Our Story

Our Story

La Boheme, named after the eponymous Italian Opera set in Bohemian Paris, was born out of an idea on our honeymoon in 2017. My husband and I shared a passion for antiques and beautiful objects and spent our weekends hunting for pieces for our Victorian flat. Inspired by the historic fairytale setting of the Castello we were staying in, we wondered if we could turn our passion into a business.

It was there by the pool that the dream started to take shape. I read ‘How To be Free’ by Tom Hodgkinson and it both inspired and lit a fire within me. I filled a notebook with plans and ideas and we made a trip to the Grand Balon in Turin, one of the biggest antique’s markets in the world which opened our eyes to the huge range of beautiful art and objects that we loved but couldn’t find readily available at home.

I came back and quit my job! However, it’s only 6 years later that those ideas have now made it into reality. In those 6 years I’ve learnt so much about the trade, travelling the brocantes and flea markets of the UK and Europe to find things I love. I was also lucky enough to be employed and inspired by Laurence, a stalwart of the Antique’s trade in Manchester, who has been so generous with sharing his knowledge and experience in support me to make this happen. Thank you Laurence.

About Me

Hi I'm Lauren and La Boheme is part creative project, part business venture. I'm a lover of all things vintage and have a passion for historic objects, art and architecture.

I worked as Head of Marketing in the Fashion industry in Manchester, until I fell out of love with the industry and set up on my own as a marketing/ business consultant helping business owners and creatives do work they really care about. I love my work and have met some wonderful people, who have inspired me to go on my own creative journey with La Boheme.

This website is a culmination of all my experience helping others with their business channeled into my own creative venture. It also strangely puts my degree into use for the first time ever too, having studied Art History at University, so it really feels like coming full circle!

I'm a self confessed francophile and love nothing better than spending hazy days in Provence soaking up the beauty, history and wine of course.

I have a soft spot for antique still life oil paintings, especially the dark floral kind in the style of The Old Masters. I’m obsessed with flowers.

I live with my husband and 2 year old daughter in Heaton Moor in Greater Manchester and the back bedroom of our terraced house serves as my office, studio and warehouse.