When I first me Laura Patterson who makes all things Laura Fauna, my husband and I were dressed as furries (because of THIS MAN). She didn’t know it was me (and I didn’t know her at the time), but if you look through my frog mouth, I look like a real creep with my posing for pictures smile.
When I worked the Why Louisville booth at the St. Agnes Craft Fair, we met for real. I was admiring her beautiful booth of clothes and accessories, and I noticed her milling about in the most adorable acorn hat I’ve ever seen. After speaking with her, I immediately felt a kindred connection to this sassy fashionista. She’s not your craft fair stereotype. She has pizazz.
In honor of my high opinion of Laura, I am making her my first Discovering Louisville interview. Enjoy!
1) How long have you been sewing/crafting (I read on your etsy your whole life, right?). “Yes, Stacy, that’s right, my whole life!”
What got you started? “My mother worked in a drapery shop when I was little. She was a single mom and couldn’t afford childcare so I came with her. To keep me busy she and the other ladies would give me scraps and let me play. I started making clothes for my bear, Teddy. I’ve attached a picture of Teddy, as he still works hard for laura fauna everyday.”
2) What is your favorite thing to make? “Birthday presents. I love to whip something up that’s sweet, whimsical, gifty and one-of-a-kind for the people I love.”
3) How do you get your ideas? “I am inspired by lots of things- real-life gals, my friends, strange and stylish girls I see walking down the street. I also love high fashion- I like to look at the runway pictures, and Vogue, of course.”
I get my best ones when I’m hungover…sadly. What life moments bring you passion and creativity? “I love to make my own interpretations of the things I want but can’t afford, things I want to wear that I can’t find, things inspired by some neat and interesting vintage treasure I’ve found, etc.”
4) What is your favorite craft-fair to work in Louisville? ”Cherokee Triangle Art Fair, which happens the weekend before derby. The weather is beautiful then, life is exciting and hopeful, and it’s always reflected in the crowd (and their spending!)”
Do you ever head to Chicago for any? ”Yes, I do the Renegade craft Fair in september and the Renegade christmas show in december.”
Other nearby cities? “Not yet, but I’m thinking of applying to the Woodland Art Fair in Lexington this year.” 
5) What is it like to be a young entrepreneur in Louisville? ”I don’t know about this question- I’ve been sewing and selling what I make since I was 18. I’m 33 now, I feel very well established and not very young either ;) I hardly remember what it feels like to be starting out. Things were different then too- these days there is alot more awareness and support for handmade crafts and art. There is also the internet, which barely existed when I was starting out. I think things are way different and perhaps easier for people who want to make things and sell them.”
Is it a kind city for someone who has a dream? ”This is absolutely the city, the world, place, and time for any and everyone who has a dream. You just have to start with the right attitude!”
6) Do you make things by hire? Like, if I wanted a specific item, could I come in, get measured, and have you create? How much does it cost to get something custom made? ”No, I don’t. If people want something that I already design and in a different size or color I can most of the time accomodate that, but I’m really busy! It’s hard for me to keep up with existing demand for ready-made garments.”
7) Do you have any advice for awesome crafty seamstresses/tailors like yourself? ”Not really, I have no idea what I’m doing- I just take things day by day and do what I think is right/what I feel like for that day…”
8) What is your favorite thing about Louisville? This could be any noun (person/place/thing) that moves you about your city. ”!. theOlmsted Parks 2. the architecture- we have alot of really beautiful, churches, homes, and buildings, with great dense tree-lines streets. 3. the ease of living and slow pace 4. the stable real estate market 5. the fact that my mother lives here, which is the only reason I’ve kept moving back every time I try to leave…”
9) Is there anything else I should know about you? ”My favorite color is yellow, I always eat my vegetables, I live on Bonnycastle in the highlands, and facebook frequently about laura fauna sales and what-nots.”
Buy things from Laura Fauna. Laura is cute as a button. She has great style. She’s a fellow Sagittarius. And - - - she makes really whimsical, creative, “you feel like the most interesting and cute person in the room” clothes. Trust me. I love her clothes and accessories. I bought some. And you should too.
