Story & Lesson Highlights with Loren Teal of McDonough

Loren Teal shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Loren , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day start with prayer, meditation, journaling, coffee, plannng routes, and if it’s a school day it’s everything times 3 lol

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Well hey there — I’m Loren Marie Teal, but most folks just call me Auntie Loren, the heart behind L.T. Courier Collective, a woman-led, veteran-owned courier and pet transport business based out of McDonough, Georgia. I’m what happens when hustle meets heart with a little Southern seasoning on top.

I didn’t just wake up and decide to move packages and puppies — I built this thing from the trunk of my car, off grit, grace, and gallons of gas. I deliver more than items… I deliver peace of mind. Whether it’s getting a bouquet across town or a German Shepherd across state lines, I show up on time, with excellence, and a smile — because service is personal to me.

But courier work is just one chapter. I’m also a single mama, a lifestyle creator, and the founder of multiple brands — from Auntie Loren’s Kitchen to LifestyleByLo.com — where I serve up healing, humor, and homemade seasoning blends. I’ve turned hard times into content, long drives into clarity, and my car into a mobile empire.

You may not have heard of me yet — but I’m the Oprah of overcomin’ and the FedEx of finesse. Keep watchin’.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to think I had to be quiet, keep my light dimmed, and tuck my personality in like a church fan on a hot Sunday. I thought speaking up would make me look dumb or get me judged. So I stayed meek, mouth closed, always second-guessing myself.

Now? Please. This mouthpiece pays my bills and builds my business. I’ve learned my voice is powerful, my story is valid, and playing small doesn’t serve anybody — not me, not my kids, and not the version of me God is growing. These days, I speak up with purpose and I stand ten toes down in my truth.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
As a 100% disabled PTSD Army vet, I’ve had more moments of almost giving up than I can count — and not just on one hand, both. Life has knocked the wind outta me more times than I care to admit. But every single time, I’ve stood back up — maybe slower, maybe softer — but stronger. My kids, my purpose, and my dreams wouldn’t let me quit.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. The public version of me is the real me — just dipped in honey, dusted with hustle, and lit with a little extra glow.
I’m the same woman who delivers your flowers with care, your puppies with patience, and your groceries with a grateful heart. I laugh loud, I love hard, and I’m not afraid to tell the truth anymore to make myself little and others BIG.

What you see is what you get. The woman behind L.T. Courier Collective is the same Auntie Loren who’s up at 4 a.m. praying over her kids, grinding through deliveries, speaking life over herself, and still finding joy in the middle of the mess. I show up as myself every single day, whether I’m in cargo pants or a crown. And the best part? I’m still becoming.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d stop second guessing myself like I’m not already the blueprint.
I’d stop trying to be polite about my power or shrink to make people comfortable. I’d release survival mode and choose softness, joy, and peace. See, when you’ve been in fight-or-flight your whole life, even rest feels rebellious. But if I had a countdown clock, I’d choose presence over pressure — hugs over hustle, and legacy over limits. I’d live like every “no” led to the biggest “yes” of my life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ltcouriercollective?igsh=MTd2dW44YWgza2MzdA==