Who? Laurie Harris, 23
Where? Born and raised in the SF Bay area, California. About a year ago I moved to Panama City to explore my roots, perfect my Spanish, and live abroad.
What do you do? I am a Textile Graphic Designer for Ocean Pacific but for Latin America and the Caribbean. I really lucked out on this job and am learning new skills and vocabulary (Spanish!) everyday. During my free time I love to cook, invent new recipes, and try to be healthy at the same time. I also try to explore the city and check out new places and go to as many cultural events as possible. I have my own small clothing, jewelry and accessories design business called Lalipourie Designs where I sell at a local artists gallery/boutique called Diablo Rosso and at the local flea market in Casco Viejo. You can learn more about me and see my work here. My favorite things here are walking to and from work everyday, the veggie-fruit truck that stops by my apt on Saturdays and watching....gasp...novelas.
What inspires you? So much...life and what's around me. The places I've been and the people around me. I'm also obsessed with reading magazines and now design blogs. I spend every spare moment I can looking through them and the links that are around. I've love it so much I decided to start my own blog to chronicle what inspires me and the art/fashion world here in Panama. I also just love going shopping and seeing what's new and cool here in Panama.
Why are you fly? I'm multicultural, creative and proud! My mom is Panamanian Chinese Catholic and my dad is American Jewish. So needless to say my experiences and upbringing have always been a bit different. I have the greatest parents and they have alway nurtured my creative side and support me in all my adventures. Living far away from home has been difficult but I am appreciating the lessons I'm learning everyday. I have always tried to follow my dreams and have big ones! I hope to keep expanding with Lalipourie Designs and keep doing what I love and makes me happy everyday.
Advice: Your life can be whatever you want it to be. Follow your dreams and make yourself happy.
