I grew up bouncing around motel rooms, chasing a semblance of stability. That nomadic childhood planted a seed in me: I wanted to build a space where people felt anchored, inspired, and free. That’s what shaped the vision for Soulland Lab.
Soulland Lab isn’t just a pottery or paint studio, it’s a creative playground, a community event space, and an artistic launchpad. And I’m thrilled to have the spotlight through VoyageLA to share that journey.
The Early Days: Where It All Began
In the VoyageLA interview, I reflected on how I learned resilience and creativity from a young age. Those formative years taught me that environment matters. When you don’t have consistent bricks and mortar, you learn to build from within, your mindset becomes your foundation.
I carried that mindset into everything I do: setting up Soulland Lab, hosting bold, offbeat events (like Nude Muse Nights or the Paint a Bong Workshop), and creating a culture of collaboration not just transactions.
Building Soulland Lab: Vision + Execution
When I founded Soulland Lab in Old Towne Orange, I had three guiding principles:
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Community first: Events should bring people together, not just make money.
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Creativity everywhere: Blank canvases, literal totes, pottery, and plates that invite self-expression.
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Full sensory experience: Music, black lights, immersive soundscapes with silent-disco headphones, craft cocktails (or non-alcoholic drinks), and good vibes.
In the interview, I said, “We’re aiming to build a community, scale the brand, and hit 500K followers on Instagram and TikTok.”
Yes, we’re going big.
And let me tell you: executing that vision takes more than passion. It takes planning, marketing muscle, and a willingness to fail forward. You’ll see we’re already hosting monthly big-vibe events like Soulful Thursdays, community give-back nights, and partnerships with nonprofits. That’s how you turn a studio into a movement.
Why My Approach Works (and Why It Should Matter to You)
If you’re an artist, event host, or community builder, here’s what I’ve learned makes a difference:
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Make it experience-driven. People don’t just attend they remember how they felt. At Soulland Lab, the DJ, the black lights, the social energy it all adds up to “wow.”
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Offer flexibility and uniqueness. We host scrapbooking collabs, themed paint-and-sips, you name it. That diversity keeps things fresh and builds different audiences.
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Build brand cohesion. As I said to VoyageLA: “Collaboration is everything to me. Soulland Lab exists because of the people who believed in the vision and helped me bring it to life.” Every event supports the larger brand story.
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Give back and stand out. Community events, nonprofits, puppy yoga, and more — show you’re more than a business. You’re a creative force with purpose.
What’s Next for Soulland Lab
After the VoyageLA feature, we’re ramping up. Here’s what I’m excited about:
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Expanding our monthly flagship nights to reach that $3,000-per-day goal (Thursday through Sunday).
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Deepening our social storytelling — taking inspiration from creators like Koy Suntichotinun to build a narrative around lifestyle, not just events.
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Partnering with more local creatives (like you!) who want a space that’s flexible, bold, and brand-forward.
- And now, we’re adding a café experience complete with beer, wine, light bites, and our signature Dole Whip, so you can sip, snack, and create all in one place.
Closing Thoughts
Being featured in VoyageLA isn’t just a badge it’s validation that the hustle and the vision resonate.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Hey, I want to host something creative, community-driven, maybe a little wild,” let’s talk. At Soulland Lab, our doors (and paintbrushes) are open.
Because here’s the truth: art isn’t just about the canvas. It’s about the moment, the energy, the gathering. And I’m here for it.
Thanks for reading and thanks to VoyageLA for shining a light on the story.
View VoyageLA Article: https://voyagela.com/interview/conversations-with-mike-salas
Stay Golden,
Mike Salas
Owner, Soulland Lab
