Studio Lawen: Our Story
Finding Joy in Creating Space
I had coffee with the CEO, Andy Haldane, and fellows of the Royal Society of Arts last week. As we went around the table introducing ourselves, it occurred to me that this bit isn’t my favourite. I love talking about others, finding what makes people tick, connecting dots through conversation. But explaining myself succinctly? That's not my sweet spot.
Once the introductions were over, I found myself deep in fascinating conversations about creativity, social impact, and the power of authentic storytelling. But that moment of introducing myself stayed with me, because it highlighted exactly why I do what I do: I help others tell their stories clearly and confidently, even though I sometimes struggle with my own.
At its core, Studio Lawen is about creating space for authentic stories to flourish. Whether I'm developing brand strategy for a healthcare innovator, designing a welcoming space for a boutique owner, or teaching freelancers how to communicate their unique value, my work centres on one fundamental truth: when we align our work with our values, we create waves of impact that extend far beyond ourselves.
The name 'Lawen' comes from the Welsh word for joy - chosen to remind me of why I started this journey. It's about showing my daughter, whose name means 'love' in Welsh, that we can and should take the bold path that leads to joy. The logo is based on my handwriting, as I have a hand in everything that comes through the studio. Just as I help my clients evolve and grow, the brand evolves as I do.
My Journey
My path to founding Studio Lawen wasn't linear. It started with early entrepreneurial ventures which culminated in me launching my first business at 21 and moved through corporate brand marketing and creative, where I gained invaluable experience across multiple sectors. But I always knew I wanted to create something that would align perfectly with both my expertise and my values - including building a business that could grow alongside my family.
Moodboard and technical drawings from Studio Lawen spatial design project
I took a test-and-learn approach, and the results confirmed I was on the right path. In just 4 months, I completed 11 spatial design projects and created a comprehensive brand identity for an innovation consultancy. A solo trip to Milan Design Week in spring 2024 was the turning point to putting this into words. There, surrounded by beautiful spaces and innovative design, I knew that my non-traditional experience - brand strategy, spatial design, business founding - was exactly what I needed to create something unique.
Being different wasn't just a strength - it was an opportunity to build a business that could truly make a difference while honoring all parts of my life. I was helping others tell their stories authentically while writing my own - one that proved you could build a successful business without sacrificing family time or personal values.
Shipshape Studio, craft and design hub, sustainable spatial design
Today, Studio Lawen brings together all these threads to help purpose-driven organisations tell their stories authentically. We do this through:
Brand Strategy & Identity Development: Creating authentic brands that resonate with your audience
Bloom Sessions: Focused, one-to-one brand guidance to help you move forward with clarity
Spatial Design: Creating environments that tell your story from the moment someone steps through your door
Content & Creative Direction: Helping you communicate your purpose effectively
Creating Impact Together
In the past year, I've had the privilege of working with remarkable clients who are making real differences in their fields:
Developing comprehensive brand strategy and ongoing delivery for a clinical innovation consultancy
Delivering spatial design projects that transform how people experience spaces
Creating compelling narratives and a marketing strategy to launch a series of new workshops to allow people to find their authentic voice
Enabling business to flourish through developing naming and copy for new services
Teaching branding masterclasses for large member organisations to help small businesses develop authentic brands
Curating events at the RSA through my role as an Arts Board Member that bring together creative leaders to share their stories
Identity and merchandise design by Studio Lawen
One of the most important things I've learned on this journey is the power of community. I'm fortunate to have a network of fantastic, supportive friends and colleagues who make up my work village. Many of them are also mothers of young children, and together we're navigating what it means to be creative professionals and parents. This experience has shown me just how vital supportive professional communities are, especially for women building businesses alongside families.
And for me sustainable success doesn't come from hustle culture - it comes from alignment, authenticity, and clear boundaries. I work four days a week, finish by 5:30 PM, and focus on quality over quantity to spend time with my family - which will be growing in April 2025 with the arrival of my second daughter. This approach allows me to deliver my best work while staying true to my values, creating a business that grows sustainably alongside my family.
Looking Forward
As Studio Lawen continues to grow - both with new projects and my growing family - I'm particularly drawn to working with yet-to-launch businesses who are ready to define their brand strategy and bring it to life through thoughtful spatial design. Whether you're an independent creative business, holistic practitioner, creative studio, or purpose-driven organisation, I'd love to help you create space for your story to flourish.
Want to explore how we could work together?
Speak to me about brand spatial design consultations
Follow Studio Lawen on Instagram for regular insights
Email emily@studiolawen.com to start a conversation
And next time someone asks me to introduce myself? I might still feel that flutter of ‘help!’, but I'll remember that every story, including mine, deserves to be told authentically.
Studio Lawen: Create space. Make a difference.
