Jen Clarke interview Lorena Depante - Full time creative entrepreneur

My Entrepreneurial Journey through Zazzle; What helped me.

When I embarked on my journey to establish an online business as a graphic designer, I stumbled upon a game-changer: Zazzle*. This remarkable print-on-demand platform proved to be a goldmine for independent designers and business owners, offering seamless solutions for printing, shipping, and customer service. It was precisely what I needed to focus on my designs and other aspects of my business. Let me share how Zazzle has become a vital part of my entrepreneurial success and what helped me. While I was on YouTube I discovered Elke and Jen Clarke. They are Gold and Diamond sellers on Zazzle and […]

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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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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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You're loved sign held by my little girl

You Are Loved

“I don’t understand why you don’t want to try, you’re brilliant and amazing!” These words caused my daughter Camryn to cry as if she had no idea. I remember thinking how can she be doubting herself already, she’s so young. Am I failing her?⠀   Our self image is shaped by everything around us. We are so sensitive to the opinions of others and form our own conclusions, not always to the truth. ——– On my 40th birthday I received a gift. The gift of delivering a very important topic to young adults in our Christian community. I say it’s […]

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This could be the start of a love for writing.

In grade 6 I had the most wonderful teacher, her name was Mrs. Stewart. One thing I recall was how she got us writing in our own journals.  She wrote back encouraging fun notes, and rewarded us with cool unique stickers.  Bubble gum scented, glittery and even fuzzy animal ones too. Stickers are LIFE don’t you know! As a teenager I came across that grade 6 journal and started writing for myself this time. I found it brought dreams and goals to life, it helped me visualize reflections and insights that I never knew I had. Believe me when I […]

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Room To Share

Childhood memories built here. (Create personalized wall art. – encourage sisterhood) As I stood outside my two daughters’ shared bedroom I was excited that I’ve finally finished reorganizing their space. I suppose I can tell you that the cute little things were gifts from generous family and friends purchased from Potterybarn Kids, HomeSense and the likes, but the room has a different story to share. It reminded me of something a lot more significant. I’m the middle child and the only daughter, I loved growing up with brothers. I knew about comic books, sports, wrestling, superheroes and Nintendo but a part […]

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The art of gift giving

I don’t think I can be a shop that shares unique gift ideas without telling you this personal holiday story. I was a witness to such a heartwarming gift-giving experience for my own girls over Christmas. See when I started LD Design Loft, my eldest girl Julia started drawing sketches right beside me; talk about a personal cheerleader. She even called her imaginary shop ‘JD Shop’. Julia loves to sketch and on one visit to her cousins’ place she left some of her dress sketches there. We had no idea that Lola Nanay (a grandmother figure) got hold of the sketches. […]

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