Inspiring Conversations with Lauren Koster of Lauren Koster Creative

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Koster

Hi Lauren, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always felt an undeniable pull toward the creative world—it’s where I feel most at home. My journey began at Michigan State University, where I pursued my passion for fashion design, dreaming of one day making my mark in New York City.

The summer before my senior year, I stumbled upon a contest in Lucky Magazine to design a handbag for an international brand. On a whim, I entered, never imagining that I would actually win. But I did. Before I even graduated, a handbag I had designed was on store shelves—a surreal and pivotal moment. That experience led me to an internship with the brand, and at just 22, I packed my bags and moved to New York City to chase my dreams. It was an exhilarating, magical chapter of my life, filled with inspiration, growth, and endless creative energy.

In 2012, I married my husband, and planning our wedding was a revelation. I poured my heart into every detail, and when a friend asked for my help with hers, something clicked. The joy, the creativity, the ability to bring a vision to life—it was all there. That experience gave me the confidence and validation I needed to turn this passion into something real. In 2014, I officially launched my wedding planning business.

For a while, I balanced two creative loves—designing handbags and planning weddings—until life led my husband and me back home to Michigan. It was a difficult decision, but family was calling. I knew I could take my business with me, but as I settled into a new market, I wanted to establish a steady income. That’s when another creative passion started to take shape—interior design.

For years, I had been blogging and creating content around my personal design projects, but I had no formal experience in the field. That didn’t stop me. A top design firm in West Michigan saw my potential and took a chance on me. I had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented designers in the industry, learning, growing, and refining my skills.

Then, last spring, I took the leap. I stepped out on my own and expanded my brand to include interior design services. Today, Lauren Koster Creative offers both wedding and interior design services, bringing beauty and thoughtful design to West Michigan and beyond. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love every day—creating spaces, experiences, and memories that last a lifetime.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The early part of my career felt almost effortless—like everything was unfolding exactly as it was meant to. Winning the design contest, moving to New York, landing my dream job—it all aligned perfectly with my vision. I was working for a company that shared my values, surrounded by an incredible team, and traveling the world in search of inspiration. It was truly a dream come true.

After nearly a decade in the fashion industry, I felt the pull to explore other creative avenues. I had built a strong foundation, and with that sense of security, I took a leap and launched my wedding planning business—allowing me to grow it while continuing to design handbags.

Then, everything changed. When we moved to Michigan, it felt like I had pressed the reset button on my career at 34. Suddenly, I was starting over in an unfamiliar market, facing an uphill battle despite over a decade of experience. The rejection was disheartening. I knocked on so many doors, only to have them close in my face. Eventually, I pieced together two part-time jobs—one at an interior design firm and another in marketing for a local clothing company—while simultaneously trying to establish my wedding business in West Michigan. Just as I was starting to find my footing, the marketing job let me go after only a few months.

Then, the pandemic hit. The wedding industry came to a screeching halt, and for nearly two years, everything I had worked for felt uncertain. Thankfully, while weddings were on pause, the world of interiors and renovations was booming, providing a much-needed lifeline. It wasn’t until 2022 that weddings truly started making a comeback.

The journey has been anything but linear. There have been countless ups and downs, moments of doubt, and times when I questioned everything. But through it all, the creative community here has been my saving grace. I’ve found an incredible support system—people who lift me up, inspire me, and remind me why I do what I do. The road hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has led me to where I am today, building something truly meaningful in West Michigan.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lauren Koster Creative?
Lauren Koster Creative specializes in both interior design and wedding design, offering everything from consultations to full-service planning tailored to each client’s unique vision. We take the time to truly understand our clients—their style, priorities, and budget—so we can craft personalized designs that reflect who they are.

Our passion lies in creating bespoke spaces and unforgettable events that feel authentic and effortlessly beautiful. We meet our clients where they are, providing a seamless experience through clear communication, trusted vendor partnerships, and an intuitive approach that anticipates their needs before they do. Our ultimate goal? To ensure that every guest who steps into a home or attends an event is wowed, inspired, and leaves with lasting moments of joy.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Very simply – happy clients. Whatever the budget, however small or big the project, happy clients are everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laurenkoster.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenkostercreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenKosterCreative