Leanna Lin – Leanna Lin's Wonderland
““Be strong and be who you are. You don’t need to be like everyone else.” ”
We’re in love with these words from Leanna Lin, owner and mastermind behind Eagle Rock’s favorite gift shop & art gallery, Leanna Lin’s Wonderland. A bright pop of turquoise on the north end of Eagle Rock Boulevard, Leanna’s shop is a whimsical playground that runs the gamut from original artwork and apparel to books and playful figurines.
Leanna’s mantra of originality is the lifeblood of her shop itself – she’s been curating the eclectic mix of products in Wonderland since 2010, drawing from her art/fashion background, personal interests, and the unique tastes of the Eagle Rock community to keep her shop stocked and her visitors delighted. And in the spirit of being all the more novel, Leanna has her mother Mae Mei curate Wonderland’s vintage items and regularly invites local artists to guest curate the shop. The result is an ever-evolving and quite literal wonderland of treasures for the surrounding community to explore and enjoy.
A shop like Wonderland doesn’t emerge out of a vacuum, and Leanna is quick to admit that her mom cultivated an appreciation of the arts early on in both Leanna and her brother. Theater, art, photography, and ceramic classes peppered their childhood as Mae Mei sought to see what endeavors sparked excitement in her kids. The approach definitely struck a chord with Leanna, who says she’s been into the arts ever since she can remember, and to whom art is clearly an intrinsic and essential part of life.
We recently got together and chatted with Leanna to get a more comprehensive picture of her story, so we’re going to let her take it from here!
SG: When and how did you first think of Wonderland?
LL: My training is in fashion design and after coming up with a bunch of alternative concepts for a brick & mortar, I realized that I’d have more fun with art, gifts, and workshops! I came across my concept because of the big art and handmade movement that started to trend from Etsy and the various indie craft shows. I’d show my own jewelry line at these venues and met so many talented people, I knew I could curate a shop that fits my own style.
SG: What were you doing vocationally before you started Wonderland?
LL: I was working in the fashion industry since 1996 and during the main part of my career, I designed dresses for the junior market. That’s where I was trained since a young girl! I knew it since 6th grade and took art and fashion illustration classes and even went to an arts high school to specialize in it before heading off to FIT in NY.
SG: What were some obstacles you faced in your early days of entrepreneurship, and how did you overcome those obstacles?
LL: Obstacles is an understatement! :) Technology has grown so much and keeps evolving, so keeping up with the times is a constant obstacle. A few big issues would be testing and looking for POS / inventory / accounting programs and making them all match up! Now I feel so blessed to have Shopify and Quickbooks all work together!
SG: What do you think is the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?
LL: Balancing your work, your personal life, and your health.
SG: Do you have any helpful methods for dealing with creative blocks?
LL: Take a break and do something fun! I think dancing always re-energizes the flow!
SG: Wonderland features items from many local artists. Who are some female artists you’ve felt inspired by lately?
LL: Newer artists that I carry in my shop as of 2018 that are truly inspiring are Carolyn Suzuki and Lisa Congdon. I was introduced to them by my friend, Bored Inc., who curated my I Am Extraordinary art show in Jan. 2018! This was a favorite show of mine this year.
SG: Tell us about the work Wonderland does with Home Dog LA.
LL: I love what they do! They’ve kept over 3,500 dogs out of the shelter! The owner, Kerry, is super nice too and a pleasure to help. I do some fundraisers off and on for them because I have a soft spot for animals and why not help a local non-profit!
SG: What advice would you have for teenage/college-aged Leanna?
LL: Research, network, and be social (in real life)! I come from the times of networking and getting jobs from people you meet and know. Get off social media and learn how to communicate with people. To me, personality is key.
Many thanks to Leanna for taking the time to open up her story to us and the Successgirl community. To get your own look at the magic that is Leanna Lin’s Wonderland, check out her website at www.leannalinswonderland.com.
