EST. SPOTLIGHT: LOVEBIRDS LA
For those of you who have had the opportunity to travel around the world, or even just travel a little for that matter, there’s no question that that is what inspired LoveBirdsLA to create such a vibrant unique product. With their fabulous one of a kind clutches and purses and now expanding another branch of camera straps known as LBLA+TK (launching less then a week ago); only being three years into it, they are showing us that following your dreams and passions are a must.
Kim Proacam, Founder of LoveBirdsLA, fell in love with the use of color in textiles through her travels throughout Peru, Thailand and the Phillipines. She then, with a long time friend, created LoveBirdsLA. She fell in love with their cultures and the use of colors that she wanted to find a happy marriage between her love for fashion and travel.
Taryn Kent, partner in the LBLA+TK collaboration of vibrant camera straps is a professional photographer specializing in lifestyle, editorial and travel. Taryn, being a California native herself has known Kim since childhood but only in their adult lifetime became close because of a mutual friend.
Now, we'll take a closer look at these California native super cool chicks!
Model: Arsy Vartanian
What piece of advice would you give to someone that is looking to take the leap and start something of their own?
Kim: One of my favorite quotes is “ a year from you now you will wish you had started today” . I love inspirational quotes (as you can tell if you follow me on IG) I really believe you have to just take that risk and go for it. The longer people wait, the more doubt they create. Just DO IT!
Taryn: Be prepared to work your butt off and then some! There’s so much more work to do when working for yourself than I ever imagined! But it’s worth it if you’re doing something you love.
You were inspired by your travels, which was your favorite place and why?
Kim: Ahhh, there are so many! If I really had to pick one it would definitely be Peru. I loved the culture and textiles there! Machu Picchu is the most amazing place! It’s no wonder why it is one of the new wonders of the world!
Taryn: Ah such a hard question because I tend to fall in love with everywhere I go! ha! I’d have to say New Zealand...that place blew me away with its beauty and how untouched it was -- and the people were so friendly. Dying to get back there for another trip!
Do you remember where you were when you guys decide to do the camera straps?
Kim: I was at a party talking to the photographer and he had mentioned that I should start doing bags for photographers. That was an “ah ha!” moment. I naturally turned to Taryn to see what her thoughts were and we decided to start with camera straps!
Taryn: The idea kinda came about over email. Kim reached out to me for my opinion about a project & maybe working together on something…which then turned into camera straps. We met for coffee one night in LA to brainstorm and it all snowballed from there!
What are your hobbies?
Kim: Right now I’m currently training to be a pilates instructor. I started as a client and fell in love with it! Now I wish I could have all my spare time in the studio.
Taryn: Traveling, taking my dogs to the beach, yoga, pilates, going to see bands play, trips in our RV, bike rides, reading.
What is your ideal Saturday?
Kim: After my son falls asleep, my favorite thing to do is rent a couple dvd’s and just drown in movies all night with my husband.
Taryn: One that I don’t have to work! If I’m actually in town, my ideal Saturday would start off with a yoga or pilates class followed by brunch with my girlfriends…afternoon spent chilling with my boyfriend at the beach, followed by a walk with our pups to our fave sunset spot, ending with a dinner & movie night together with some wine.
Define a “California girl”:
Kim: Beach wave curls, sandals, and a tan all year round. Although that’s more of a southern California girl. We have so much around us. California might be one of the only states where you can go snowboard in the am and hangout at the beach in the afternoon to sunbathe.
Taryn: Active, fun, smart, adventurous, happy, loves to laugh.
What are your top 5 favorite stores to shop at (online or offline)?
Kim: Zara, Shopbop, Cotton on (kids), Sephora, Ebay – I love a deal!
Taryn: Zara, Free People, Pigment, Shopbop and thift stores
What are your beauty must-haves?
Kim: I MUST have lip balm with me at all times! Other than that a great daily moisturizer and facial sunscreen. It’s all about staying hydrated and moisturized.
Taryn: Bumble & bumble does it all styling spray, Nars matte velet lip pencil in dolce vita, Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! mascara.
Quick lifestyle tip?
Kim: Don’t let work consume you. IT’S NOT WORTH IT. When people are older and look back at their lives, you never hear anyone saying “ I wish I worked more”
Taryn: Have fun and be positive!
What’s in your purse?
Kim: Lip balm ( I would die without it), Wallet, Boogie wipes (for my son), Phone, Pen, Random pair of sock (my sons), Lipstick, Old JT concert ticket!
Taryn: iphone, lip gloss, cleobella mexicana clutch, point & shoot film camera, a larabar and sunglasses.
model: Alden Steimle
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicole Woods is an internationally traveled entertainment executive by trade, yet a California woman at her core. California identifies who she is; down to earth, successful, beautiful inside and out, positive and always looking for more. To her, California is love, life and the ambition to explore the very special elements of this planet all in her own backyard.