Whew, where do I even start?

I’ve always known I was a little different. I never imagined working in an office, a school, or a hospital like so many of my peers. I found my creativity and love for fashion at a young age and the wheels started turning in my brain. I wanted to use my creative gifts to show others that our dream lives are possible… that we can follow our heart’s desires and make a living doing what we love.

I studied Apparel Design & Technology at Purdue University and abroad at the London College of Fashion. After graduating in 2012 and spending a year working for a designer in Chicago, I was ready to start my own clothing line. I bartended on the weekends in my Indiana hometown to make ends meet while getting my business off the ground. I did tons of local shows and markets and my designs were even carried in a local boutique. Things were good! But something was missing. Deep down I was burnt out and craving a change… an adventure. 

In 2016 I moved my life and business across the country with my (now) husband to Reno, Nevada. We had vacationed in Reno/Tahoe the year prior and absolutely fell in love with this area, the people, the energy, and the free spirited outdoor lifestyle. When Scott was offered a job here, we had to make our decision within 24 hours and ultimately knew we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to live in our dream city. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made personally, but professionally it was really hard on the business I worked so hard to build. It was like starting from scratch… in a new place where I knew no one. I was so lost.

Honestly, I contemplated giving up. I interviewed for several ‘traditional’ jobs. I was on the brink of putting it all behind me and settling for a steady 9-5 income. But then I remembered who the ____ I am and I knew I could figure it out.

Somehow, some way.

It was around this time that I was introduced to MONAT — the answer I was looking for and didn’t even know existed. The vessel that would provide me with the community I was craving and the sustainable income I needed, all while having the freedom to work from anywhere and continue re-building my clothing business. Four years later, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself, my family, and our future, and I get to help others change the trajectory of their lives too.

So here we are! I couldn’t be more grateful to be doing what I love. Each day is different and I wake up every day excited to get to work. Whether it’s creating new designs, working on orders, getting ready for a market, or helping people with their hair & skin goals, I truly enjoy all of it.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do exactly what you dream of doing with your life. You CAN. It takes hard work, dedication, consistency, and a lot of grit, but anything is possible. I believe that and I believe in you.

Thanks for reading! Love you all.

Xo, Lauren