Lauren Memarian: Kicking It in Colorado with the Copywriter

We visited the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to catch a glimpse into the life of a creative nomad who spends her days writing copy for small startups to big Fortune 500 brands – while restoring two vintage vehicles.

Tell us a little bit about what you do. How did you become a copywriter?

I’ve always loved writing and words – my mum used to dig my “novels” out of the bin when I was little and had thrown them away because I wasn’t happy with them, but I didn’t really take it seriously until I studied design and communication at university in London. I realized when my fellow students would ask me to look over their theses and presentations – and even write a love letter in one instance – that maybe I had a knack for writing and ought to use it.

Would you say you are a modern nomad? How many places have you lived so far?

I’m not really that nomadic! I was born in England and my dad’s work took us to Japan for 8 years, then Germany for 16, and then I moved back to England for school. Then I worked in Paris, Helsinki, Berlin…ok, maybe I am a nomad [laughs]? I’ve lived in… eight places. That’s nothing, really…wait until I find an old van to restore and turn into a mobile home. Then I’ll really get out there! [laughs]

Which place inspired you the most?

I really liked Berlin. I’d love to make it my permanent home, eventually. I mean…if that’s even a thing for me. I get restless after too long in any place. I think it is a consequence of not really having “roots”.

Tell us the story of this home. How long have you lived here?

I’ve been here for nearly two years, in between traveling. For the moment, a lot of my work is in the United States, so I needed a home base here while I worked. I’m also trying to naturalize as a citizen, so I needed an address! This is a little 1921 bungalow that I found when the 93 year-old owner passed away. It gets such great light. But that’s Colorado for you – we’re at 2000-something meters altitude and get 360+ days of sun a year. It’s intensely bright here. I tell everyone who visits to bring every lip balm they own and SPF 3000 sunblock.

What makes you feel at home?

A good cup of coffee…a lot of plants. Seriously – a lot. I have over 90! Good music. And comfy slippers!

How would you describe your home? Would you say you have a particular style when it comes to interiors?

I’d say it’s bright, eclectic and lovely – much like myself. I’m kidding of course. As for my particular style, I’d say it’s a mix of second-hand shop finds and mid-century furniture. With rude little touches that make me laugh scattered throughout. And plants. Of course.

How you choose the furniture and objects for your home? How did your Tylko Shelf fit into your vision?

It’s totally random a lot of the time. Most of the chairs and little things I’ve just stumbled across while digging through thrift stores. The bigger pieces were more considered. My Tylko Shelf for example. Ordering it took minutes and was totally easy – but I was thinking “do I even need it?”. Turns out I did, it fits perfectly, and I love it. I don’t know why I was even worried! It’s the perfect place to hold all my art supplies.

For your job, you need endless reserves of creativity – what inspires you the most?

I find inspiration in observation. As I said earlier, being curious – about people, about places…about life in general. Observe, observe, observe – I think that’s the key to creativity. Inspiration is everywhere, you just have to be paying attention. Though…maybe I pay too much attention. I was doodling someone I saw in a coffee shop the other day and realised I was really making them nervous by staring a little too hard.

On your Instagram account we can notice a true love for cars, motors and bikes. What’s the story behind it?

I’m not really sure! Nobody else in my family is into old, crappy cars! I just have a love for things that go, I think. Bikes, cars, old scooters, planes, trains…there’s a romanticism in the possibility of escape, I guess, and these lovely old things facilitate that. Plus they look beautiful, and they’re a challenge. I have a ‘73 Volkswagen Beetle, and now I’m restoring a ‘74 Vespa – learning about the two-stroke motor has taught me a whole new vocabulary of words! You see? You just stay curious, keep learning, and your writing work benefits – no matter the source!

What are three things you’re really loving right now – besides old vehicles?

Oh gosh, I’m obsessed with this Instagram feed called @oldschooldads. The photos are these perfect 70’s film shots of dads in short shorts and in front of old cars – but the captions are really the best. Great copywriting! I’m also baking way too much earl grey shortbread lately – baking and eating, I should clarify. And I’m really enjoying hiking through the wilderness of Colorado with my trusty old boots. I know it sounds a little cliché, but it’s true – it really is “Colorful Colorado”! Whoever wrote that copy nailed it.