We're excited to bring you you a very special Q&A this week from one of our very own Parker Clay families, Hunter & Sarah Lawrence. Hunter is our fearless Marketing Director, splitting his time between their mountain cabin in Colorado and our sunny Santa Barbara office. Hunter and Sarah are the proud parents of a Golden Retriever named Aspen (check him out at @aspenthemountainpup), and they love to travel when they're not cozied up at home. We hope you enjoy our conversation with them!
Tell us about you guys - what’s your background, where you live, how do you currently spend your time, and what is the secret to having such a photogenic golden retriever?
We’re Hunter & Sarah Lawrence, junior high sweethearts, married for almost 7 years currently living in Golden, Colorado. We grew up together in a small town in Texas, moved to Austin for school, got married and made our way up to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and have been here ever since. We started a photography business together in 2015 and have had the unique opportunity to work with some really amazing brands. Since 2015 we’ve been non stop traveling the globe for work, from Iceland to Morocco we love seeing the world together and experiencing cultures different than our own, it’s truly what inspires us.
Oh Aspen, he’s the best. Our Golden Retriever, Aspen is truly our best friend. We take him with us everywhere. Ever since he was a puppy we’ve been connected at the hip. We capture authentic moments of him that we feel really show off his personality, he’s just a genuinely happy pup. He’s also the world’s best snuggler.
Hunter, how did you first get connected with Parker Clay, and eventually end up as the Marketing Director?
A few years back we were taking a road trip along the California Coast, and made a stop in Santa Barbara for a few nights. An old friend of mine had told me about Parker Clay, and when we passed the store downtown it was my first introduction. Fast forward a few years, Ian reached out to us to create some photography for Parker Clay. I was at the point in my career where I was looking to connect with brands that had purpose and impact beyond just selling a product. One conversation led to another and we found ourselves back in Santa Barbara sharing about our long term visions for our family, eating plenty of Thai food together and eventually booking tickets to Ethiopia for us to really get the full story of Parker Clay. I’ve never looked back.
What is your favorite part about splitting time between Colorado and California?
California and Colorado both feel like home to us at this point. We’ve been welcomed into the Parker Clay family since Day 1. While we love California, it’s always a treat to come back home to our mountain cabin tucked away from pretty much everything.
Tell us about your trip to Ethiopia last year with the Bentleys. What were the most memorable moments for you guys, and how has it shaped your work?
Going to Ethiopia before my first real day on the job was the best decision I’ve made in my career. When you see the faces, hear the stories and really see the ins and outs of what makes Parker Clay work, it’s overwhelming in the best ways. We may be 9,000 miles away daily, but knowing our team in Ethiopia changes everything about the way I approach my role. This is personal to me now, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What Parker Clay products can you not live without?
Hunter: My go to travel duo is the Atlas Backpack with the Montecito Weekender. Seriously, it’s the all time best. Everything I need for a week away, including my photography gear fits in here flawlessly.
Sarah: The Mari Backpack has become a staple for me. It’s beauty isn’t at all compromised by its functionality & versatility. I also love that they just came out with a pillow line. I can’t ever have too many and hope they come out with more home goods in the future!
We swoon over your home in Colorado every time you post photos of it. What does home mean to you guys, and how do you cultivate it amongst the business of life?
For us, home is about creating a space where you feel completely at ease. Every part of our home is inspired by the value of creating a space of peace and rest. We consciously chose to move out into the mountains, and remodeled it to fit our love for hospitality.
Where is next on your travel bucket list, and why?
Lately we’ve been craving long warm days somewhere after all the winter weather we’ve had in Colorado. Mallorca, Spain has been a destination we have longed to visit for a while and in April we’re making it happen!
What are your go-to cocktails?
Hunter: It might be sub zero at home and I’ll almost always choose a Margarita. Tequila (or Mezcal) Fresh Lime Juice, Organic Agave and a little smoked salt... Salud!
Sarah: Ah, does it get any better than a proper Aperol, Spritz? Just give me a little sun and this drink and I’m perfectly content.
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You can follow along Hunter & Sarah's adventures at @thelawrencehouse, @hunter_lawrence, and @sarah_michelle_lawrence.