If you have spent any time scrolling on Instagram, it’s likely you have seen a piece of candy art from by robynblair. The brainchild of Robyn Blair Lazer, the brand was born from a single piece of art the New Yorker-turned- Miamian made for herself. “At that time, I was living in an apartment in New York that was girlie,” says Lazer, who now resides in Miami with her husband and young daughter. “It was Dubble Bubble candy in resin with the text ‘In case of Emergency Break Glass’ in hot pink. “I hung the art, and it made me smile. And my whole business was born from that one piece.”
After her first collection release in 2018, Lazer’s candy-centric works went viral. Collections that have followed include a selection of cinema candy — think Milk Duds, Twizzlers and Goobers — with ‘Movie Night’ written on top and ‘Hey Sweets’ accompanying an array of girlie-pink confections. There are now candy dishes, brightly-hued gumball machines, wallpaper, cake serving sets — by robynblair is all about the sweeter things in life, after all — and other custom art; Lazer also recently added another offering: customizable fine art prints. “Clients had been asking for this,” Lazer shares. “It allows for a lot more variety in price and sizing.”
Lazer has parlayed her unique vision into collaborations with iconic brands, including partnerships with Harry Winston and Bergdorf Goodman, where she served as artist-in-residence. Her artworks and sculptures capture the mood of the moment and just like Lazer’s own style and interests are constantly evolving so too are her eclectic pieces. “I’ve always been creative, and have loved creating things,” says Lazer. “I was the one cutting my jeans and shirts to make them more my style. I had a vision and would bring that vision to life.”
With a background in fashion — Lazer helped designer Ronny Kobo start and build her eponymous label — gave Lazer the skills to run her own company. “I worked so closely with Ronny and that allowed me to learn about so many different aspects of the business.” While Lazer had experience with management, the launch of by robynblair happened organically.
“I just went for it,” says Lazer. “I’ve always been entrepreneurial and have had many business ideas that I mapped and none of those ever happened. Meanwhile, with by robynblair, I started it and it was a total success. I believe in following your passion and not overthinking everything.”
That also goes for the evolution of the brand, which Lazer admits has changed since she became a mom. “While this started when I was single and in New York City, I am now in Miami with husband and daughter and my style has evolved – now I think about decorating my daughter’s room and my powder room and a new collection was borne from that,” says Lazer, referencing the Miami collection, which is comprised of prints, dishes, and wallpaper. “The collection and brand has evolved just as my own style is always evolving.”
