Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori J. Loftis. ( there are 2 Lori Loftis’ in the area, but one with J.)
Lori, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story starts when I had the dream job for the largest theme park in the world where I called a mouse, Boss. At one point that company was going through a few growing pains and offered a voluntary separation package.
As I stated, I had a fantastic dream job as a buyer and a creative role developing entertainment costuming. I had no intention of leaving my career.
Until one of my colleagues called to inquire if I completed my early retirement/voluntary separation package offered to management. She preceded to bullet point all the reasons to sign and take it, and how I should consider it as an opportunity.
Boom – the next morning, I went to my department head and signed on the dotted line. Prior to accepting the deal, I had conversations with a marketing producer regarding a wardrobe styling career in the Orlando, Florida area. Now seemed the time to jump into a new occupation. A wardrobe stylist and Loftis Production Services were fashioned in 2004.
My former career job experience & education laid the foundation for the company that far outweighed my college art degree. I worked in photo and video productions, both day and night for several years. That dedication paid off by needing more than just me behind my company name. The production opportunities increased, more assistants were needed to fulfill the demands, and a team was born.
Loftis Production Service now has multiple fashion stylists, seamstresses, stylist assistants, and wardrobe PA support. We work with bridal, photo/video as well as live show productions.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When is it ever a smooth road when you’re doing something huge that is bigger than you? Those challenges are what make us who we are. It is called life. There is bureaucracy, financial concerns, personality conflicts, to name a few. All are obstacles that allow us to grow by how we handle them.
Besides the obvious cost of opening an office door, you must jump through many legal hoops when starting a business. Federal, state, and local government regulations are constantly changing, which can make it difficult to maintain compliance. There are required insurances both personal and for business, tools of the trade that are always in need of expanding with the size of the job, and most challenging is finding amazing people that are like-minded to support your name.
However, with all the roadblocks and sleepless projects, I LOVE IT. The work put in is worth every moment of accomplishments gained. Yes, as we’ve heard, owning a business requires great sacrifice, but it can also come with great rewards.
For me, the rewards include having a company of integrity that is reliable, the opportunity to create beauty, and a chance to work and learn from the best in the creative industry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have the most wonderful, supportive, creative, and talented team of people that make up Loftis Production Services, Inc. These amazing women and men are diverse in their cultures as well as their skills. I am very blessed! Collectively we represent Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Puerto Rico, the United States, and Venezuela.
The combined skills range from designing, patterning, sewing, painting, preparing photo shoots, commercials, to supporting live shows. The core team is made up of 9 young women working on a regular basis, but when needed for events like Super Bowl Halftime Show LV, we expand to a wardrobe styling and sewing crew of almost 40 women and men. Their talents have inspired me creatively as well.
During the pandemic, I have started working with hydro painting and creating purses. It is a process that contributed to a healthy work/personal relationship within me. I get lost in the process and check out for a time to a colorful and mindful peace. On December 10 of 2021, a devastating sequence of tornados ravaged middle America and my home state of Kentucky.
So now, I am contributing 100% of the profits from the sale of the hydro art purses to Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund for the next year of recovery.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe the most important characteristics that lend to the success of Loftis Production Services are an indomitable work ethic, truthfulness, fortitude, intelligence, and above all, honesty. The only thing we can get behind & guarantee is our word. When we give anyone our word, then it is as good as a contract.
Actually, it is a verbal contract, personal and in business. Those are staples of how I have been able to be successful and gain trust from clients. I put a high value on morals, ethics, and integrity and try to lead my team by example. It is another hard line to follow in this or any business.
For me, I work daily on my faith, my hope in a future, and love first before me. I am a Christian believing in the one God. My head and my heart should agree that He is my strength working everything how it is supposed to be. Pleasing others should not be our goal. When our intentions & motives are in the right place, the former will achieve the latter.
Contact Info:
- Email: lori@loftisproductions.com
- Website: www.loftisproduction.com
- Instagram: @loftisstyling
- Facebook: Loftis Production Services, Inc
- Twitter: @loftisstyling
