Lorena Rivas has always been a LEGO lover. While her children see LEGO as toys, Rivas looks at those colorful bricks a little differently. She sees them as the starting blocks to unique projects and gifts.
“I’ve always loved LEGO,” Rivas said. “To my kids, they’re toys. To my sister, collectible treasures. But to me, they’re always building materials!”
Rivas was inspired to launch Creative Brickbox, an online Etsy business, after volunteering at a school project where she created kits for the students to assemble.
“Last year, my husband volunteered to give a presentation about Dia de Muertos at our son’s school. We wanted the kids to have something hands-on that connected to our tradition. That’s when I came up with the idea of creating kits, with instructions, using second-hand LEGO, so they could build their own picture frames. The idea was to recreate a mini ‘altar’ to remember their loved ones, but the frames could also be used to display any family member’s portrait.”
The success of the project sparked the idea to offer these kits and projects on Etsy.
“Creative Brickbox is a small business where I design and build useful, decorative items, like picture frames and pencil holders, using second-hand LEGO bricks. The main idea is to treat LEGO as building materials to create fun, functional and everyday items,” Rivas said.
Rivas offers custom orders as well, based on colors or themes. Many of her clientele are parents, teachers and LEGO fans who are looking for a personalized gift.
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“Every product starts with a fun idea, like Star Wars Day, or with a specific color request. I source second-hand LEGO bricks from sustainable marketplaces like Bricklink or from Bricks and Minifigs on Jackson Road,” Rivas said. “Each piece is carefully washed and sorted, then I design the items either digitally or by hand and create digital instructions. Once built, I personally package and ship every order.”
Rivas shares her creations on Instagram as well.
“Thanks to the support of an amazing local and online community, I’m currently exploring the idea of offering customized frame kits as party favors for birthdays and special events,” Rivas said.
Get to Know Lorena Rivas
Tell us about yourself!
I’m Lorena! I’m originally from Venezuela, and lived a couple of years in Mexico, where I met my husband. We now live in Ann Arbor with our two kids, ages 4 and 7.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, and studied plastic engineering before transitioning into software sales.
Current occupation?
I work as a consultant in the tech and manufacturing world, helping businesses adopt digital design tools. Creative Brickbox is my creative outlet and passion project.
Dream vacation?
Going to the beach with my family!
Are you a book person or a movie person?
I have to admit, I used to be a book person. But these days, I’m definitely more of a movie person.
What do you like to do on a day off?
I love exploring new stores, especially around Ann Arbor. There’s always something unique to discover!
Favorite local restaurant(s)?
Yotsuba, Shalimar and Samba Bowls
Any hobbies?
I enjoy sewing. It was a hobby I practiced more during college, and I’ve recently decided to pick it up again.
Do you have a motto or saying that inspires you?
This is something I learned in my early sales career. “You already have the ‘no’, so go out and look for the ‘yes’. It helps me avoid overthinking potential outcomes and just go for what I’m planning to do.
Do you have a Mom superpower?
I can build and fix things! I grew up with parents who were very handy. They never hired anyone to fix anything. That mindset stuck with me, and it comes in handy when I’m working on creative projects with my kids.
What advice would you give to a parent who is thinking of starting a business?
I’ve realized there are tons of great products out there. What really makes the difference is how you present them and the strategy you use to position your brand. There are many guides to follow, but no exact formula. If you truly believe in your business, give yourself permission to pivot and adapt. Some things will work amazingly well, others won’t. But if you genuinely enjoy what you’re building, it will be much easier to stay resilient and eventually succeed.
