Lauren Shanahan, EMBA ’24, shifted from an executive role in HR to founding a curated stone studio featuring minerals, crystals, and ceramics that showcase the natural beauty of the earth.

Interview by Mark Witten

For more than 25 years, I built a successful career as a corporate HR professional in increasingly senior roles. I pursued an EMBA to broaden my understanding of business beyond HR and become a more effective executive. 

But the program – specifically the entrepreneurship course – pushed me to look deeper and ask what I truly cared about. This created a shift in me. I had spent so much of my career focused on building others’ dreams, and I realized I wanted to apply the business knowledge I gained, both through work and Ivey, to build something of my own.

I’ve loved crystals for as long as I can remember. At age 10, I won a science fair with a project on crystals that explored how and where they form. I’ve been collecting crystals and minerals ever since, drawn to their beauty, structure, geological formation, and the stories they carry.

In February, I launched Atelier Lithic, a Toronto studio specializing in crystals, mineral specimens, and collaborations with Canadian artists in stone, ceramics, and crystalline materials.

My two main markets are traditional mineral specimen collectors and home décor enthusiasts looking to bring natural materials into their spaces – a relatively untapped market.

Since launching Atelier Lithic from my home, growth in sales has been incredible. Despite the market gap, I didn’t expect this level of interest, especially regarding unique statement pieces.

Looking ahead, I hope to open a private studio where people can come to see, feel, and touch the product. I’m also interested in partnerships with luxury gift concierges, personal shoppers, and interior decorators to bring these hand-selected pieces into people's lives. Through TikTok LIVE streams, I’ve built a community, many of whom are interested in joining rock-hunting excursions, which would be a fun next step. 

It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and say, “This is what I care about.” Ivey gave me the knowledge and confidence to make that leap.

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