Lab Is 10! Sharing Advice From Our Clients in the Double Digit Club (And Beyond!)
BY EMMA GEARY - MARCH 15 2024
This month, LAB joins the “Double Digit Club” and celebrates 10 years in the business. We are beyond grateful for all of the people we have connected with, business we have collaborated with and design projects we have been able to create over the past ten years!
As we take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been over the last ten years, we are so thankful for the incredible community that has supported LAB not only with their business, but with every post you read and event you attend. We wouldn’t be here without YOU!
LAB has evolved significantly over 10 years, which is something Mollie Windmiller, co-founder and Creative Director says is essential in business. “It’s important to evolve and continue resonating with your audience and leverage growth.” In 2014, we started with just creative workshops, then added business workshops, brand experiences, LAB Talks events, The Collective markets, and creative services. With growth and new ways of connecting, we have always stayed true to the foundation of LAB - having community as a pillar to connect through collaborations and creativity. And we continue to be fueled by so many amazing local businesses and creatives!
Now that we can proudly claim our 10 year mark, many of our clients have been in the game much longer than us. We’ve always admired the way they show up to their work on a daily basis as their most authentic selves, striving toward a unique vision they’ve been able to see from the start. We had the opportunity to ask a few of them how they got their start, what motivates them, and what’s next.
Danielle Loven - Vivid Home
22 Years in Business
Vivid Home is a luxury interior design studio and retail space in the heart of the North Loop. They’ve been in the business of “Making Life Happen” for clients across the world for over 22 years.
“My favorite part of coming to work daily is our clients. I love interacting with them and finding ways to make them happy by dreaming up their big picture and creating concepts for their dream home. I’ve always been an entrepreneur. My first business was at age 9 selling barettes, and I always knew one day I’d own my own business and find a unique way to contribute to society.
My dream is to have one of the most unique home stores in the country, and I’m always looking to build Vivid to become the best it can be. We’d like to open another store in the future, too. The advice I’d give to entrepreneurs early in their career is to never give up, work hard, and be kind to yourself. Ask for help when you need it The problem I see often is that most people quit before they make it.
Christine Marvin - Marvin Windows
112 Years in Business
The Marvin brand is a Minnesota legacy, with Christine’s great grandfather staring Marvin in Warroad, Minnesota, in 1912. More than 112 years later, Marvin is still headquartered in Warroad, and it’s also where Christine lives with her family.
“I’m reminded daily that it’s an honor to work in a fourth and fifth generation business. I feel like I have a purpose to steward the business forward to the next generation, which means OUR vision and values can continue to drive impact for communities, employees and customers. I am sooo inspired by the people at Marvin, and I find so much enjoy in helping individuals marry their skills, interest and passion with what the business needs. I also love to be part of teams that have a mindset and curiosity and drive to raise the bar in the industry.
I feel like I’ve had many lives at Marvin, and I often find myself championing something new – a new function, discipline, capability. It’s rewarding even though new things can be hard. As I’ve gained more experience, I look back to how all my experiences – the good and the bad – prepare me for what’s next. I’m grateful for the road I’ve traveled.”
Aisha Formanski - Everthine Jewelry
14 Years in Business
Aisha has been creating heirloom-quality jewelry and lifelong relationships with her customers for over 25 years, and started Everthine in 2010. She works from her studio in NE Minneapolis and each piece is infused with meaning, a bit of edge, and the highest quality natural materials.
“I am in business for pretty much two reasons–I have an intense need to create with my hands, and my personal connections with my clients. Each piece of jewelry is a tiny treasure that marks special or challenging times in our lives, and I am honored to be a part of that moment. My business is built on long-term relationships with my clients and it’s what makes me look forward to coming into the studio every day. Plus, I just launched my fine jewelry line, and have opened up my custom design books, so I’m excited to shake things up.
The advice I’d give to newer business owners is to connect with other entrepreneurs who are on the same level, find a mentor, and stay organized (because…taxes!).”
Greg Walsh and Dana Swindler - MartinPatrick
30 Years in Business
MartinPatrick 3 is an internationally recognized boutique located in the North Loop of Minneapolis that offers inspired men’s and women’s apparel, home furnishings, and interior design services. Everything they do is to bring out the best in every person who walks through their doors, and they’ve been in business for 30 years!
“We are fueled on the daily by change and evolution. We’re constantly looking at what’s next, what we can do better, and how to stand out. By always evolving, we’re always growing and staying motivated to create the next thing.
Coming next for us? Mickey’s Drawing Room–our entree to truly entertaining our guests and clients in a world of design, culinary bites, and bubbles…stay tuned!”
Grant Whittaker - Grant Whittaker Creative
25 Years in Business
For over 25 years, Grant has been creating magic on the runway and beyond in his fashion consulting and production company. Grant is a sought-after local style expert and respected among his industry peers for his ability to know how to juxtapost high and low, and when to push the envelope.
“What I love most about my work is the people, the talent, and the ideas. I started GWC when there was a need for a fashion producer who could style, produce, cast, choreograph, and stage productions. It required a unique mix of ideas, creative, and technical abilities, and I knew I was up to the challenge.
This year, I am headed home to Europe (I’m originally from Germany) for some work opportunities, and excited to take on projects with a more global reach. To someone early in their career, I’d advise them to never stop reaching out and stay committed to your good ideas!”
Thank you to all of our wonderful clients and community for your support in these last 10 years. Cheers to many more!
Emma Geary
Emma is the one writing it all down. She's been with LAB since 2021 and is finishing her MFA in Creative Writing in her spare time. Her favorite color right now is cobalt blue.
