How “It’s a Lori” was born

I didn’t come up with it.

Someone else did—and I loved it the moment I heard it.

That’s how “It’s a Lori” became part of my art business.

In May of 2021, my daughter, son-in-law, and several of their friends were graduating, which meant there were plenty of celebrations going on. I wanted to give one of their close friends, Sarah, a painting as a graduation gift. She had just bought her first house, and her decorating style was unapologetically pink glam—which, needless to say, was pretty inspiring to me.

I was also a little pressed for time.

Creating a painting with a deadline is not always the most relaxing experience, and I struggled a bit to make something I felt confident giving her. So, at the last minute, I decided to bring an extra painting and let Sarah choose her favorite.

She immediately chose Pink Paradise, the painting I had created specifically for her.

Another friend at the party was drawn to the other painting. I asked if she would like to have it, and her face lit up.

“It’s a Lori! Now I have my very own Lori!”

That stopped me in my tracks.

I loved it.

Six months later, I was in the middle of figuring out all the details for my new art business—taglines, social media handles, domain names, and all the other things you apparently need when you decide to turn your art into a business.

And there it was.

The first thing that popped into my head was:

It’s a Lori.

I knew immediately that it belonged.

What started as an offhand comment at a graduation party became the tagline for my art—and, in many ways, a little reminder of why I love what I do.

And I saved the best part for last.

The original “It’s a Lori” now hangs in a nursery in its forever home.

I couldn't have planned it better if I had tried.