Talk Shop: Monica Lavin // Art of the Entry
ABOUT MONICA
Founder Monica Lavin is a designer and entrepreneur based in Charleston, South Carolina. A consummate design enthusiast, Lavin has always been drawn to the details and the subtle ways our homes express who we are. After countless neighborhood strolls, she began to notice the mailboxes—the first element of a home we see, yet often the most overlooked. Noticing a lack in the market—not only for design-forward mailboxes but other entry-specific accents—Lavin lept to work, creating Art of the Entry as the first thoughtful lifestyle brand of its kind.
Art of the Entry creates timeless accents for treasured exteriors. It’s a celebration of the spaces we call our own, beginning before we even cross the threshold. With enduring style and refined charm, the collection captures the beauty of coming home—and the joy of welcoming others in.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Classic, Relaxed and Relatable
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
History, travel, and my 4-year-old daughter, Julia Bennett.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and was constantly searching for what I was truly meant to do and how it tied to my passion. I’ve always been drawn to exterior design, and one day while walking in my neighborhood, I noticed the beautiful homes being built. I admired all the details—the architecture, the landscaping—and then I noticed that they often had ugly galvanized steel mailboxes from Home Depot out front, with house numbers that were usually too modern for the traditional home. I quickly realized there was a gap in the market for beautiful and thoughtful exterior accents, and it was the perfect opportunity for me, especially since I love design and had already started my lifestyle brand, Lavin Label. It was truly meant to be. My favorite part about my job is creating insanely beautiful exterior accents and sharing them with the world.
Art of the Entry had a successful soft launch this past April with one of our doormat styles, selling out quickly and generating excitement for our official launch on October 17th.
What does your home say about you:
Art of the Entry truly captures my mantra. We love welcoming guests from the outside in. Naturally, my exterior entry is welcoming, relaxing, and inviting. While I enjoy entertaining, I also cherish spending time at home with my family, especially my four-year-old daughter. We often relax on the front porch, stroll around the neighborhood, and enjoy picnics together in our yard. I love the little moments in life just like I love the little moments of design.
Where do you find inspiration:
Travel, other female founders, and everyday details
Who are your style icons:
Tory Burch, Emilia Wickstead, and Dorothy Draper.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A somewhat clean house, windows open, relaxing music, decadent cheese board, and mahjong!
Do you collect anything:
Seashells from places that we travel!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@pursleydixon , @Madelinomalley_, and @cathykincaidinteriors.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I love the ‘rule’ of having a statement piece in every room. It helps start conversations.
I like to challenge symmetry. I don't believe that everything has to be symmetrical to be beautiful.
What are you working on right now:
We’re currently developing our fall ‘25 collection for Art of the Entry.
We’re also working on our post-mount mailboxes. They have to be approved by the United States Postmaster General which in turn have to be tested in an independent lab for durability with rain, wind, salt, etc. So as you can imagine this has taken years to bring to market. The design has to adhere to 50+ pages of specifications from the government.
Wardrobe staples:
Classic fitted shirtdress paired with flats. Honestly, I have so many day-to-day decisions with kids and business that I opt for an easy, flattering go-to day piece most days.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
De Gournay’s hand-embroidered wallcovering ‘Celestial Atlas’. She’s a beauty.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Design what makes you happy!
Best career advice you ever received:
Don't do it alone. Always ask for help. You don't raise a baby on your own, it takes a village. The same is true for your business. Also, start before you’re ready.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest: Planters, door hardware, lighting
Savings: Pillows & accessories
Your greatest extravagance:
We rented a Chateaux in France and invited 6 other couples this past summer. It was pretty incredible and the trip of a lifetime.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Wentworth Shop in Charleston, SC
Most prized possession and why:
My grandmother's wedding ring. I was so close to her and felt like we had such a kindred spirit.
Your interiors motto:
Build a home that’s authentic to you.
Your life motto:
Go the extra mile and never settle.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Choose things that you love, absolutely love. A home is so special to you and it should be a reflection of your personality and what makes you feel the most comfortable.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Margarita Pizza
Drink: Champagne
Film: Forrest Gump
Hotel: La Mirande in Avignon, France or the Marbella Club in Spain
City: Florence, Italy
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Iced matcha, skim
Playlist: Founder’s Podcast, I listen to podcasts over playlists!
Weekend Activity: Boating in the Charleston harbor with friends and family or beach day at Sullivan’s Island with an early dinner at Sullivan’s Fish Camp
Design Book: One of my all-time favorites is Mother And Child by Claiborne Swanson Frank.