Meet Lian Turnbough | Entrepreneur and Digital Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lian Turnbough and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lian, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in the Philippines. As a child, I was influenced a great deal by my father who was a hardworking entrepreneur. He built a thriving carnival business comprised of fun rides, games, and food stands. Other contributions to my personal growth and success can be attributed to uncles and cousins who were all strong business-minded individuals in their own right. I guess you can say that I got my influences mostly from family. At a very young age, I was driven to start selling whatever I could to make money. I remember when I was in elementary school, I started making bead jewelry and sold them to my classmates. Throughout my high school and college years, I moved up to making holiday cards, home decorations, flower arrangements, and even partnered with a friend to sell fashion accessories and clothing. Over the years, I’ve learned to leverage my love for arts & crafts with my business experience to create products that I hope people will use and enjoy. Today, I am driven even more in support of my favorite pastime — to travel worldwide. My businesses play a pivotal role in supporting my travel goals as I try to incorporate my creations as part of my travel experiences captured in photos and videos. I enjoy sharing my creations and travel experiences with my followers and visitors on social media.  Hopefully, what I do will inspire and empower people to get out and create their own adventures that can be cherished and shared with others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been interested in things like; fashion, drawing, painting, body accessories, and headpieces. I was inspired by clothing and accessories worn at festivals, galas, theme parties, and also weddings. About four years ago, I turned my passion into an online business using the Etsy Marketplace that helped feature my handmade headpieces and accessories. Most of my fashion accessories are handmade from suede cords, wood beads, feathers, and faux flowers. Over a month ago, I also began selling and renting gowns and dresses that I also make and model. My online shops; MyOwnLittleNiche (fashion accessories) and DressUpByLian (Couture Gowns and Dresses) are hosted by Etsy.com. I take pride in the quality of my creations and the great service I provide to my customers. Hard work and determination is what I attribute to my success. Honestly, running two fashion-based businesses is not easy. It demands patience, focus, and lots of energy. I try to stay creative and motivated through it all. Nonetheless, I’ve learned that not all opportunities end in success. If I diligently work at something and it doesn’t take off within a reasonable time, I begin to consider other alternatives. The journey is what makes it worthwhile. I trust that others will recognize my work as being synonymous to quality handmade products that are unique, desirable, and created from the heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friend around town for a taste of L.A. mixed with fun and adventure. Day1 (Rides/Attractions) – Start the day at the Porto’s Bakery and Cafe in Burbank for some breakfast and pastries to go. Then, head over to Universal Studios Hollywood and City Walk for a day of fun, food, and entertainment. Later, grab dinner at Catch LA restaurant in West Hollywood. Day2 (Beach Day) – Begin with a hearty breakfast at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House in Manhattan beach. Then, head north to the Santa Monica Pier. Grab lunch nearby at the Red O Mexican Restaurant. Bask in the afternoon sun at El Matador Beach. Later, grab dinner at the famous Gladstones in Malibu. Day3 (Take-a-Hike) – Do some local mountain hiking and a picnic at Malibu Creek State Park. Later, grab some surf & turf at Geoffrey’s Malibu restaurant. Day4 (The Arts) – Head over to the Getty Center for some art appreciation. Afterwards, check out the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Finish out the day with dinner at Genwa for some Korean BBQ. Day5 (Finale) – Visit Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. Have some coffee or tea at Cafe Sheera. Hop on over to The Grove LA and Farmer’s Market (3rd/Fairfax) for shopping, souvenirs, and good food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A shoutout to my husband who has always been patient with me and very supportive throughout all of the challenges encountered in my line of work.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyOwnLittleNiche?ref=profile_header

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lianturnbo/

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DressUpByLian?ref=profile_header