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In the world of small business, remarkable stories frequently emerge. One such tale revolves around Alli Trent, the talented creator behind “Lola Lou,” a business that specializes in handmade clay jewelry, clothing and other boutique items. Alli’s exquisite creations have captured the hearts of many, prompting a deeper dive into her entrepreneurial journey.
Alli’s motivation began with a personal challenge. She was allergic to jewelry. This unexpected twist in her life led to her seizing control of the situation, transforming it into something remarkable for herself and others.
In 2019, Alli turned to clay as an alternative to traditional jewelry. “It started when I bought $100 worth of supplies and began crafting in secret,” she recalls. Despite initial challenges in sourcing tools, she persevered, designing and producing her first pairs of earrings that would evolve into a thriving business.
This journey wasn’t without obstacles. Stepping out of her comfort zone and facing criticism initially, Alli continued to pursue her passion for creating. Today, she dedicates herself full-time to her business.
The Story Behind “Lola Lou”
To expand beyond clay, Alli opted for a versatile name, drawing inspiration from her beloved beagles, Lola and Maple. Lola serves as the namesake, while Maple inspired the popular “Maple Leaf Hoops.”
Alli’s ties to Southwest Virginia deeply influence Lola Lou’s aesthetic. Raised in Wise County and later residing in Blacksburg, the influence of Virginia Tech’s maroon and orange hues is evident, particularly in the popular “Gameday” collection.
Behind the scenes, Alli’s husband, Tyler, offers invaluable support. From managing the 3D printer to handling shipments and assisting at events, Tyler plays a pivotal role in Lola Lou’s operations. Setting up the Lola Lou booth is no small task. With Tyler’s assistance, Alli ensures it is an inviting experience. She expresses gratitude for the support from friends, family and customers who contributed to Lola Lou’s success.
The Creative Process
Hand-making clay jewelry demands significant time and effort, a reality Alli is intimately familiar with. From start to finish, crafting a set of earrings can span hours and days. “Sometimes, I draw something up, create the cutter and use it, and then realize that isn’t exactly what I want, so it’s back to the drawing board to figure out what needs to change.”
Alli’s process usually consists of breaking up the tasks throughout the week, color mixing one day, baking another, and assembling toward the end of the week. Her hands touch every step of the process, each task requiring precision and care to craft a quality product.
Detail-oriented and committed to excellence, Alli emphasizes the importance of customer satisfaction. “I think that’s what makes a difference. I don’t take it lightly that people spend their money on the art that I’ve made or pieces from my boutique. I want to make sure that I’m giving people something that I’m proud of.”
Navigating Challenges
While Lola Lou has grown significantly over the past few years, it is not without challenges. From burning batches of clay to mastering custom color mixtures, Alli has navigated a steep learning curve to refine her creative process.
She has picked up several helpful tricks along the way. Working with clay is a “constant learning process that I’m always adjusting, trying new techniques, and simply figuring things out as I go,” Alli says. She finds support in her network of friends in the industry. This collaboration allows them to exchange ideas, draw inspiration and troubleshoot together, enriching their creative endeavors.
Connecting with Customers
Alli finds joy not only in crafting beautiful jewelry but also in its positive impact on the community. Since launching Lola Lou, she has been dedicated to creating custom earrings. She recalls a touching story of a woman whose daughter was in an accident. Alli promptly crafted earrings for support that could be worn by family, friends and others; delivering them free of charge within a week. The grateful mother later placed a significant order as a thank-you gesture; a prime example of the loving community we live in.
A beloved feature of Lola Lou is the “mystery earring vending machine,” offering unique dangles or hoops at discounted prices. Alli periodically brings this excitement to online customers, ensuring everyone can enjoy the fun of surprise earrings.
In today’s social media-driven era, Alli recognizes the crucial role of online customer engagement in Lola Lou’s success. Initially selling on Instagram, she now primarily operates through her website.
As Lola Lou expands, Alli aims to maintain her commitment to her craft, staying true to her values and vision. While earrings are the main focus, this young entrepreneur looks forward to showcasing her diverse range of products, from handmade apparel to her new boutique apparel line, gold-filled necklaces and other accessories.
There are a lot of exciting new collections planned for the holidays as well as big things in the year 2025, so be on the lookout!
Text by Emily Meade
Photos courtesy of Kristina Rose Photography
Photos courtesy of Kristina Rose Photography
Emily Meade is a freelance writer with a passion for showcasing creative entrepreneurs, capturing the stories of artisans and small business owners who bring heart and individuality to their craft.
Website: Shoplolalou.co
Instagram: @shop.lolalou
