Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Wells.
Lauren, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I feel that I have always been a “stylist” at heart! Even at a young age, I have always had a fondness for style and design! Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, also known as Duvvaalll to many, I am the daughter of a musician and an educator. The perfect family dynamic, in my eyes, because my parents never discouraged “the imaginative” but always considered “the cognitive.” Meaning, many of my days, as a child, involved my brother and I exploring the possibilities of creative expression through art, graphics, music, theater, dance, or fashion; but equally, my parents implemented the knowledge of math and science through calculus, algebra, and physics. As I grew older, my desire to exist in a world where design is at the forefront, but math and science playing a role, led me to a career path in architecture. Therefore after completing my high school studies, I received an Associate Degree in Design, a Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida, and lastly a Masters in Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
After completing my Master’s life seemed OK. In my mind, I had completed everything that was “expected of me” at a young age and I did it well! All three of my degrees were completed with some level of honors, but with every accomplishment, I begin to feel incomplete. I started to feel as though the degrees were only a snippet of what made me who I am. This led to feelings of resentment. After a while, I started to resent my degrees. I felt as though the scholastic accomplishments were overshadowing my identity. I have always believed that degrees are only a “branch” of who you are. I understand for many people the pursuit of any scholastic achievement will be remembered for a lifetime, but I knew my degrees were a necessary path to understanding a larger picture of what defines me as a designer. I wanted others to understand that I have a strong appreciation for architecture but I will forever enjoy innovating hybrids of one art form to another. This understanding sparked a new interest in me. I knew that it was time to define my career path and explore my passions for style and design outside of the arena of architecture!
Because style is everywhere, I wanted to highlight the explorations of style in all mediums of design. This desire led me to launch my blog and business The Style Well(s) LLC! The Style Well(s) quickly became my method of artistic expression. I felt as if this business permitted me to be creative without hindrance, boundaries, or limitations. In a short period of time, I had gone from designing and documenting architecture within major cities, throughout the world, to working with published photographers and design teams to generate stylish looks and/ or creative direction for publishing and additional media outlets. I understand that this journey has only begun for me, but with every opportunity that has been afforded, thus far, I feel that I am exceedingly blessed!
Has it been a smooth road?
This journey has not been easy AT ALL!!!! Launching a business brings so many highs and lows. One of the lowest moments was losing the matriarch of my family, only three months after launching my business. Even with the mentorship and encouragement of friends and family, no one can prepare you for the loss of a loved one. The toughest hurdle to cross was to be productive and not appear as a failure. I attempted to ignore the inevitable emotions of grievance and focus on my business, but this pursuit only led to a downward spiral of emotions. I quickly found myself being in a position where my faith, my family, and my purpose were the only motivators that kept me going. I have always believed that the “Lord doesn’t take you to a circumstance without bringing you through it.” Therefore with every “hurdle” in the road, came an opportunity to overcome it!
Tell us more about you business.
Initially the Style Wells was imagined as only being a blog that highlights all things in style, in fashion, and design, but as I began to create content weekly, I realized that the Style Well(s) is so much more! It is a “well” of knowledge that promotes the identity of “style” in all aspects of our everyday lives. It partially touches a lot on fashion and styling but it also acknowledges strategies of design for the built environment.
Our specialties are within fashion styling and editorial graphics. We not only advise what to wear but present what you are wearing in a compelling way. This strategy I believe sets us apart from the rest. The Style Well(s) is truly a one stop shop! Because my background is in architecture, I have the advantage and knowledge to engage past the “what” and respond with the “why!” This engagement often surpasses the traditional task of a stylist. As the owner of The Style Well(s), my tasks are very diverse and unrestrained. I can go from operating as a creative director of a shoot, to modeling for my blog, to styling for clients, and formulating design concepts for publishing. With the Style Well(s) I function as the “whole designer.” This means that I can successfully function through multiple disciplines of design. Thus far this journey has been fun. No project has been the same, but every project is supplied with the same level of excellence and innovation!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I believe that the design industry is moving toward more technological advancements. I believe that technology is becoming the medium to convey style. No long will it be about “just looking cute” and posting about it, I believe that the future will allow for the consumers to have more of a say so in what works and what doesn’t. With the prevalence of social media, and the improvements of fabrication tools, I will not be surprised if the future entails us, as a people, 3D printing whatever we want to wear the morning of. I know it sounds ludicrous, but at the rate technology is moving, we are headed in that direction. Fashion and style has become more about custom apparel. Everyone in my world seemingly is only interested in garments that express individuality. No one wants to look like anyone. I consider this a good thing. I believe an attitude for individuality pushes the limits of possibilities for style and design.
Contact Info:
- Website: thestylewells.com
- Email: info@thestylewells.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestylewells/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thestylelwells/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheStyleWells/
Image Credit:
Chastain Lusborough Photography and Andriachapmanphotography
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