Artist putting up watercolor art

How I became a full-time creative entrepreneur.

This is my first week as a full-time creative entrepreneur. I was inspired to write this post while all the feelings were fresh. I’m humbled by the early lessons and eager to share some points that might resonate with those who, like me, are venturing into the world of creative dreams. Perhaps you’re wondering why I decided to step away from a stable day job, one that was working well. It’s true, I had a great time in my corporate role, and I’m deeply grateful for the support it provided. Yet, a yearning for more, both for my family and […]

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watercolor leaves with quote "There's joy in the journey" lddesignloft

AHA, moments in my entrepreneurial journey

Walking a creative entrepreneurial journey takes guts, gumption, and heart. It’s been a few years since LD Design Loft came to be. No fancy ribbon cutting but I surely cut my attachments to fear & resistance. As Steven Pressfield would say: “The more important a call to action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel about answering it.” I’m grateful I found the courage, I’m thankful for the transformation I’ve gone through. The permission I’ve given myself to explore and create, to find the courage to fail forward. Not everything has worked, but I learned a […]

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succulent plants with iphone case with watercolor leaves

3 Essential Tools for the beginner watercolor artist – (Bonus: How I digitize art and shoot process videos)

I’ve been getting some positive feedback whenever I would paint with my watercolors or illustrate on my social media channels. It’s so fun to know that you enjoy the process as much as I do. Some people have been asking what I use. I thought it would be easier to compile what I’ve found helpful in a post. This video should give you a summary of the process. The #plantmom phone case from the video is a product that I created for our online shop. It can be purchase here or by clicking on the image. The right tools can […]

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cute koala bear australia love

#AustraliaLove Collection

Our family has been talking about the effects of climate change on the environment. We’ve seen in the news devastating results of the drought and fires in Australia. We’re heart-broken to know human lives have been lost. Billions of animals are gone and nature destroyed. With several species already nearly extinct such as the Koala. I’m joining artists worldwide to help support organizations that aid those affected. 100% of my earnings from my #AustraliaLove collection will go towards those in need via Australia Red Cross and WIRES Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation.  Consider donating directly to each organization as well.  My […]

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woman sitting in front of macbook

A mindset shift to deal with overwhelm.

Overwhelmed? Read this. My husband is the chill voice that can often put things in perspective for me.  I recall a time when I was feeling overwhelmed … lots of things to do, opportunities, projects and ideas to tackle …I didn’t know where to start. I tell him about it and he’s the one that pointed out.. “The way I see it…you’ve got a good problem”… “These are answered prayers” He’s right! Of course, he’s right! What he said is just another reminder for me to be grateful. There truly are so many answered prayers, overwhelm can distort our perspective. The mess in […]

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Lorena depante behind the scenes

What’s keeping you from pursuing your goals?

Over the past few years of pursuing my own goals I have had many conversations with family and friends. They’ve encouraged the spark they’ve seen in me.  I’ve been touched by your love and support. As I write this I want to hug you for allowing me to have this platform to share.  As much as I embrace the motivation, my husband noticed that I’ve been so quick to tell others to do the same thing. If you were ever on the other end of my excitement for you and got taken a back …well … I say “too bad”…(I […]

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What the kids really want for Christmas!

What do the kids really want for Christmas? A couple of years ago I came across this IKEA commercial video which really spoke to me. It’s called ‘The Other Letter’. They did an experiment asking children of different ages to write to The Three Kings for what they’d like for Christmas. They quickly scribbled down things like a Wii®, a unicorn, a soccer ball, etc. After collecting the letters, they were then asked to write another letter, this time they are writing to their parents of what they really want for Christmas. The responses would amaze you; they just wanted […]

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Mom with four kids

A decade of motherhood. “Aha” moments.

“I’ve been around for a decade” …that’s what Julia said to me about her 10th birthday! ✨ I had to sit on her phrase for a minute. That also means I’ve been a mother for a whole decade too. I thought it would be fun to share my “AHA” moments for each year. Here goes…   Year 1 Babies poop. 😆 and diapers leak. I learned that onesies have those special slits by the shoulders so you can slide them down to avoid getting poop on baby’s hair. 👍🏼 Year 2 My picky eater will try food if you pretend […]

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