VoyageLA: Daily Inspiration: Meet Lauren Dennis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Dennis.

Lauren, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Art Box Academy is celebrating 25 years as a premier Art Education and Learning Company that brings programs, classes, workshops and products to school districts, private schools, pediatric hospitals, wellness organizations, resorts, families, and more.

We opened as a store front in Los Angeles in 2000 and pivoted to a mobile model two years later. For twenty years we grew our mobile in-person onsite programs reaching over 200,000 children, teens and adults!

When the pandemic temporarily closed many of our in-person school-based partners,, we pivoted again offering a product line – Art Kits and Art Boxes – ensuring children still had access to creative hands-on learning.

We have experienced exponential growth over the last many years with our Kit and Box product line – to now partnering with national education partners to corporate day care centers, to school districts and clients.

Being an optimal “creative thinker” is an essential life skill, especially in our ever changing world!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

There have been bumps for sure, from 9/11 to the pandemic to the changing needs of schools and clients………staying flexible and adaptive are two qualities that truly were and continue to be a driving force regarding our success.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

Our work at The Art Box Academy, at it’s essence, truly comes down to inspiring and educating children to believe in themselves, showing them that their skill sets are a gift, creating a growth mind set that “yes, they can do it” and showcasing real world creative opportunities.

Building creative self-confidence is at the top of our list, presenting projects and lessons that ensure creativity and innovation are second nature.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?

Be patient! Be thoughtful in your decision making. Surround yourself with business leaders that can mentor you.

Really take the time to understand the market and clientele you are speaking to.