Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Hopper.
Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When you’re asked as a child what you’d like to be when you grew up, my answer was always changing. Realistically, I was clueless. What I did know, however, I wanted to be successful. Fun fact- I didn’t discover my talents until my last semester of high school. Due to a scheduling error, I was placed in a painting/drawing course. My first piece of work won a state competition and then was replicated multiple times for interested buyers. That moment became history. I finally had an answer to my childhood question, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” My answer, “an artist.”
I can’t say that everyone was fond of my answer, and if I’m being honest, an artist isn’t the most sufficient in earning a stable income (hence the term starving artist). With an education and degree, I knew that I could expand my skills into digital design work that would grant me a stable career with a livable income. While in college, I started my company, Lauren Danielle Design which later becomes known as Allure. It was a slow start, and not knowing everything I was doing, it was a trial and error sequence. After graduation, my degree allowed me to expand my platform and gave me the ability to reach more clients. (I know right, $100,000 piece of paper in a frame became my backbone.) In the meantime, I worked full time and applied for jobs daily. It was an uneasy start, and a lot of shut doors in my face, but I managed to get my foot in the door at a company in Atlanta.
Here’s one thing people don’t understand, even if it isn’t your dream job, take it, because it could lead you to your dream. I learned skills acquired from my boss and co-workers that allowed me to expand personally and professionally. It’s okay to work a nine to five, but never give up on your daydream. I have a long way to go but when looking back over the journey, I’ve come far from where I was, and that makes me proud.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I could tell you that establishing my brand was a walk in the park, but I’d be lying. If success wasn’t difficult, honestly, I’d be concerned. Sumner Redstone said, “Success is not built on success. It’s built on failure. It’s built on frustration. Sometimes, it’s built on catastrophe.” A key tip I could give to anyone would be “don’t brace for impact, embrace it.” Failure is simply part of the process. I could name a list of failures and most of them, had to do with my mindset. If you don’t believe in yourself, you can’t expect others too. I had a lack of self-confidence that pertained to some of my struggles growing my business. Most of my knowledge didn’t come from school or work experience; it came from trial and error. I learned how to utilize my problem solving and critical thinking skills to help me overcome obstacles in establishing my brand. Being a freelancer, just like running a business, isn’t always promising. Some months are greater than others, but how you presume your appearance throughout is what establishes your character. Your character is what everyone will remember.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Allure – what should we know?
Allure, formerly known as Lauren Danielle Design, manage its home base in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. I began the company back in 2014 with one goal in mind, to create visually appealing designs that companies or individuals could use to represent their brand. At the time, I was young in the industry, but never short of the game. My eye for edge cutting designs, modern sleek styles, and innovative ideas captured the attention of businesses, large and small, throughout the Atlanta metro area. I now operate as a freelance designer helping companies across the nation. I have a passion backed with a “can-do” attitude that makes me loved by many for abilities to overcome any obstacle a business might face throughout the creation process. I specialize in logo creation, creative branding business solutions, and corporate imaging. Broad in my skill set, I can bring even vague ideas to life for business cards, advertisements (digital and print), clothing and more. “My business is driven by you – where it’s all about you – I am simply the catalyst, providing an enjoyable creative journey, providing ideas that may not have been previously thought about and creative business solutions that add value and benefit your business.”
Allure has now expanded with multiple additions to the company. I am working hard on establishing myself as a brand, and back in March of 2019, I released her first blog called Lifestyle of Lauren. With my knowledge and creative mindset, I designed a blogging platform that reaches out to users across the globe. Popular in the UK, I have already started leaving an impact on women as an inspirational leader and influence on life advice. Full of ideas, I never fail to surprise as I will be releasing another extension to my personal brand coming fall of 2019. “I will not disclose the details yet, but know, the world will be in awe of my next creation. I am looking forward to the adventure that awaits.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lifestyleoflauren.org
- Phone: 7705477943
- Email: laurendanielledesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle_ismymidd/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifestyleoflauren/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_lifeoflauren
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