Meet the LAB Team: Izzy Ahrens
BY ZOE VOSSEN - JULY 23, 2021
I was not this cool in college.
Izzy has been a highlight of our year, for sure! She is quick, smart, creative and an absolute joy to be around (well, virtually...although, we all are trying to convince her to move here). Her passion for art and design shines through her work and we are so incredibly lucky to have her on our team!
Without further ado, let's get to know Izzy!
Name: Izzy Ahrens
Title: Graphic Design Intern
Instagram: @izzy_ahrens310
Astrological Sign: Pisces
Enneagram: 9 - Peacemaker & 4 - Individualist
1. How did you get connected with LAB to become a Design Intern?
I was encouraged by my dad to reach out to the wife of one of our family friends, Erica (LAB graphic designer). After following Erica and LAB on Instagram, I fell in love with everything LAB represents and created. While scrolling through their website one day, I bumped into the “business inquiry” section and decided to introduce myself and sent over my resume and portfolio. Mollie and Erica were quick to realize our connection and reached out to me for this amazing opportunity for an internship.
2. What does an average day look like for you?
I’m not one to fall into a strict routine so every day looks a little different for me. My house faces east, so I wake up to the sun shining through the windows. I usually drink water first thing in the morning but some days iced coffee seems more important! I put on classical music while I make breakfast, write out my priorities and gratitudes for the day, and get to work on branding projects or any design edits. I live with four roommates, so after work there’s always something to do. Many evenings we hang out at the beach, bike around Milwaukee, or cook dinner together! I end with a reflection on the highlights of my day and see what I can do to improve tomorrow.
2. What is something that might surprise people about you?
I’ve had a lifelong love for snakes and other reptiles! I grew up owning four Ball Pythons and two King Snakes, and a couple other reptiles in between, like our bearded dragon. I most recently cared for my dad’s snake, Matilda, for four months while in my college home. Matilda is a young Western Hognose and loves being held! She has helped cure many of my friends’ fear of snakes with her adorable smile and her- I know it’s hard to believe- comforting nature.
3. The LAB team is currently working remotely. What does your WFH station look like?
My WFH station includes a lot of natural materials such as plant life, rocks and crystals from my childhood, wood, and an antler jewelry holder made by my dad. I also enjoy lighting incense to help create a calm and focused environment.
4. What is your favorite form of self-care?
My absolute favorite evening of self-care includes biking to the park to watch the sunset and let my creative juices flow freely and without judgment. I do anything to encourage my mind to open up such as painting my surroundings, meditating, journaling, reading, or playing music and people watching.
5. What are a few of your favorite local businesses to follow on social media?
@witandco @marantaplantshop @thedailybirdmke @supercreative.co
6. Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun?
I love traveling up north to my family’s cabin and going on hikes to find wild raspberries and thimbleberries. It’s so special to have the ability to ditch the online world for a bit and spend time laughing around the fire and appreciating nature. I also love finding new locations to explore with friends and labeling them as our “secret spot” even though it may not be a secret at all, the personal curiosity is so exciting!
