When we realized that it was time to celebrate Lauren Fulp’s 5-year anniversary, we couldn’t believe it. Time truly is flying by! Professional Lauren is a super positive person to have around and is always willing to jump in and help the team. Personal Lauren is crafty, great at throwing birthday parties and completing house projects. We have loved having Lauren as a member of the Pepper family for 5 years, and we can’t wait to see what she does in the next 5 years. Congratulations on this amazing milestone, Lauren!

1. Best part of working at Eleven Peppers Studios?
The people. I have met so many amazing and caring people within 11P.

2. If you were a pepper, which pepper would you be and why?
Golden Bell Pepper… because I wouldn’t say I’m spicy and this is a more sweet and fruity pepper.

3. What is your favorite 11p event?
2019’s Christmas party was pretty epic. I had so much fun!

4. What is your favorite present ever received from 11p?
Disney by far! I’m grateful for the time I had with Matt and Maddie and hanging out with all of the Peppers!

5. What is your favorite 11p memory?
Disney! It was one of my favorite memories of all time for myself personally. Maddie had just turned 3 and it was so magical to see her so excited about every Disney princess.

6. Name a Pepper you can always lean on for support or advice:
Does this have to be a Pepper that is currently still here? Brittany literally just left – but she is definitely a Pepper I felt like I could depend on and who would let me vent when I needed help!

7. Name a Pepper whose work or work ethic inspires you:
Melissa London! I learned so much from her during our time on my first ever contract with 11P! She is such a boss and I miss working with her!

8. My spice meter :

• Complete wimp
• Will proceed with caution
• A subtle flame
• A little sweat never hurt
• The spicier, the better!

Get to know Lauren a little bit better…

1. What is your favorite birthday party you’ve ever thrown?
Oh, this is such a tough one to answer! I think I really loved planning Scarlett’s 2^nd airplane-themed birthday last year in October. She’s was/is obsessed with airplanes and still waves at them when we’re playing outside. So I made a lot of 3D paper airplanes from floral scrapbook paper and 3D clouds and hung them around our house. Painted model airplanes and bought little suitcases, silicone teacups to make cupcakes in. It was so sweet and girly! She loved it!

2. What is your ultimate dessert?
Ultimate dessert!? My favorite is cheesecake with fresh strawberries!

3. What is your favorite place to shop for farmhouse decor?
Hobby Lobby is where it’s at!!

4. What is one of the funniest things your daughter has ever said to you?
Scarlett has recently given us a hard time going to sleep at night and when she gets up in the middle of the night and we put her back to bed she will sometimes be a little upset and cry… but as she’s crying she’ll tell us “I’m not cwyin’” and it’s so cute and we laugh a little inside because she is obviously crying! Usually, a little hug and kiss and she’s good to go for another 2 hours of sleep.

5. If you had the time to open an Etsy shop, what crafts would you sell?
I think if I opened an Etsy shop, I would sell all the wedding things. Bridesmaid proposal boxes, bachelorette party décor and shirts, and wedding signage.

6. What house project are you most proud of?
I think my favorite house project has been the girls’ bedrooms (does this count?)… I love coming up with new ideas and I’ve changed up Maddie’s room about 3 times since we’ve been in our house. Scarlett’s room is still a sweet nursery… but since we switched her out to a big girl bed, the rearranging and flipping around a little will be coming soon.

7. If you could only watch one HGTV show for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oh, Fixer Upper for sure! Although there aren’t any new episodes on HGTV… they are still my favorite! I love their sweet banter and Jo’s style is amazing especially as the show has progressed and her style has slowly transformed a bit more.

We are so appreciative of everything that Kelsey Marotta has accomplished in the past five years, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this momentous occasion. 

When we asked Kelsey’s colleagues to describe her, here’s what they had to say. Kelsey is a born leader, an incredible designer, very humble and easygoing, extremely reliable, and a naturally helpful team player.

To commemorate Kelsey and all of her greatness, we interviewed her to create a personalized infographic highlighting what makes her so special! Keep scrolling to learn more.

1. Best part of working at Eleven Peppers Studios?
Truly some of the best human beings to work with.

2. If you were a pepper, which pepper would you be and why?
Habanero—I’m small, but don’t underestimate me, I pack a punch.

3. What is your favorite 11p event?
The safari breakfast at Disney World.

4. What is your favorite present ever received from 11p?
The opportunity to design the 2016 holiday gift with donations to Meals on Wheels.

5. What is your favorite 11p memory?
Casino holiday party—bet it all, lost everything, and had a blast.

6. Name a Pepper you can always lean on for support or advice:
Audra Harvey and Rebecca Popka have been amazing co-collaborators.

