Michael’s artist initiative results in Riverton artist selling in-store
Mar 21, 2024, 1:16 PM | Updated: 1:19 pm
Jande Laulu's art on display at Michael's in Draper, Utah on February 24, 2024. (Jande Laulu)
(Jande Laulu)
RIVERTON, Utah — Riverton-based artist Jande Laulu will showcase her art at Michael’s on Saturday, March 23.
Laulu sells her work on Michael’s MakerPlace, a new web-based marketplace where artists can list their art. She has utilized the platform to grow her business, Jande Summer.
The craft store company created the marketplace. It launched in November 2023.
Recently, Michael’s announced an initiative to celebrate artists. The initiative includes a pilot program where artists will be given the opportunity to sell their work in a local store according to a press release. Laulu is one of the selected artists.
Drawing from a young age
Laulu said that she has loved to draw since she was a child.
“I always doodled. I was the one to turn in my homework with doodles everywhere,” said Laulu.
After dropping out of design school and becoming a mom, Laulu decided to make drawing her career. She said she takes her inspiration from nature.
Samples of Jande Laulu’s work. (Jande Laulu)
“I had to strategize and get a little smart about where the market trend was, where the market gaps were,” said Laulu.
She said she has found success in drawing things she loves. Additionally, personalized items have given her a boost.
“When I start offering personalized … I feel like I just found what was missing. And I was like … ‘the world needs more flowers and sunshine and happiness and good quotes,'” she said.
Grabbing Michael’s attention
Remaining on-trend while sticking with her own style helped Laulu grab the craft store’s attention. She maintained contact with Michael’s in hopes that the store would feature her work in their weekly newsletter.
“I’d look for what they’re looking for. And then of course, [I’d] see. ‘Oh, this is my product that fits right into it,'” said Laulu.
Additionally, Laulu said that saying yes to new opportunities worked in her favor.
In the beginning, Laulu said, “it was a no-brainer to sign up for MakerPlace.” Finally, the company invited her to showcase her work.
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