Community Highlights: Meet Lara Schindler of Expressions By Lara LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lara Schindler

Hi Lara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Expressions by Lara is more than a business; it’s a story of collaboration, creativity, and community. Founded in 2019, our woman-owned venture has carved out a unique space in the embroidery and printing industry by focusing on personalized service, exceptional quality, and the needs of small to mid-sized clients who often feel overlooked by larger corporations. We take pride in serving businesses and individuals in Indiana and Michigan with custom products that reflect their vision and values.

The origins of Expressions by Lara lie in a family bond and a shared love for elegant design. My uncle, a long-time admirer of the art of embroidery, invited me to join him in exploring the possibilities of this creative field. Despite juggling the responsibilities of being a full-time mom, I was eager to embrace the challenge. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I understood the potential of building something meaningful from the ground up.

We started small—five machines, a clear business plan, and a lot of determination. We spent our first year mastering the craft, building a customer base, and learning the ropes through Etsy. It was never our intention to stay on Etsy; instead, it was a stepping stone that allowed us to gain experience, refine our processes, and establish our brand. With each milestone, we grew more confident in our ability to serve our community directly and fulfill our mission to create designs that inspire and delight.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building Expressions by Lara hasn’t been without its challenges. Like any entrepreneurial journey, there were moments when progress felt slow or obstacles seemed insurmountable. But these moments taught us the importance of adaptability and resilience. We stayed focused on our long-term goals, leaned on our community for support, and embraced each setback as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Expressions By Lara LLC?
At Expressions by Lara, customer care is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that larger companies often prioritize volume over personalization, leaving customers frustrated when their exact needs aren’t met. Our approach is different. We believe every client deserves individual attention and solutions tailored to their unique preferences. Whether it’s a small business seeking custom branding, a family celebrating a special occasion, or an individual adding a personal touch to their space, we go above and beyond to deliver designs that exceed expectations.

Our motto, “Where quality meets design,” reflects this commitment to excellence. We specialize in custom embroidery and printing services that range from branded merchandise and personalized gifts to elegant home décor. Every piece is crafted with care, ensuring that it not only meets but elevates the client’s vision.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My uncle gifted me with the business as he wanted to continue his work as a university professor and spend more time writing and publishing books. Now, as an independent, woman-owned business, we share the same values as the magazine featuring our story. We believe in fostering community, celebrating the creativity of local entrepreneurs, and championing the underdogs who make our towns and cities vibrant. Just as the magazine seeks to tell stories that highlight authentic voices, we aim to create products that authentically reflect the identities and aspirations of our customers.

At Expressions by Lara, our journey is fueled by passion, precision, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. We’re not just creating products; we’re building connections and contributing to a culture of creativity, collaboration, and care.

We warmly invite you to explore our offerings at www.ExpressionsByLara.com, where you can browse our online catalog or submit a custom order request. We’re confident you’ll find something to love. Our mission is to continue building strong partnerships with businesses and individuals across Indiana and Michigan, providing essential services while making our communities proud to count us among their own.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.expressionsbylara.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressions_by_lara/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExpressionsByLara/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/expressions-by-lara-llc-south-bend
• Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=expressions+by+lara