Some moments you tuck away in your heart and take out every now and then, just to smile at them again. This is one of mine.

Back in June 2018, I was featured in The Guardian’s Las Vegas series, a Guardian Labs feature written by Erin Ryan. The headline still makes me grin: “The ‘West Sussex gal’ who’s living the rock’n’roll dream in Vegas.” As a girl who grew up in West Sussex dreaming big, seeing those words next to The Guardian’s name was something I never imagined.

The opening line summed up my love affair with this city perfectly: “Rock royalty, film locations and lounge bars are just a few of the attractions that drew Claire Jane Vranian to Las Vegas, the city that inspired her creativity.” And they even photographed me in front of a gorgeous vintage neon “CASINO” sign. Very me!

From West Sussex to the bright lights

Leaving England was a huge leap. I brought my British roots with me, the music I grew up on, the Union Jack, that bit of cheeky spirit, and they’ve found their way into everything I create. Las Vegas gave all of that room to breathe. There’s nowhere else quite like it: the history, the music, the glamour, the characters. It still inspires me every single day.

Hollywood taught me to make magic

Before ICJUK, I spent years working in Hollywood in makeup effects. Those years taught me patience, detail and how to turn an idea into something people can see and feel. I didn’t know it then, but every late night on set was quietly preparing me for what came next.

Where ICJUK was born

Today, ICJUK is my wearable art business, and every piece carries a little of that journey: a bit of West Sussex, a bit of Hollywood, and a whole lot of Vegas rock’n’roll. When I look back at that feature, I don’t just see a nice bit of press. I see how far a dream can travel when you keep following it.

You can see the full clipping, along with my other features over the years, on my Press / Tear Sheets page. And if you’d like to wear a little piece of the story, come and have a look around the ICJUK shop.

Thank you, as always, for being part of this adventure with me. Where did your own big dream take you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. 🖤

Claire Jane x