Lauren Mozisk

Artist, mother, student are among the many titles that describe University of Houston-Victoria junior Lauren Mozisek.

Her latest endeavor, however, adds another tile to the list: entrepreneur.

The Victoria native recently opened Inspired Designs by Lauren, a boutique inside a local dance studio where she sells handcrafted hair bows, monogrammed bags, leotards and more. The business wasn’t anything she specifically set out to do. Instead, Mozisek fell into it.

“I’d always been interested in craft-type stuff,” she said. “I started out just making things for friends and family. Then I got to thinking that it might be something I could really get serious about. I could translate it into a business.”

Mozisek, 26, was born and raised in Victoria, and graduated from Memorial High School in 2004. Although she began her Jaguar journey studying education, she changed paths to business.

“I decided business was one of the broadest areas I could study, and I was already doing bookkeeping at a dance studio,” said Mozisek, now a business management major. “I started my classes and realized it was a really good fit.”

She opened her shop just weeks ago, and while it hasn’t been easy, it has been fun, she said.

Work and classes keep her busy, but they aren’t the only things occupying Mozisek’s time. Her husband and 5-year-old daughter also make home life a priority. She said prioritizing her time helps such as completing her course work while her daughter is in school and spending time later with family.

“It’s not always easy, but it’s doable,” she said of her schedule.

Looking ahead, Mozisek isn’t quite sure what the future holds. She said it would be fun to see her business grow to the point where she needs a storefront.

“I just have to see how it’s going to go,” she said. “It’s hard to know but right now I’m having fun doing something that I really love.”

As for other students, she encouraged them to try new things. Crafting wasn’t always her passion, for instance, but when she tried it out, it clicked.

“If you give things a try, you might come across a hobby you never thought you’d enjoy,” she said. “Branch out. See what’s out there. You might find something you really love.”

I am a Jaguar is an online feature highlighting the exceptional students who attend the University of Houston-Victoria. To nominate a student, contact Paula Cobler, UHV director of marketing and communications, or call 361-570-4350.