Lauren Collignon is a Baton Rouge native who challenges the status quo by doing what she loves. As 225 details in a feature from the current issue, the artist-entrepreneur owns Flaming Lotus Jewelry. And in September she added another item to her list of passion projects, a new yoga studio in Mid City named Purusa.
“I was supposed to be an engineer, be in normal society and follow the rules,” she says. “But I was never really cut out for that.”
At 30, she didn’t want to return to the corporate world. She took a risk, going full time into her own jewelry business, which has a large local following with its zodiac line and acrylic lotus and crystal earring collection. By doing what she loves, she has learned how to be fearless and more confident.
Collignon says her success as an artist hinges on her ability to stay true to her own interests and passions. “When I started making jewelry,” she says, “I thought, ‘I’m going to make this because people will like it.’ Then, one day I woke up and said, ‘I’m not going to do that anymore. I’m going to make what I like.’” She saw a spike in sales when she began focusing on themes she found inspiring.
When she became inspired while remaining true to herself, she saw a spike in sales. With her jewelry’s focus on yoga themes, it’s no surprise Collignon opened her very own studio. With the help of a few yoga teachers, she’s creating a business that has a “mission of love.” That love might be the key to her success.
“If you act out of love … then you cannot fail,” she says.
