On Zero-Waste Textiles And Supportive Small Business Friends: Mezamé
In anticipation of our upcoming markets, we’re touching base with a few of our vendors.
Today, get to know Lauren Oland, the fiber artist and founder behind Mezamé.
Photo courtesy of Mezamé by Lauren.
ABOUT LAUREN OLAND AND MEZAMÉ
Mezamé is a collection of modern sustainable artwear made from freeform weavings. Inspired by landscape, music, and color theory, each one-of-a-kind weaving is created by Lauren with eco yarns in her zero waste studio. Popular items include handwoven tops, bandana cowls, shawls and reclaimed denim.
Describe Mezamé by Lauren with three emojis.
✨🌄🎨
What does being a creative person mean to you? How do you claim your creative identity?
I feel like the ability to innovate and make something from nothing are two big parts of what being creative means. Having a completely zero-waste studio fuels this. We have to make something from scraps all day every day! Everything is original and simply cannot be remade. Plus, there's always a human touch in every single piece. It's invigorating! I started my business with no money and no way to fund the product line. Due to the shoestring budget we create on, we have stayed open through many challenges and are able to give back to our Earth while continuing to stay on our creative toes. It's the best.
Looking back on the last year, what have you learned from your business or creative work?
I have learned to go big with production plans— manifesting a busy and in-demand collection came true!
Describe the feeling you get when you make something new that’s in line with your vision.
Pure and in-the-moment elation.
Photo courtesy of Mezamé by Lauren.
Photo courtesy of Mezamé by Lauren.
How do you get into the headspace to make something new?
A small, quick self care ritual first does wonders. Light a candle, take a breath, and put on some essential oil or spray some Moon Mist from one of my fav spots— the Ethereal Collective— then get ready to get lost in color!
If you could collaborate with any vendor on The Front Market lineup, who would it be?
Small World Goods. I would love to sell my work through their amazing curated collections!
What do you hope for the future of Texas?
I want this state covered with small storefronts, markets, art shows, and homes dripping with handmade goods!
What has the word “community” come to mean to you this last year?
The creative, small business community is everything. It's like my church. After moving my small business across the country (from Minneapolis, MN) during a pandemic, my creative connections throughout the country continue to show up for me always. Over the summer, I went home and was slammed with business at the Midwest Art shows. When I came back, I was invited to be a part of several huge creative communities—like Future Front—here. When I sent my work over states recently and the frames arrived broken, several friends and followers rushed to the scene to repair them for the gallery installation and put my work up on time for opening! There's no place like home and across the world, the creative community is just that for me.
What are some of your goals for 2022?
I am looking to expand Mezamé by adding a new surprise collection to the line and do some writing/kit design work about the philosophies that drive my sustainable line with the goal of selling the kits and teaching related content.
Photo courtesy of Mezamé by Lauren.
Photo courtesy of Mezamé by Lauren.
EVERYTHING WE DO SUPPORTS WOMEN AND LGBTQ+ CREATIVES, DESIGNERS, ARTISTS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS FROM THE TEXAS SOUTH.
You can browse the 190+ vendors on holiday season lineup here.
WANT TO STAY INVOLVED WITH FUTURE FRONT TEXAS?
Attend The Front Market, and keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.