favorites even though it is about an hour outside of the city, it is still close enough. We would also go to Montelucia for their day spa…hot tubs, saunas, and the pool are a great way to chill. I would also want to head on a drive to the Salt River to look for wild horses and take a day trip to Arcosanti for that wild desert hippie experience. We would also squeeze in a dinner at The Larder and the Delta and drinks at Restauraunt Progress!

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?
My shoutout goes to Georganne Bryant, owner of Frances. I was just starting Lua when I met her and she really gave me some good advice and had a successful business to show for it. She may not know how much that meant to me but I really do look to her as not just a friend, but a very big influence in what shaped my beginning development as a business owner.

Website: https://luaskincare.com & https://www.lorifenn.com
Instagram: lorifenn & luaskincare

Image Credits
Heather Kirchhofer @agnesartandphoto