Let me quickly preface this interview by saying I’ve know Shauna for quite some time now and not only does she make great products but she is so down to earth and really funny, as you’ll see when you keep reading. If we lived on the same coast we’d probably be great real-life friends. So without further ado, I bring you Shauna, the owner and creative force behind Lemon Drop Studio, a fun light-hearted shop featuring cards, tags, magnets, prints and more! So let’s hear more about Shauna.
Hi Shauna! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Shauna. I am a twenty-something year old, loving and sometimes too sarcastic wife to my wonderful husband + best friend Trask, lucky Stay At Home Mama to my sweet son Taylor (2 1/2). We live in the suburbs of Portland Oregon with our rat terrier, Maddie. I have lived in Oregon my whole life, and grew up in Eugene. Besides being with my family, I love to eat, entertain, blog, craft, shop, spend time outside and much more. Oh, and I occasionally snort when I laugh, usually laugh at all the wrong times and far too often take jokes a step further than appropriate. I also like to jump out and scare people when they are coming into the room. {Don’t you love her already?!} OK, let’s continue…
So, how did you get Lemon Drop Studio started?
How did I get started?! Is it weird to say that I’m not exactly sure? My background is not in art at all, but I wish it was. I got my degree from the University of Oregon in Family and Human Services. How did I get here?! After returning to work after my maternity leave in 2006, I was laid-off three days later. It was a blessing. Not even in disguise. I wanted to stay home. With all my extra time I started making cards and creating during nap-times, just for family and friends as gifts. I was an etsy shopper, but not a seller, until people kept pushing me to try it. I listened to their advice and opened my shop up May 21, 2008. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year! Happy (almost) Anniversary!
Where did the name originate from?
I am awful at naming things – anything! It’s amazing my son even has a name! (I’m not that bad!) So when I wanted to start my business, I really struggled. I had a vision in my mind, but no words to describe it. It’s situations like that when I turn to my husband Trask. We wanted something that reflected me and my style: fun, relaxed, simple, and energetic. I guess the rest is magic. Trask just blurted out: lemon drop studio, and I loved it. Is that exciting? It kind of feels like it.
Shauna’s home studio
What is a typical work day for you?
Everyday is different, and I think that’s why I love it so much! Some days I dedicate to creating new cards, silhouettes, invites, etc, and other days I do more of the business-side where I do shop listings, blogging, etc. Everyday is a fun challenge, learning how to juggle working from home on a growing business while raising, loving and entertaining son. I am blessed he likes to get messy and craft!
What are your best selling designs?
My most popular design is my custom silhouette, and that works beautifully because I adore creating them. I think that my silhouettes have been a hit because they are a wonderful keepsake. More often than not they are silhouettes of small children. We know that they grow up too dang fast, so the silhouette really stops time and captures each stage. I love that my silhouettes are framed and on a family’s mantle or hanging in a hallway, and that they are given as gifts. They are simple and fun and I think it’s amazing people put their trust in me to create such a fun piece.
A second best seller are my ‘dude’ cards, because honestly, there is almost never a time or situation where the word ‘dude’ doesn’t just say it all.
Do you have any business advice/keys to success for new businesses?
I am still learning everyday. And I think that continual learning is a key to success. I’d also say to anyone starting or wanting to grow to look at your business with fresh eyes and ideas. Try something new. Offer new, different options. Be accommodating, responsive and kind in every interaction (this applies to life!) Never sell yourself short. I think it’s great to contact your favorite shops and ask for advice, it’s a humbling experience to help someone else. Above all, I say keep it fun.
What is your muse/inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere: paper stores, pottery barn catalogs, simply by a color, children, outside, clean lines and citrus fruit.
How would you describe your style?
I love just about everything! I love simplicity, fun and color. I am super casual, and love things that are down-to-earth and beautiful. I also love a splash of quirky and funk. In everything that I do, I want to bring a smile to someone’s face and maybe even a laugh. To me, it’s all about being happy.
What is your favorite hobby?
Aside from creating, I love decorating. I love being outside. I’d love to get better at photography. As long as I am doing something, I am happy. I am not a good lounger. But I’d love to practice lounging to see if I could get better, perhaps on a nice tropical beach.
Do you have favorite blogs/websites?
-How About Orange
-Mabel’s House
-Dooce
-Unclutterer
-Etsy
-Zuzu Girl Handmade
-Perideau Designs (duh!!)
-Paper Source
Thank you Shauna for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us! Can’t wait to see what else you will come up with.
Where to find Shauna:
Shop :: www.lemondropstudio.etsy.com
Blog :: lemondropstudio.blogspot.com
Twitter :: www.twitter.com/lemon_drop
Hi, I'm 
Bridgett!
Thank you so much for a wonderful feature. I feel so lucky and blessed to have met you! I admire you and your work and feel honored to be a part of your blog! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Truly,
Shauna