Many know her from the store Loco Lama, others from the art platform ArtMarmelade. One thing is certain; Lotte de Vries (38) doesn’t like to sit still. She designs, conceives, creates. With her slightly different view on interior design, her courage to not always choose the safest path, and together with a number of very ambitious, talented colleagues, Lotte has managed to make Loco Lama a household name. What’s the success formula behind this well-known store? The editorial team of TICA asked this inspiring entrepreneur all about it.
Certainly! Together with my husband, children (13 and 15 years old) and dog, I live in Delft; an enchanting city with its beautiful ceramics and historic center as our home base. I’ve been interested in art since childhood, and I also have my own studio. Although school wasn’t entirely my passion, I discovered another path to my creative outlet. After working in healthcare for several years, I found my own way to integrate art and expression into my life. I changed course and chose to attend the private Ceramics Training SBB in Gouda. That made me incredibly happy. What a joy that was.
Subconsciously, I think so. For example, I enjoyed Queen’s Day much more than my birthday. I always had a stand at the flea market for the Leprosy Foundation and spent weeks beforehand thinking about activities and printing t-shirts. Setting up a concept; I find that fantastic. I’m glad I discovered that and that it’s apparently something I’m good at. My youth brought interesting turns. I chose my own path, painted at night while others went out, and developed a unique perspective on life. These experiences, though sometimes challenging, have shaped me into who I am today. I’m grateful for the journey I’ve been able to make; from a girl who struggled to fit in, to a woman surrounded by incredibly beautiful, inspiring people.
At Loco Lama, you buy interior items, art, fashion, and jewelry. During the COVID crisis, we started with fashion, which sold well via Instagram and later became a permanent part of the store. I’ve been purchasing at TICA for years, and there are certainly some brands I frequently visit, such as Kersten, Go Round, Imbarro, Clayre Eef, and A-Journal. Additionally, I always look for the ‘underdogs’. I find it important to select unique items; giving old artisanal products a new twist. We regularly purchase something at TICA, for example, a statue, which we then give a Loco Lama touch in my studio.
At the exhibitor W.de JongZn, we bought white decorative lobsters, which we then paint. There was a lot of demand for them, and that’s when the idea arose to give workshops where our customers could do this themselves. This success eventually grew into the company Kunstlab, which is now run by my former colleague Evelien.
Mainly the feeling I get or don’t get, and the possibilities I see with the product. Of course, I also find the price-quality ratio important; ensuring I make a healthy margin while keeping it attractive for the customer. At our store, people leave with a unique and affordable product.
We don’t look much at others but try to remain truly unique. Like many other retailers, we purchase at TICA, but by adding our own signature, Loco Lama resembles no other store. At Loco Lama, each product becomes a story in itself. Customers don’t just discover an item, they experience something special. They can use this as inspiration for their homes. Our focus is on shifting from thinking to feeling; truly taking people along in a total experience. Stimulating all senses. Additionally, gift wrapping is a top sport for us. A crispy paper, a bow on top, and a ribbon around it; this makes giving (and receiving) even more fun. Students used to buy gifts elsewhere and then come to us for wrapping. Due to how busy we are, we can’t do this anymore, but if you buy a gift at Loco Lama? You’re guaranteed to go home with a celebration!
Something works best when you act from love and passion. And; dare to be bold! Don’t always go for safe. A very striking – somewhat crazy or quaint – article can sometimes lead to an inspiring conversation with a customer.
Not just thinking, but also feeling, daring, trusting, and listening to your intuition form the essence of entrepreneurship for me. A soulful approach brings genuine experience, touches people on a deeper level, and naturally leads to success!
Want more tips on how you can give your store a budget-friendly makeover during the October home month? Read about it here.
