During August we are celebrating local businesses in the area and the people behind them. This month’s profile features talented local artist Lauren Gero, owner of To The Trees. You may have been lucky enough to spot some of Lauren’s works of art in store or had the chance to attend one of her inspiring workshops we’ve had at Lyttleton.

We had a chat about all things local and some of her favourite places to get a true taste of the mountains.

Name: Lauren Gero

Business: To The Trees

How long have you been involved with Lyttleton?
I’ve exhibited and sold my work at Lyttleton for a few years now.

What do you love most about Lyttleton?
I love how warm and welcoming the whole team is at Lyttleton. They really believe in creating a better world and supporting the community and they’re acting on those beliefs ever day!

It’s so inspiring and a beautiful thing to be a part of. In the past 6 years, I’ve moved to the mountains, had babies, rebranded and restarted my business which has been exciting but also quite nerve wracking. Since becoming a part of the Lyttleton community I have felt very believed in and encouraged to pursue my creativity and vision.

What are some of the workshops you have held at Lyttleton?
The workshops I’ve delivered at Lyttleton have been an introduction to watercolour and an introduction to drawing. Both were so wonderful and a beautiful time together as a group of people connecting with our creativity and our building confidence in a safe learning environment. I felt there was a lot of growth in each group and everyone left excited to go home and continue their practice, so energising for me to witness and be a part of!

What have been some of the advantages of being able to run your business from home?
I’ve been working from home for the last 10 years now and have so enjoyed the space and freedom that has brought with it. It’s so great to be able to take breaks and especially living in the blue mountains where I can hear the birds and walk into the bush to clear my head.

How did the concept of your commissioned family portraits come about?
The first family portrait I did was for my friends pregnancy announcement that she used on her blog. After that I had some people who asked me to do one of their family and it kind of just grew from there. I have explored a few different styles starting with my painted watercolour portraits, then I did paper cut and collage portraits, went back to watercolour and now I do digitally illustrated portraits.

Who are some of your favourite businesses in the Blue Mountains?

The Wild Atelier makes art kits for kids and beautiful earrings.
Fusion Boutique is an awesome event team who brings so many amazing musicians to the mountains, I can’t wait for live music to get back up and running!
Focus and Flourish are an amazing marketing team that have helped me so much with my business.
My Menagerie makes beautiful soft toys, oh gosh there are so many amazing business in the mountains!

To get a true taste of the mountains head to...
The meals at Frankly My Dear Coffee and Tournament and pastries at Hominy! I remember trying local feijoas and locally foraged mushrooms from Lyttleton, this was my first food experience of those things and it was wonderful!

LIVES OF LYTTLETON PROFILE #5: Lauren Gero