The Louka Story
LOUKA or more specifically LOU & KA represents the founders Louise & Keri.
We founded LOUKA in 2024 following our own experience of a tufting workshop. Both creatives by trade and a mother daughter duo from West Yorkshire, meant that textiles and a strong work ethic come naturally to us. We felt strongly that tufting was something that should be accessible to more people and wanted to create our own stylish and practical space to tuft and for clients to feel at home.
Whilst we wanted to create a space that was suitable for workshops that is both fully equipped and styled we also knew that we needed an identity and not just a classroom. The idea of a creative hub in Yorkshire is more than a desirable asset for the region but we felt it was an integral addition to the region to offer creatives a place to grow and showcase their talent. We are at the start of our journey, in building a creative directory and offering a multitude of creative services. Talent deserves a place to grow roots and flourish and we believe that society’s labels have no place in the world of craft, you may be yourself and know you are safe.
Therefore our vision here at LOUKA is to be a creative hub across the UK but specifically to showcase and nurture the talent in the North of the UK. Offering tufting workshops and our creative services across many future locations nationally.
Our mission is to welcome talent as part of Louka Studio & Co. to bridge the gap between service/product offering and client. A directory of creatives that are discoverable and employable. Creating safe spaces for self care, mental wellbeing and self discovery through the medium of tufting and in Louka Studios nationally.
To understand Louka Studio & Co. in its entirety is to understand our Values. We believe and uphold these values in both the workplace and outside of it because we live by and personify our values in our behaviours.
Respect. We treat people how they wish to be treated and seek to understand.
Joy. We choose to seek joy in all that we do. Though it requires constant maintenance, we consciously choose joy and ensure it can be found even in the coldest of life’s moments.
Curiosity. May we never lose the love of wonder and the unknown. Asking questions is human nature and we believe that to be inquisitive and curious, is to be ready and willing to grow. Discovery of self and others informs our creativity!
Meet the Founders
KERI-
BA(Hons) Fashion Management and Communication
Forever a child of the art department, there was never a lesson spent without drawing in the back of a book or day dreaming about possibilities, others would deem impossible. A self proclaimed dreamer, with a love for self expression and any medium that provides an outlet. I chose to study Fashion Management and Communications BA(Hons) at University.
The course aimed to bridge the gap between creative thinking and flair with effective and practical solutions. Photography, interior design and experience, film, app design, graphic design, branding, typography, styling and much more were all encompassed in the degree which was a glorious insight into the world of craft and creation.
Working for an events company after graduating on big brand launch events and collaborations between music artists and fashion houses, then provided an insight into industry and the desperate need for creative skillsets both widespread and niche. Something that did prove difficult, was sourcing the service required for the brief and from my own personal experience, securing a job or work as a creative felt nearly impossible and the desire to pivot in career choice was admittedly an attractive one.
Despite moving from the events role as Top Line Creative, I still moved in the creative spaces, working with music artists, photographers and stylists, all whilst pursuing alternate avenues for a career path. Informed and ready with the industry gap Louka Studio & Co. was born from an evening spent tufting, as a way to switch off your mind, employ your hands and feel calm.
An experience is so much more than what you’re making, it’s about learning, laughing, being innovative and going for it! Your chance to discover a new skillset and/or talent, spend the day bonding with friends and family or taking time for yourself. Louka has a big future ahead that bridges creatives with their clients and tufting at the heart of the journey, watch this. space!
LOUISE-
With a passion for the built environment I chose to study BA (Hons) International Architecture and MSc Corporate Real Estate, with design and technical ability always being a strong skill set. With an early career in Business Banking, this set the foundation for knowing how to run your own business. Being involved in Corporate Management Training, Leadership and Behavioural Profiling throughout my life, whilst raising a family has been both insightful and incredibly rewarding…but I felt it was time for a big change and a new chapter. Practically creative, I found that the accomplishment and personal achievement in creation and craft can reach anyone at anytime and provide simple, yet overwhelming enjoyment that can bring people together.
Louka Studio & Co was founded in 2024 by a combination of marrying complementary creative skills with Keri and the love of making things. A new creative/tufting studio with no limits, our motto is “Don’t just think it, Tuft It”
We have a strong vision for the future and want to bring a new creative flair into our community for everyone to try, we have plans to be open and accessible to all ages, as we know how valuable a craft can benefit our mental health and have lots of fun along the way! We are also proud of our Yorkshire heritage and look forward to meeting new people as we embark on our new journey.