From Sky High to Stitching Dreams: My Journey from Flight Attendant to Crafts Entrepreneur

Hello, I'm Lori, the heart and soul behind Lori April. Balancing my life as a flight attendant with my budding venture as a small business owner, I find myself at the intersection of two worlds: the ever-changing skies and the grounding craft of creation.

Life in the Skies

My journey took off in 2011, in my mid-30s, when I embraced the greatest career: being a flight attendant. It was a dream - caring for people, creating enjoyable experiences, and at the end of the day, stepping into new adventures in every city. From the heights of the Empire State Building to the serene temples of Japan, every layover was a new discovery. And oh, the food! Savoring sushi in Japan, relishing fish and chips in London, and toasting cocktails in Hawaii. But as I frequented these places, my routine shifted from sightseeing to shopping - a pursuit that soon felt like an empty cycle of mass consumerism.

A Builder at Heart

The realization struck that fulfillment doesn't come from constant consumption. With time on my hands and a desire for more, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. A simple online quiz labeled me a 'builder', a title I took to heart. Woodworking became my new pursuit, leading me to create planters, cabinets, and even a custom closet. It was fulfilling, yet physically demanding, and eventually, I found myself yearning for something different.

The Sewing Machine Epiphany

Then came the pandemic. In need of curtains and unable to find the perfect fit, I turned to a sewing machine. Sewing, much like woodworking but gentler on the body, became my new passion. From crafting a simple grocery tote bag to creating a series for friends and family, I discovered the joy in every stitch.

Embracing Slow Fashion

Parallelly, a year in workout clothes led me to explore fashion more consciously. I fell in love with the Parisian concept of a timeless capsule wardrobe. Selecting each piece with care, I built a collection that defined slow fashion - quality, sustainability, and timeless elegance. This was the turning point.

The Birth of Lori April

Combining my newfound craft with the philosophy of slow fashion, Lori April was born. The idea was simple yet profound: to create something beautiful, sustainable, and unique. My brand became a reflection of my commitment to reduce my carbon footprint and promote a lifestyle of conscious consumption.

Balancing Life and Passion

As with any new endeavor, Lori April consumed me. The initial excitement gave way to challenges, from the monotony of repetitive designs to balancing personal life. I decided to embrace variety, using limited fabric for a few bags, then crafting smaller accessories from the scraps. This not only reduced waste but also kept my creativity afire.

My 2024 Vision

Now, in 2024, my goal is to share my concept with my community. I'm excited to join the Come Together Market in Redondo Beach on April 13th. It's a step towards many more such events, where I can share my art and ethos.

A Continuous Evolution

My journey with Lori April is an ongoing evolution, much like my personal growth. I invite you to visit my website, and if you're local, find me at craft fairs. Experience the essence of my creations in person, and even if you don't shop Lori April™️ bags, I encourage you to embrace slow fashion - a luxurious, environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. I cherish every comment and connection. Let's continue to grow and evolve together in the spirit of sustainable, meaningful fashion