LESLI
FERGUSON
Lesli’s happy place is sipping coffee in New York City over a theoretical lunch with Peggy Guggenheim. The legendary art patron’s passion and vision inspire and express Lesli’s own tireless obsession with helping others bring their dreams to life in practical and beautiful ways.
Q: WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
A: Toronto!
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PLACE YOU’VE BEEN?
A: The Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice. I travelled solo across Europe in my mid-twenties and was deeply inspired by her personal story. Her passion for art, her financial means, and her determined and entrepreneurial spirit led her to discover and champion artists like Jackson Pollock. They never would have reached the heights they had without her encouragement and support. She also made a name for herself in a male-dominated industry, and she supported and held exhibitions for female artists. Peggy is the woman I would meet for lunch if given the opportunity to have a conversation with any historical figure — I think we’d get along well!
Q: IF YOU COULD GET ON A PLANE TOMORROW, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
A: New York. Always New York.
Q: WHAT ARTWORK CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
A: The paintings of my husband’s late Aunt Dorothy. She started painting later in life as a hobby and would complete a new work almost every day. It helped keep her mind sharp and added purpose, light, and joy to her days. Her husband (who is now 90) is the same: He always has a project. They both inspire me. I want to keep creating, whatever it may be, until my last breath.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT?
A: The creation of LikeLike — so much love surrounds all of the work. I have so many fond memories of where we’ve been and so many dreams of what’s still to come. I’m so thankful for the path that has led us exactly to where we are today.
Q: WHY DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
A: My purpose in life is to create boundless beauty and joy in exceptional dreams realized. Being an entrepreneur and graphic designer gives me the platform to meet the most interesting people and become intimately invested in bringing their dreams to life in a very practical and beautiful way. When our clients thrive and hit their milestones, and our work has helped them get there, it makes my heart sing.
Q: DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY?
A: I have strong convictions around how to treat others: Be a good person. Love big, with an open heart. Live in abundance, knowing that there is more than enough for all of us if we all give generously to one another. Be bold, take risks (why not?!). Listen to your intuition — the universe has bigger plans for you than you have for yourself.
Q: DO YOU HAVE A DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?
A: Ensure your well of inspiration is deep and varied because the more you learn about everything, everywhere, the more interesting and in-depth your solutions will be. And then work hard and tirelessly to get it right. Give creativity time to grow. Rest. Drink coffee. Surround yourself with beauty. Work alongside those you greatly admire and respect, who are passionate about this craft beyond reason and whose values match your own.
Rapid Fire Questions
HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?
Often
CITY OR COUNTRYSIDE?
City
OCEAN OR MOUNTAINS?
Mountains
SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer, 100%
ORDER IN OR EAT OUT?
Eat Out
LOGIC OR GUT?
Gut
HIRE OR DIY?
Hire
ANALOG OR DIGITAL
I love both!
CLASSIC OR MODERN?
Classic
SAVOURY OR SWEET?
Sweet
MEET THE LOVELY
Katherine Holland
Photographer / Artist
Got a (big or small) progress story to share, or know of an individual who’s doggedly tracking their extraordinary dream? More inspiration is always more. Send us a note at [email protected]
PROGRESS VIA YOUR INBOX
Keep your inner fire burning with occasional emails about dreams in the making.
We’re a creative studio specializing in Branding & Design with a fine point on identity, digital and storytelling.