Story Behind the Name
Desert Dog Designs started with a desire to live a more creative lifestyle and a need to move away from more traditional career choices. The focus was to create a business that would bring joy to ourselves and others by creating wearable, nature-inspired art. Our jewelry offers small reminders of the beauty nature can bring into our lives no matter what the season.
We sell our products at various local markets and events throughout the year. We can also be found in several local gift shops around Albuquerque.
We opened for business in early April of 2020.
Learn more about the history of Desert Dog Designs below.
Nice to Meet You!
My name is Lauren. I am the founder and jewelry creator of Desert Dog Designs. I am a former Pastry Chef who has been working to find the path less traveled by. A path will allow me to live a life less ordinary.
(Get the references there? Eh?)
I'll admit it, I'm a complete nerd. I love old books, anime, good food and drinks, and sometimes not-so-good food and drinks. Red chile potato chips are a weakness. I love playing nerdy board games with friends, camping, walking through the forest on a cloudy day, traveling, and being lazy on the couch with my furbabies beside me.
I'm passionate about my interests and will work myself to death when I find a project I truly love.
Shortly after I left the food industry in February of 2020, I fell in love with the world of resin! The possibilities are endless and the creativity it provides warms my soul. I began experimenting with using resin in jewelry as gifts for friends and family. I quickly realized I could turn this new love of resin into a viable business & career. The concept of preserving real flowers within the resin seemed like a perfect match! This business has become an artistic way for me to remind us all of how beautiful yet fragile the natural world can be.
Jewelry Design:
I take inspiration for my designs from nature itself and often forage for the flowers used in the jewelry while on a walk with my pups or from my own garden (I am a notorious plant killer, so I'm slowly working on my gardening skills!)
When I create a piece of jewelry I want it to invoke a story or memory of a beloved space from the natural world. I want you to dream of walking through a spring meadow bursting with life or relive a moment when you walked through a rich, overgrown forest. I want you to remember the mystique and wonder it evoked.
Life should be an adventure no matter how small! I hope I can share that passion with you through my art.
Behind the Name:
The inspiration for the name is based on my love of wild canids. As many of my friends will attest to and also poke fun at, I have a slight obsession with wolves. I have been fascinated by these beautiful creatures all my life.
However, these days my support has shifted to another canine; the Song Dog, Laughing Dog, better known as the coyote. Fun Fact: the first two titles were the original name ideas for the business. I settled on Desert Dog after a popular vote by our fans.
Coyotes have an even worse reputation than wolves. They are often considered vermin, not worthy of human sympathy. In reality, coyotes are amazingly adaptive and clever creatures. They are able to survive and even thrive in the toughest of environments. This speaks to me as a reminder that when life gets tough and tries to bear down on you, you keep surviving, keep moving forward, even if it’s only one step at a time. You can grow and thrive!
I hope that by using the name, Desert Dog, I can bring a bit of positivity to the image of that wily canine we often see in our own backyard.
Meet the Team
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Lauren
Owner of Desert Dog Designs
Designer, photographer & marketing manager, et cetera, et cetera…
A lover of old books, walks through misty forests, and good coffee from my favorite cafe.
I have always been a creative soul and don't plan on changing anytime soon!
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Michael
General Manager
My partner in crime and the love of my life.
A super nerd who keeps my spirits high and helps me dream of adventure. This wonderful man often plays the role of the delivery driver each week to the post office. You’ll often see Mike at our booth as well during local markets
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Holly
Resident Peahen
Holly was rescued as a baby in July of 2021 after being abandoned by her mother.
She has become a fan favorite and often steals the show. You can follow Holly’s story on Instagram following the hashtag #peachickholly
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Luna
Emotional Support Kitty
My floofy little angel. A spoiled rotten princess who has been with me through thick and thin.
She is my anchor and support. Don't know what I'd do without her.
Update: My sweet Luna girl crossed the Rainbow Bridge in September of 2022. I will never stop missing her.
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Willow & Zuka
Our Desert Dog Mascots.
Miss Willow has been with me since 2013. She's really a Daddy's girl though, whose favorite activity is trying to catch lizards (she always fails) and taking long walks in the Sandias.
Zuka is the sweetest dog you will ever meet. She would cuddle with you forever if you let her.
