Laken and Lila Review and Giveaway!

Laken and Lila has a diverse selection of beautiful handmade clothing made by shop owner Heather. Heather started Laken and Lila 2.5 years ago when Heather decided that she wanted a way to have a creative outlet while staying home with her young son, Laken.

Since its debut in 2008 Laken and Lila has taken off-with over 1,900 sales, 100% positive customer feedback and Laken and Lila is currently rated #6 on Babbles top Etsy shops! I am ecstatic to be working with Heather on this review and giveaway...not only is she super sweet but she is super talented! Heather was kind enough to take some time out of her hectic schedule to answer some Q and A's about Laken and Lila...


Hi Heather! Tell me a bit about yourself                                                                            I'm a 33 year old mother to one little fantastic 5 year old boy, Laken. Who inspires me everyday. He is my pride and joy and has made my life better than I could have ever dreamed. He's funny and witty and smart and each day I grow and learn from him. That's pretty much my life... Laken and sewing... boring maybe... but I wouldn't change it for anything.

Where are you located?

I live in a little lake community in Western New York. The name is Chautauqua Lake. Luckily, my studio is located there just steps away from the water. Although I don't have a storefront... I hope to offer one to our lovely community and summer residents in the near future selling wonderful handmade goods from a variety of vendors.

When and Why did you start Laken and Lila? 

 I opened my shop on Christmas 2008. I was a stay at home mom of my son, Laken and while he would take his naps I would scrapbook... I have always loved creating {anything and everything!}. Shortly after my little scrapbooking hobby I started sewing again creating clothing for friends children {since I love making little girls clothing}. Then life threw us some curve balls and my sewing was a way to handle the changes happening in my life... the hum of the sewing machine helped me through some tough times and at the same time gave me a new lease on my life and allowed me to make my dreams come true! I created my little company, earned some income, and was still able to stay home with Laken.

Who makes the items?

I make the majority of my items. I do have some wonderful helpers who help prep my work but I do finish each peice that goes out the door. I also have a wonderful, talented friend who makes some of my ready to ship dresses. She is amazing and a pleasure to have on my team. I must also credit my loving mother who helps me by making my hang tags and helps with all the "little" things that add up to be big things.
I design all my items to be eco-friendly using sustainable fashion pattern design. What is that you say? It's designing patterns that leave little to no waste (scraps) I've been doing this since the beginning of laken and lila. Last fall I read in the NY Times that FIT (The Fashion Institute of New York) was going to start offering classes specializing in sustainable fashion... Who knew I had been doing it all along.

Who taught you how to sew?

 At an early age, I taught myself to sew. I made clothes for my dolls, designed some dolls, learned to embroider... I always had a passion for a needle and thread. When I was in high school I took a sewing class for learning out to sew clothing. I loved it. A few months ago I ran into that home ec teacher at the fabric store {no less} and told her all about my business and how she really propelled by love of sewing.

What is your favorite item in your shop?

 Really? This question is sooo hard. I love everything! Yes, there are a few design I wish I did differently, but for the most part I love everyting. My style is a mix between bright , fun and funky items and vintage, floral fabrics. So if I have to choose 1 thing... well I'm going to choose the whole "Delainey Collection" I love everything about it.

What is your bestselling item? 

 My skirts are my best selling item because I have such a variety of fabrics but truly lots and lots of people come to me for boys pants.

Why Etsy? 

 When I decided to start out this little business venture - I searched online for a marketplace for handmade goods and up came etsy. I've been with etsy since 2008 and it's amazing to see all the growth not only with sellers but all the new features etsy has added. Yes, I do plan to open my own online boutique since I have a regular customer base... but I will always be a part of Etsy. I love everything about it. The community on etsy is amazing.

What makes your shop unique?

 I could list a million things but my number one thing that makes my shop unique is ME! I am all about good customer service. I try to provide my customers with the best etsy experience ever. As soon as I receive an order I email the customer to thank them for the order and get on the same page about turnaround time, any sizing questions, etc. During my production time - I am always available to answer any questions my buyers have and then the day before I ship their items I send them a quick email letting them know to start looking in the mail for it. It's hard to believe that something as simple as a few emails seems hard for other shops to do. I order a lot on etsy and I believe only one seller ever thanked me for placing an order. I treat others how I'd like to be treated. Plain and simple.... I may be an online shop ... but Heather Chopra is behind the online shop just like I'd be behind a counter helping customers in a brick and mortar shop.

What Inspires you?

 Laken is my number one inspiration. Not only his spirit but I watch how he plays.. he wants his clothes to be comfy so he can move about and get into everything... but even being a boy he wants to look good... he inspires me to make my clothing.. cute, comfortable, functional and afforadable! My enviroment inspires me, clothing trends inspire me... and I inspire me. If you dream it - you can achieve it... anyone can.. it just takes faith and inspiration from within.

What do you do in your spare time?

 Spare time... hmmm... what's that? Well my spare time is always with Laken and we enjoy the lake we live on. We jetski, swim, tube and do all those water sport kinda things... no wonder his name is Laken. 

What is your favorite dessert?

 Fun question. I'd much rather eat pizza then have dessert... if I have to pick my calories... lol I'm not a huge fan of dessert but a little ice cream is nice.

What is your favorite supply to use? 

 Any kind of fabric.... I just love it... new fabric, vintage fabric.. you name it - I've got it!

Advice you would give to someone wanting to start their own business?

 Have faith in yourself... if you love something and are good at it.. others will love it too.

My Review

I was sent a gorgeous Fall Cotton Twill Floral Peasant Dress {Bella Mae Couture Collection} from Laken and Lila to review. This dress is gorgeous and so versatile and believe me it is far from your standard pillowcase dress! My four year old daughter loves how comfortable the dress is and I love the gorgeous fabric and fit! The Floral Peasant Dress can be dressed up or down and worn in both warm weather or cooler weather by just adding a sweater, t-shirt, leggings, or tights. The dress is made from high quality cotton twill and has beautiful coordinating straps that can be adjusted for the perfect fit. The Fall Cotton Twill Floral Peasant Dress is beautifully made with the utmost care and detail down to the very last stitch. I highly recommend Laken and Lila-beautiful handmade clothing in gorgeous fabrics and styles for any season!

The company did send me a product or service.

This in no way has affected my opinion of the product or service. This review is my opinion and has been written in my own words.