Lara Cornell
Creating solutions that thrive is second nature to our founder. With an MA in Sustainable Design and a Graduate Certificate in Biomimicry, I merge creativity with nature’s brilliance to reimagine what’s possible while crafting a future that’s inspiring, sustainable, and full of purpose.
Member International Society of Sustainability Professionals
I know artisan
My grandfather was a woodworker.
My grandmother was a dried floral artist.
My great aunt was an accomplished quilter.
My aunt was a painter and floral designer.
My grandparents farmed the land and were experts at canning and slow food.
My father was a draftsman and dabbled in stained glass & architectural design.
My mother was skilled in crochet and macrame.
One of my first jobs was at the local Arts Guild and Gallery.
Our favorite family past-time for over 4 decades now has been visiting the artisans at the Renaissance Festival and buying directly from them (glass blowing, stained glass, metalsmithing, woodworking, sculpture, apothecary, leather working, ceramics, millinery, textiles, and more). Most still use traditional methods dating back centuries.
Artisan Made has always been a part of my life.
A Passion for Strategy & Learning
My zone of genius lies in creating handmade artisan businesses focused on 4 core principles: Regenerative Design, Systems Thinking, Human & Life-Centered Design and Values-Driven Frameworks. I LOVE helping artisan business owners build a legacy business that is 100% aligned with who they are and what they love.
I have worked for decades in sales & retail for impact-driven brands such as Aveda and Laura Ashley, and as an executive in international travel before starting my own successful art business and even showing my art at the Louvre in Paris!
Building an award winning social impact venue allowed me to work more one-on-one with local artisans to create their legacy businesses while also supporting the local community through prioritizing hand-made, farm-to-table, local, sustainable events, and supporting local charitable and non-profit organizations.
2021 saw the launch of my international best selling book Maker's Mark, and the beginning of supporting & educating artisans on a more global level with the creation of Artisan & Company.
With sustainability and social impact in the forefront while supporting artisans, the Sustainable Artisan Guild initiative was created. The Guild is a global movement helping artisans build a more sustainable business in their studio and through their products for artisans all over the world.
I have had opportunity to study with some incredible programs to build my skills and expertise such as studying Fine Art with Milan Art Institute, Modern and Contemporary Art and Design with MoMa, Business of Art with Sotheby’s Institute of Art, and an MA in Sustainable Design & Biomimicry with MCAD.
I also continue to study Branding Strategy, and Sustainable & Impact Driven Business Strategies with University of London and University of Copenhagen.
My recent work in sustainable art materials has led me to research into historic pigment makin, biomimicry and permaculture systems (just to name a few) along with data research into the impacts of fossil fuels and microplastics. I’ve had the pleasure of educating and lecturing on this work around the U.S. and in my own community, while also continuing my work in sustainability in the arts in the arts and non-profit sectors.
I am an over-achiever who learns by doing ALL the things which has led to successful ventures and a large skillset! I am just as happy painting and creating as I am reading the Stanford Business Review, writing curriculum, educating & and discussing biomimicry and sustainability in business.
I can be found usually covered in color, a minimum of 3 books in my handmade bag while juggling a decaf organic latte from a local coffee shop, my three kids, & a handful of slow flowers. I’m a sucker for a great antique chandelier, a vintage dresser with impeccable dovetail joints, a good farmers market, a well-created sustainable brand, a handmade paper journal, a handcrafted pencil, and any opportunity to learn something new.
AWARDS:
Most Influential CEO 2024 - Minnesota (Artisan Business Support) by CEO Monthly
Most Influential CEO 2025 - Creative Arts & Crafts (Minnesota) by CEO Monthly
“Few coaches understand the minds and hearts of creatives who dare to live their dream and fewer understand the unique challenges they face. Lara Cornell is one of those rare gems out there who gets it. From experience and from intuitive insight, she knows that the bridge between dreaming your dream and actually living it involves how effectively you understand and then communicate your brand’s identity and message in everything you do. More importantly she understands how to help creatives get there. If you want to learn how to turn your inner creative magic into something concrete in this world, into a brand that is on track to making real impact then start here; start with Lara.”
“Lara has obviously walked this walk, and she is passionate about her message.”