Life and Work with Lauren Turner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Turner.

Lauren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I come from a broadcasting background. In the last decade, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to work as an entertainment reporter for CBS, The CW, Viacom, Radio One and many other popular websites and blogs. In 2012, I had the first of two major open back surgeries which left me unemployed and temporarily disabled. Once recovered from the surgeries, I decided to start my own website and focus on what I love most… FILM! This way, my chronic pain and health issues would never be looked down upon by a boss and I could truly create my own destiny.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Many obstacles begin to surface when you are following your dreams. For me, moving to LA in my 20’s with five hundred dollars in my pocket was the first of many struggles. Finances were definitely an issue but I always figured out a way and when you are doing what you love with a set goal in your future, miracles can and will happen!

MY MAJOR setback would have to be 2012 – 2015. Those were the years of physical pain, mental turmoil, hospital rooms and no time for hosting or reporting or doing anything I once dreamed of. That time, was hard but I always felt I would eventually get back on track. It took a while but we are so blessed with technology and accessible tools that I was able to start creating videos and blog posts from my bed!

Deciding to only focus on film & TV after being such a broad journalist (entertainment, music, and lifestyle) wasn’t the easiest decision but I thought about what I would want to do for the rest of my life and also what would set me apart from the plethora of media outlets… and I thought… African American FEMALE Film Critic? There’s definitely a need for that!

Many times, I feel like my previous experience doesn’t matter and I’m starting all over BUT I am up for the challenge because I absolutely love what I’m doing and I can see the bigger picture. For women who are just starting their journey in whatever field they choose… I ask that they NEVER compare themselves to the highlight reels known as social media. Remember, we are all putting our best foot forward and completely omitting the hard days with no money, or doors being slammed in our faces. Make sure you’re doing this because YOU want to and not because of anyone else’s opinion.

If you’re interested in the film industry… do your research, look for those who have found success in what you want to do… don’t imitate them but utilize them as inspiration and a blueprint to notoriety and financial gain.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’ve always incorporated LOVE in my branding. I am all about love and definitely look on the bright side of everything!

Lauren Loves It is just another piece of my LOVE puzzle. I review movies & television aaaaand I usually focus on the good parts of each film or show. 🙂

I believe in quality and I’m very proud of my reviews… we put a lot of time and effort in the content and the editing.

I am proud to be a young black woman changing the face of film criticism, I respect the Siskel and Eberts of the world but with the ever-changing narrative, there needs to be diverse representation in ALL fields.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
“Don’t miss the ship waiting on a boat.”

In other words… don’t put things off, hoping for bigger and better opportunities. If something beneficial comes your way… take it!

There have been times when I get into perfectionist mode but believe me, it is better to have something out there daily than something perfect that took weeks to post… in this day and age, it’s all about consistency and content… so get out there and record, shoot, learn to edit, network, and most importantly, don’t give up! You got this!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laurenlovesit.com
• Email: hello@laurenlovesit.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurenlovesit_
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurenlovesitxo
• Other: www.youtube.com/laurenlovesit

Image Credit:
headshot image: Ira Carmichael

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