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Lalese Stamps | Episode 780
Lalese Stamps is the founder and CEO of Lolly Lolly Ceramics, a ceramics design and production studio which focuses on objects that are functional, unique and handmade to last. In September of 2019, Lalese embarked on a 100 Day Project where she made 100 mugs with 100 different handles for 100 Days, bringing national recognition to the Lolly Lolly name. Today the Lolly team is made up of 4 people and growing. The demand for Lolly Lolly Ceramics is high, but Lila is having fun expanding the Lolly Lolly brand and bringing you new and exciting pieces.
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Do you approach life living with lots of relationships being involved in your life?
Yeah, I mean, I can’t lie. I didn’t get here alone, to where I am. Me as a person I am definitely really motivated and I have a lot of drive and I am really passionate so I think that carries me really far but I have three mentors and a strong friend network and a family that is super supportive. Even my customers, every day people reach out. Recently a young woman told me she did a presentation on Lolly Lolly Ceramics and that just fueled me. You know that’s just one of those things that’s like, Wow, that’s really cool! Tell me more. So yeah, I love the idea of community and I think that none of us get anywhere alone.
Do you see yourself as being a leader?
I think so. I haven’t always see myself that way. The same way I didn’t always see myself as an entrepreneur. I was kind of in the shadows more when I was younger. I didn’t really step up a lot as a young person. But again, I think I didn’t understand my full potential. So I am really proud of myself for acknowledging that I do have an impact on other people. I think that is what a leader really does. So now that I really understand that I am a leader and can be a leader, I take it really seriously.
Do you see yourself as an inspiration?
I think so. Only mostly because people have told me that. And I can see why I am an inspiration to other people. I mean I really did come from a family where we didn’t have a lot growing up. So my back story kind of is a little bit of boot strapped where I did a lot of figuring things out on my own. So I can see that as being inspiring. But I think the way I carry myself too. It’s hard to talk about yourself sometimes. I am inspired by myself! Every day I wake up I’m like, Yes, girl! You’re so cool, you’re doing it!
Why is it critical for an entrepreneur to think who not how?
I believe that is critical because I think your team that you build is so important. I think the how is going to happen no matter what. But I think the team makes it best version of what you need it to be, I guess. I answered that a little crazily but I think about Beyoncé a lot. She has an incredible team of people who work for her in every facet. From her hair and makeup to the production of her shows and I think that those people really help to make her who she is. She would be nothing without the team that she has.
Do you feel like you are willing to get lost for the sake of building the brand? In other words, loose a little bit of your individuality so that the brand can be bigger?
I think so. That’s an interesting question because I do think Me as a person, Lalese, is a big part of the brand. I do have a set of branding. I have a set of type faces and certain photo styles that we use but I am actually curious as we continue to grow how much of a face I will be to this brand. I mentioned a bunch of awesome opportunities that I want us to get into, but will I be able to maintain being face forward during all that. I think that we built a really strong foundation so that I don’t have to be as involved or being the person who is always on Instagram and those kinds of things.
You said sometimes you feel spread thin. What activity do you to bring yourself back together and feel whole?
I am definitely an introvert. I am an extroverted introvert, definitely. Like I can be in social settings and interact with people just fine, but I do need a lot of time to myself. So honestly nowadays, as long as I can just be at home by myself watching Rick and Morty or something. I go on a lot of bike rides. There’s a lot of great trails in Milwaukie. I used to really like to take baths, but I don’t have a bath now. I think cooking is also something that is really nice because I’m being creative but it doesn’t pertain to my work. I also do a lot of projects for fun, like I’m making a disco ball right now. It’s just kind of way to relax and not think about other things.
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