We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lauren Arkin-Malacsina. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Lauren, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now I am learning from my children. I have a six year old boy and a 2.5 year old girl. They have been teaching me to slow down, to enjoy even the smallest of moments and to appreciate the little achievements that have come along the way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lauren Arkin-Malacsina and I own L.A. Boudoir Miami a online vintage boutique for the past 15yrs. I was born and raised in Miami Fl. I grew up with a passion for all things in the arts, theatre, and dance. With that passion I attended Design and Architecture Senior High (c/o 2005) and majored in Fashion design. I continued my design degree into college and received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from Miami International University of Art and Design. My real love was and is costume design and I was able to intern and then work for the Florida Grand Opera for a few years before opening my vintage boutique in 2010.
Besides loving all things art and design I do have a love for the outdoors; fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking, traveling and exploring with my family.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom saw me clearly before I could see myself.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When I had my first child and took an extended break from selling online and at markets, (he was about five to six months old), I wanted to get back into selling in person and be more productive with selling online and Covid hit. I felt really isolated as did the rest of the world but I thought “was this going to be the end of my online business?” Nobody was buying, I couldn’t go anywhere in person and I had to isolate my baby from everything. Luckily I just extended my postpartum break till things started to normalize and then I was able to come back stronger and with more determination.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
A fad to me is something that comes and goes with a season and only last a short period. A real foundational shift is rooted deep and can last years. I believe foundational shifts are your true principals that fads extract from.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I only had 1oyrs left, I would stop vending at markets and pop-up events and just sell online. I would try and spend most of my time with my kids and family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laboudoirmiami.com
- Instagram: @laboudoirmiami_ @lauren.arkin
- Facebook: @laboudoir
Image Credits
Sonju Photography
