Inside look at Loco Lama

Just a short introduction!

Many know her from the shop Loco Lama, others from the art platform ArtMarmelade. One thing is certain; Lotte de Vries (38) does not like to sit still. She designs, invents, creates. With her slightly different view of interiors, her courage to not always take the safest route and together with some very ambitious, talented colleagues, Lotte has managed to turn Loco Lama into a household name. What is the success formula behind this well-known shop? The editors of TICA asked this inspiring entrepreneur about it.

Hello, would you like to introduce yourself?

Definitely! Together with my husband, children (13 and 15 years old) and dog, I live in Delft; an enchanting city with its beautiful ceramics and historical centre as our home base. Since childhood, I have been interested in art; I also have my own studio. Although school was not quite my passion, I discovered another avenue for my creative outlet. After several years working in care, I found my own way to integrate art and expression into my life. I threw in the towel and chose the private Ceramics course SBB in Gouda. That made me mega happy. What a party it was.

Get inspired by Loco Lama

1 2 3 4

Did you always dream of running your own business?

Subconsciously, I think so. For example, I liked Queen’s Day a lot more than my birthday. I always stood at the flea market for the Leprosy Foundation and was busy thinking up activations and printing t-shirts weeks in advance. Setting up a concept; I love that. I’m glad I found out about it AND that it’s something that apparently suits me. My youth brought me interesting twists and turns. I chose my own path, painted at night while others went out and developed a unique outlook on life. These experiences, though sometimes challenging, shaped me into who I am today. I am grateful for the journey I have been allowed to go through; from girl who found little connection, to woman with tons of beautiful, inspiring people around her.

Was the Ceramics course the start of this personal journey?

During the Ceramics course, I learnt a lot. About the trade, glazes, design but also about myself. During the final assignment, I strived for creativity and originality and followed my slightly unconventional own vision. Although this was not understood by every teacher, some actually recognised its artistry. Eventually, my final design was published in a renowned ceramics art magazine, which in turn opened next doors.

Did it become clear then that you wanted to work as your own entrepreneur?

This experience inspired me to chart my own creative course; to follow my heart even more. When I design, I have to be in a certain flow. I can’t just conjure that up. My design in the art magazine was seen by the director of Elho. The brand was looking for a more artisanal style for their pottery. I ended up working there for a period as an ‘out of the box thinker’. After this, I continued to explore my own artistic freedom. The Loco Lama concept began to take shape!

What typifies you as an entrepreneur?

I make choices with my heart. I don’t let fear, insecurity or commercialism guide me too much. I sometimes say ‘money flows when the intention is right’. In addition, I have gathered talented people around me, such as fellow friend and stylist Liesbeth Rijkee. When I return from my shopping day at TICA and have bought the most diverse items, she knows how to style them in the shop in such a unique way that I have to return to TICA in no time. This is because there really is a ‘story’ conveyed with the products. An atmosphere. A feeling.

The shop range of Loco Lama

1 2 3 4

Can you describe Loco Lama’s shop range?

At Loco Lama, you buy interiors, art, fashion and jewellery. During the corona crisis, we started with fashion, which sold well via Instagram and then became a regular feature in the shop. I have been shopping at TICA for years and of course there are a number of brands I often stop by, such as; Kersten, Go Round, Imbarro, Clayre & Eef and A-Journal. In addition, I always look for the ‘underdogs’. I find it important to select unique items; old craft products in a new look. We regularly buy something from TICA, such as a sculpture, which we then give a Loco Lama touch in my studio.

How creative! Can you give an example of this?

We bought white decorative lobsters from the exhibitor W.de Jong&Zn, which we then painted. They were in high demand and then the idea was born to run 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.

View all TICA brands

These brands buys Lotte from TICA, among others

How does Loco Lama differentiate itself from other lifestyle shops?

We don’t look so much at others but really try to remain unique. We source from TICA like many other retailers, but by adding our own signature to it, Loco Lama looks like no other shop. At Loco Lama, each product becomes a story in itself. Customers don’t just discover an item, they experience an experience. They can use this as inspiration for home. Our focus is on shifting from thinking to feeling; really taking people into a total experience. Stimulating all the senses. In addition, wrapping presents is top-class sport for us. A crisp paper, a bow and a ribbon; this makes giving (and receiving) even more fun. Students used to buy a present elsewhere and then come to us for wrapping. We can’t do this now – due to crowds – but do you buy a present at Loco Lama? Then you’re guaranteed to go home with a party!

What else do you pay attention to during your purchasing day at TICA?

Especially the feeling I get and the possibilities I see with the product. Of course, the price-quality ratio is also important to me; I make a healthy margin and it remains fun for the customer. With us, people leave the shop with a unique and affordable product.

View the TICA product range

Do you have any tips for other entrepreneurs?

Something works best when you act from love and passion. And; be bold! Don’t always go for safe. A very striking – somewhat crazy or fussy – article can sometimes even lead to an inspiring conversation with a customer.

For me, not only thinking, but also feeling, daring, trusting and listening to your intuition are the essence of doing business. A spirited approach brings a genuine experience, touches people at a deeper level and automatically leads to success!

More tips on how, in October Living Month, you can give your shop a makeover in a budget-friendly way? Read it here.