Episode 125: Designing a Business That Fits Your Life with Lauren Engelkemeyer of Camp Clever
In this week's episode, I'm diving deep with Lauren Engelkemeyer, the brilliant mind behind Camp Clever, and let me tell you, her story is going to light a fire in your creative heart.
The Winding Path of Creative Entrepreneurship
If there's one thing I've learned in my years of supporting creatives, it's that our journeys are never a straight line and Lauren's story is the perfect illustration. From her roots in graphic design to navigating the wild waters of creative business, she's lived what so many of us experience: the constant dance of reinvention. Her pivot from handmade products to surface design to POD isn't just a business change, it's a beautiful example of listening to your creative intuition.
Designing a Life, Not Just a Business
Lauren discusses something I'm passionate about, which is creating a business that actually supports your life, not the other way around. Working around her kids' school schedule, embracing seasonal creativity, and being intentional about her work rhythms is how she's living proof that you can build a creative business that feels like home.
The Magic of Community
It’s no secret how much I believe in the power of community, and Lauren's experience in the Tillage Village is exactly why. It's not about another membership or another set of skills, but it's about finding people who get you and building a business that works for you. Through our workshops, spotters program, and deep conversations, we're creating something revolutionary, which is a space where creatives can truly be seen, supported, and empowered.
Lauren's journey is a love letter to every creative who's ever felt stuck, uncertain, or like they're doing this whole business thing "wrong". Her biggest lesson? There's no finish line in creative entrepreneurship. It's about the journey, the growth, and the small victories. If you're feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or like you're constantly reinventing the wheel, this episode is your permission slip. Your creative path doesn't have to look like anyone else's. It just has to feel right to you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Creative Paths Are Nonlinear Lauren’s 15-year journey is a reminder that success isn’t a straight line. Rebrands, pauses, and pivots are all part of building a sustainable creative business.
Clarity Comes From Slowing Down When things feel off-track or misaligned, it’s often a signal to pause, reassess, and reconnect with your personal rhythms and values—not a sign to hustle harder.
Systems Create Space Creating simple systems—like structured schedules, visual organization, or customized planning methods—can reduce mental clutter and help you focus on what matters.
Design a Business That Honors Your Life Lauren’s approach to seasonal rhythms (like slowing down in the summer) shows how aligning your business with your life stage leads to more energy and momentum.
Mindset Work Builds Confidence Through her experience in The Tillage Village, Lauren developed deeper self-trust and redefined what success looks like—choosing alignment over comparison.
Community Is Self-Care Whether it’s co-working sessions, Spotters for accountability, or just being around like-minded creatives, connection is key to reducing isolation and staying motivated.
Learn More About Lauren:
Camp Clever Instagram
Camp Clever Website
Lauren is a surface pattern designer whose work draws inspiration from flora, fauna, nostalgia, and family life. With a background in graphic design, fine arts, and handcrafted processes, she has been running her small business since 2010. Her colorful, often playful designs appear on fabric, wallpaper, home decor, and stationery. As the self-proclaimed CEO (Chief Everything Officer), Lauren blends creativity with connection—and when she’s not designing, she enjoys life in suburban St. Louis with her husband, kids, and pets.
