Laurel Burch Studios: Who We Are Today

Meet Aarin Burch & Team

Taking the art and spirit of Laurel Burch in exciting new directions

Laurel’s passion to create art that celebrates the interconnectedness we all share made a lasting impact on her daughter Aarin. Five years after her mother’s passing, Aarin launched Laurel Burch Studios in 2012 to share the exuberant spirit of her mother’s vision and make Laurel’s vivid, vibrant designs available to all. Today, we are a small, passionate company and the desire to bring meaningful beauty to the world remains at the heart of all we do.

Laurel created art we love—and there are countless approaches to bringing her work to life. We achieve this through our ever-expanding Laurel Burch Jewelry Collections and licensed hand-selected goods, allowing people everywhere to take home a unique product, reassured that it is inspired by Laurel’s vision and carries the integrity and quality expected of the brand. Our dedicated team members work together in Berkeley, California, reaching out to Laurel Burch collectors and fans, retailers, and licensees across the country and beyond. Our offerings span apparel, accessories, homewares, stationery, jewelry, gifts, and more.

Aarin Burch

President & Founder

Aarin grew up surrounded by color. A native San Franciscan with an extraordinary upbringing, she began her creative journey at the California College of Arts and Crafts and soon gained renown in both the film and business industries. She always knew that her mother’s vision of sharing a bright world of beauty, love, and hope with kindred spirits was her vision, too. “In a world filled with challenges, to be able to share my mother’s exuberant, iconic designs with everyone in a way that lifts our spirits, even for a moment, is my passion, my JOY.”

Alexis Brown

Marketer Extraordinaire

Alexis loves to explore the innovative world of e-commerce and digital design. She manages the Laurel Burch online store and is especially inspired by reimagining Laurel’s artwork in new ways to bring joy to current Laurel Burch customers and attract new kindred spirits. Alexis wears many hats and knows a bit of it all. She’s amazing at customer service, technical systems and creative campaigns. Alexis is Bay Area born and mom to one little guy. “Being a millennial, I love introducing my age group to Laurel Burch because I think her life, art, and messages are inspiring and super relevant today.”

Kathi Wheater

Copy Goddess

Kathi is a consummate storyteller who can strategize, concept and write it all: from brand advertising to digital and direct response to hybrids of each across multiple platforms. A copywriter and creative director for over 25 years, one of her most memorable assignments at the start of her copywriting career was meeting and interviewing Laurel. (Remarkably, Aarin still has the piece in the LBS scrapbook!) “Telling Laurel’s story in a way that people will like and remember is an honor that makes me happy each and every day.”

Mara Murray

Creative Visionary

Mara worked side-by-side with Laurel Burch for over 11 years as art director of Laurel Burch, Inc., conjuring up the best creative applications of Laurel’s art for licensing partners in all product categories. Before returning to collaborate with Aarin for Laurel Burch Studios, she managed creative teams at numerous companies in developing products from concept to market launch. ”I feel it’s such a gift to be adapting and designing products inspired by Laurel’s exuberant designs and joyful outlook, which I feel are an important part of her art’s enduring appeal.”

Karen Leslie

Licensing Directress

Karen has a passion for building brands and new businesses that accelerate growth. Before joining Laurel Burch Studios, she was Levi Strauss & Co. Director of Global Licensing and has 20 years’ experience in licensing strategies, brand partnerships and merchandising directives. "My goal is to grow new audiences for Laurel's vivid, vibrant art and expand into new categories that will delight our Laurel Burch collectors and fans worldwide."

Desiree Rodriguez

Customer Service and Fulfillment

Desiree’s talent for helping others shines through in everything she does. Before joining Laurel Burch Studios, she was an inventory and fulfillment specialist for Dress Barn and Orchard Supply Hardware. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Desiree is a self-proclaimed foodie who loves to play online video games, crochet, and relax with a good book. “I love being a part of a supportive team that loves what they do. I can't wait to share the love of Laurel Burch with others as it has been shown to me!”

Kristine Ventura

Administration Assistant

KC has always been the kind of person who loves to learn new things. She's been a virtual assistant for years, working remotely from the Philippines to provide administrative and customer support, and she loves it! "My goal is to provide Laurel Burch customers with an experience that makes them feel valued, appreciated, and respected; I also love being able to help Laurel Burch Studios in achieving its goals. It's a joy to be a part of this colorful process."

Elvis Pedrosa

Marketing Assistant

Elvis is a marvel at meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work while working remotely from the Philippines. He is a trusted, reliable member of the team and his friendly demeanor helps keep everyone's morale high. He comes to us with five years experience as an Assistant Team Manager from HSBC, one of the largest banks in the world. "I am grateful to be part of this wonderful and appreciative Laurel Burch team who treat me as family."