Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Thompson.
Hi Heather, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our little family of 4 consists of myself, my husband, our daughter, and our dog. My husband and I (who also has a hand in the process), both graphic designers, each have 25+ years of design experience, which gives us a good understanding of the programs we use and a hefty grasp on design. Our specialty is jewelry, mainly earrings, but we also carry cork coasters, cheese boards, stickers, music boxes, and more products all the time. Our followers love that we come to the markets weekly with several new designs! One fun fact is that, although I don’t wear a lot of studs myself, I began what James calls my “mini canvas art” during the peak of COVID-19 when we were all wearing masks. I kept getting the strap caught around my dangles! Our company, Lanikai [lah-nee-kahy] Arts, which means “heavenly ocean,” is named after the center of our world, our lovely daughter Leilani, who also has quite the creative streak, and our rescue dog, Kai, who, of course, like many rescues, saved us. Are we Hawaiian? No, but we wish! My family has long shared a deep passion for the beach and ocean, nature, and the arts, and I try to incorporate those feelings into my pieces. I am also passionate about our environment and try to make every product as sustainable as possible. We now have 100% recycled paperboard for our display packaging! We make every piece of jewelry we sell with love and care and don’t sell anything I don’t love myself. We first laser engrave and cut each product, and I individually hand paint and treat, then assemble every piece myself. Virtually every design you see is also approved by our daughter. We are always at markets around town, which is our main point of sales. However, we also have a sampling of products on our website and an Etsy shop. We like to try different venues, to mix things up and keep the view on us fresh, so we always announce where we will be each week on social media.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There is always a learning curve with new technology, especially laser engravers. We made quite a few mistakes initially, but our background in graphic design minimized that learning curve, allowing us to hone our skills and dial in the laser engraver to its maximum potential. I also wanted to know if the public would care for the products I designed, especially the hand painting. I initially thought it looked weird, but one day, I painted our Lucky Cat earrings and realized how it elevated the design beyond the bare wood. Some people still like the natural look of the wood, but what most typically purchase, when they are side by side, are the painted ones. People are drawn to the vibrant, uplifting colors I like to use, and the colors bring our products to life. They are also often amazed by the tiny painting details we can capture in each piece.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My husband and I have around 30 years of graphic design experience, between college degrees and on the job. This alone sets us apart because we are highly familiar with laser machines’ programs and have a deep understanding of design and color. In that way, we can translate almost any image we desire into an earring or similar wood product. Also, my painting skills are often pointed out, especially in the tiny details I can bring out, from a tiny white eye to a delicate flower detail. My painting style also brings attention. I google images of real life or view them in person (i.e., hibiscus flowers) and emulate that in my feelings. No two earrings are the same, and I am proud of that. We are a small batch, personal company. I spend a lot of time ensuring that every piece is just right. Also, we create everything ourselves, including the package design. Another thing that sets us apart is that we use only stainless steel, wood, and cork in our products, not plastic. They are hypoallergenic and earth-friendly.
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Everyone wants to be in a comfortable financial situation, and we do, but it is much more fulfilling than any job. We have had to see the huge smiles and big eyes that come from everyone of any age. They may be potential customers or admirers, and we are happy either way. They can spend their time and money anywhere (there are limitless choices in the jewelry world), and they choose to shop with us. That makes us very proud. We also love to meet other artists and designers. Art has always made me feel like I have a place in the world, and it thrills me when someone recognizes it. Our teen daughter is also impressed by our products and loves accompanying us to the markets and seeing the reactions. She even wants to help and follow the artist’s path. That makes us feel successful by itself!
Contact Info:
- Website: lanikaiarts.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanikaiartsfl
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LanikaiArts
Image Credits
All photos taken by James Gonzalez (husband)