7. Name a Pepper whose work or work ethic inspires you:
Ashley Mueller kicks some serious a$$.

8. My spice meter :

• Complete wimp
• Will proceed with caution
• A subtle flame
• A little sweat never hurt
• The spicier, the better!

Get to know Kelsey a little bit better…

1. What is your all-time favorite flavor of ice cream?
Peanut Butter Oreo from Bmore Licks.

2. What was your favorite road trip you’ve ever taken?
This past summer my boyfriend and I drove to Cape May, NJ, and stayed at Congress Hall. It was the only opportunity we’d had to travel during the pandemic and it was so much fun to explore the town, eat great beach food and even squeeze in a few early AM runs.

3. What race are you most proud of?
My first race, the Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K, in 2015. It was when I first knew I had found something that was going to take me on a new and very rewarding path.

4. What would you love most about living in a tiny home?
The lack of stuff. I find freedom in minimalism and I value both being able to see and use all of the items that I own.

5. What made you try triathlons in addition to marathons?
I was always fascinated by Ironman triathlons but kept saying I’d consider it “eventually.” After volunteering for a few of their events and having a small part in making other athlete’s dreams come true, I knew I wanted to make it happen for myself.

6. What part of the triathlon do you have to train for the most?
It’s a lot of hours in the pool, on the bike, and running, but by far the mental game is the most important aspect of training. Learning to tackle something big by chipping away at it one piece at a time is a mindset that I continue to practice and reinforce.

7. What is your favorite song that gets you pumped up during a marathon?
AC/DC’s Hells Bells was playing when I jumped in the water for Ironman—when I hear that song I’m immediately transported to the feeling of being stuffed in a wetsuit, nervous and excited for the day to unfold.

8. What do you love most about being a professor at UMD?
Watching it “click” for my students. Critiques can be painstaking, but when a student takes feedback, pushes themselves beyond what they think they’re capable of, and presents a stronger design, it’s a huge pay-off.

9. What is your favorite part about visiting Disney?
The Disney “magic.” I know, I know, it’s not a real thing, but they are so far ahead in their technology, marketing and branding, and creativity, it blows my designer mind. They don’t call it “Imagineering” for nothing!

10. Any secret hobbies or talents?
I’m very involved in music. I grew up playing the flute and singing. Two years ago I took up piano and currently take lessons, along with a wedding singer side hustle.

Five whole years have passed since the fabulous Deb Williams joined our Pepper family – and boy has it been an amazing journey.

Since day one, Deb has been an integral part of the team, helping with everything under the sun from proposals, to strategy and process, to leading teams and projects, and we couldn’t be more grateful for all the hard work she has put in. She loves learning new things and tackles every challenge in front of her. Last year, Deb was promoted to Creative Director and in her new role, she has continued to lead teams and projects with excellence.

To celebrate all of her greatness, we interviewed Deb and created an infographic especially for her! Keep scrolling to learn more.

1. Best part of working at Eleven Peppers Studios?
Collaborating with so many talented, passionate people.

2. If you were a pepper, what type would you be and why?
Rainbow pepper because they are multi-colored and inspire creativity.

3. What is your favorite 11p event?
The casino-themed holiday party at the Hotel Revival in Baltimore.

4. What is your favorite present ever received from 11p?
A necklace with the names of my kids engraved on it (for Mother’s Day).

5. What is your favorite 11p memory?
The amazing Disney trip!

6. Name a Pepper you can always lean on for support or advice:
Theresa Santelli – she’s a great listener and provides invaluable advice.

7. Name a Pepper whose work ethic inspires you:
Kristen Price – she’s always positive, patient, thoughtful, and eager to lend a helping hand.

8. My spice meter :

• Complete wimp
• Will proceed with caution
• A subtle flame 
• A little sweat never hurt
• The spicier, the better!

Get to know Deb a little bit better…

1. Where is the most beautiful place you’ve ever gone hiking?
A coastal town in Southern Italy called Sorrento.

2. What is your favorite part about being a mom?
Watching my kids grow into confident, successful adults.

3. If you could live in any beach town, where would you live?
Duck, NC (in the Outer Banks).

4. What is your favorite and least favorite part of planning a wedding?
My favorite part is seeing the bride say “yes” to the dress. My least favorite part is figuring out the guest list.

5. Do you have any favorite family traditions?
Every year on Christmas Day we stay in our pajamas all day. It’s our day to spend time together without any schedules or set plans.

6. Where is your preferred place to get a caffeinated beverage?
I love any and all coffee shops – my favorite is a place near our new house called Bada Bean Coffee House.

7. Have you made any cool crafts or done any cool house projects lately?
We recently bought a house on Kent Island had a lot of fun remodeling it with a coastal theme.

8. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’ve lived in six states: New York, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.