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Lara Cornell

CEO - Founder - Creative Director at Artisan + Co

Professional Background

Lara Cornell is a prominent figure in the artisan and creative business community, celebrated for her insightful contributions as a strategist and educator. As the author of the #1 International best-selling book "Maker's Mark: Make a Living and an Impact with Your Artisan Business," she inspires countless artisans and artists across the globe to not only pursue their creative passions but also to build impactful businesses.

In 2012, Lara founded the Artisan Academie, where she provides valuable brand and business design education tailored specifically for artisans. This initiative showcases her commitment to the artisan community and her deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by handmade creators. Additionally, she established the Sustainable Artisan Guild, a global initiative that promotes environmentally friendly practices in artisan studios, underscoring her dedication to sustainability in the craft sector.

Beyond her entrepreneurial efforts, Lara is also the voice behind the Impactful Artisan Podcast. Here, she shares insights, interviews, and resources aimed at empowering artisans to thrive in their endeavors. Her multifaceted career also includes founding a multi-award-winning social impact venue, where she merges her love for art with her desire to create positive social change.

Lara's expertise is further enriched by her professional training and certification in brand and marketing strategy, entrepreneurship, as well as sustainable and socially responsible business design. With her comprehensive skill set, she equips her clients with the tools they need to forge a lasting legacy inspired by their creative visions. Her background as a certified Master Life Coach allows her to connect deeply with her clients, providing them with meaningful guidance as they navigate their creative journeys.

Education and Achievements

Lara's academic journey laid the foundation for her impressive career. She holds a Bachelor's degree with majors in French and English from the University of Minnesota Morris, which provided her with a strong communication background. To further hone her creative skills, she attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where she earned a Master of Arts degree. Her education continued at the Sotheby's Institute of Art, enhancing her understanding of the art market and business.

Throughout her career, Lara has held pivotal positions in various organizations. Her former role as CEO, Founder, and Creative Director at Artisan + Co showcased her entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to innovate within the artisan sector. Additionally, as Founder and CEO of Anahata Collaborative LLC, she further utilized her skills to build sustainable business models for creatives. Her experience as Director of International Programs at Vistas In Education allowed her to expand her global perspective and contribute positively to education initiatives.

Lara's diverse background includes vital roles in retail management and education, such as her time at Aveda as a Retail Management, Merchandising & Educator. Her work in corporate training and marketing as the Executive Corporate Trainer/Senior Account Executive at KDSM Executive/Cause Marketing and her position as International Account Manager for Educational Tours Division at EF Educational Tours International equipped her with a wealth of experience in leadership and client relations.

In her early career, Lara contributed as an English/French translator in West Africa and the Caribbean while working with the University of Minnesota, Morris. Her teaching experience spans diverse international contexts, having served as an English/French Teacher in France and West Africa as part of educational programs sponsored by the university.

Notable Achievements

Lara Cornell's accomplishments include numerous awards for her dedication to social impact and her commitment to helping artisans achieve their business goals. As a sought-after speaker, she is currently engaging in opportunities to deliver keynote addresses on the theme of Art as a Career, where she aims to inspire audiences with her knowledge and passion.

In addition to her book and the podcast, Lara continues to build a robust presence in the artisan community, appearing as a guest on popular platforms such as the Left Brained Artist and the Studio Insider podcast. Her insights on brand strategy, business development, and sustainable practices are invaluable to those seeking to make a meaningful impact with their artisan businesses.

Lara resides in Minneapolis with her husband and three children, balancing her vibrant family life with her professional ambitions. She firmly believes in creating a supportive community for artisans and artists, empowering them to leave their legacies while pursuing their dreams with passion and purpose.

Related Questions

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What unique insights does Lara Cornell provide through her Impactful Artisan Podcast?
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Lara Cornell
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Location

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States