We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Since I was little I always loved arts and crafts. I never took lessons it just came naturally to me. I loved the feeling of teaching myself a new skill and creating something from it. I started doing nails 19 years ago and applied those skills to my career but I wanted to try something different. 5 years ago I started painting on clothing and building my brand Craft Crime. But it wasn’t until I lost the closest person to me and a pandemic that really pushed me into it full force. I was home without income and grieving at the same time that it was a way to escape and cope at the same time. Before I knew it I had created over 200 pieces of art. I built my website and I sold out of all my inventory. It made me feel alive again. It gave me purpose now and I knew I wanted to keep going, haven’t stopped since.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been a nail artist for 19 years. Always learning new techniques and applying them to my art in different ways. If it wasn’t for the people in my life pushing me and encouraging me to continue my creative process I would not be where I am today. It has not been easy along the way. Putting out your work for the world to see puts you in a very vulnerable place. People today are so critical on social media. It can be very hurtful to hear at times. But I continue to remind myself that my art isn’t for everyone and it will touch the person it needs to!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Food and drinks at chicas. Local markets

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to Ameneh Kanani. When I stared 5 years ago she always pushed me and encouraged me to keep going. She passed away 2 years ago and I always apply her words of encouragement and creativity to everything I do.

Website: www.Craftcrime.com

Instagram: Craftcrime

Facebook: Craft crime

Image Credits
Photographer: Ileana Freyja owner of Blind Beast photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.