Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Hickman.
Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I first meet people I always say, “I am Midwest Born, West Coast Raised and Southern Made.”
Born right outside of Chicago in Evanston, IL to growing up in Hawaii and California to being ‘made’ in the South attending two Illustrious HBCU institutions – Fisk University for undergrad and Clark Atlanta University for my MBA – I am a pretty well-rounded individual whose goal daily is to live and love life!
Upon finishing school – I went into the Rail Industry and have worked the last decade in Supply Chain. I have had a lot of neat roles in my career while managed multi-million-dollar contracts for major corporations. My favorite role was when I led a multi-million-dollar supplier diversity program aimed at increase contract opportunities for diverse suppliers. When not working at my corporate job, I also have my own business, Speak Up La Inc.
I created Speak Up La, to have a place where I can do what I love in various forms. Be it consulting individuals & businesses, to blogging about a new travel destination, podcasting about life lessons, advocating and advancing diverse businesses to creating a TV Show that shines a light on successful Black individuals! I do quite a bit!
The big thing I am working on now is I created a show that will bring about the awareness of 15+ small businesses and will showcase the history/impact of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU).
When not working, I enjoy relaxing, reading a great book, finding a new local eatery to try or exploring a new travel destination.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Surprisingly, I would say – in looking at the grand scheme of things that have happened over my life’s journey, the road in some capacity has been fairly smooth.
Don’t get me wrong, I have had my share of personal and professional obstacles in life; but I will say the one thing that I have struggled with most of my life is in believing in myself.
Especially as an entrepreneur, there are so many times that I feel uncertain of myself and what I am doing, but there comes a point where you have to find a way to trust yourself but also give yourself a lot of grace, because making a wrong decision will happen. But the best thing about making a wrong decision is really a lesson.
I remember the first major event I had for my business, barely anyone showed up! I was so embarrassed but in truth I was sad that what I had planned for so long to help people, there was literally no one there to gain this advice and tools I have created for them. As painful as that moment was. and I can say I took a moment where I questioned myself on if I was even cut out to do this.
Initially, I stopped believing in myself that I could really be a great entrepreneur to a complete mindshift of looking at the event as a learning moment. I thought through more of how I could have better marketed the event, but the best thing I told myself was, “next time’.
Just because I hit a roadblock/obstacle this time, didn’t mean that I would not be successful in what I want to achieve in the future.
The big thing with anything in life is to always keep going. When hit with obstacles, always remember it will not last always and to keep going – there can always be brighter days ahead.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Speak Up La?
Speak Up La Inc. is a Diversity and Inclusion Consulting Business that fosters and advocates small business ownership, implements sustainable corporate supplier diversity programs, designs marketing campaigns while also producing media content via streaming, blog and podcast aimed at motivating people to be their best selves.
In this business, I amplify voices, connect people and spread joy. The big thing I am working on now is I am creating a show that will bring about the awareness of 15+ small businesses and will showcase the history/impact of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU).
This show is so important to me because of its focus to showcase Black Excellence in real-time. The show was filmed on multiple HBCU campuses and showcases black individuals showcasing greatness in multiple lanes – from art to medicine to tech entrepreneurs changing the game – the features in the show are of such variety it is something you do not want to miss!
In this business, one of the things I feel that sets it apart is I share/focus on areas from a space of experience. From anything you get on my page, especially through my blog, it is something that I have been through. I built this business to amplify voices, connect people and spread joy. This is only the beginning and cannot wait to see how it grows.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 Crisis taught me that I hadn’t been living fully – I was more so existing. My life was so stacked with stuff – just stayed busy almost for no reason. The Covid-19 crisis grounded me to take a step back and focus on what is most important to me.
Family is my top priority – and from the Covid-19 helped bring into focus I needed to be back closer to them, so I made the decision to move back to the Atlanta area. After moving back to be closer to family, I really sat down and decided on what I wanted to do in this world and give to the world, which you are seeing in part in my business now.
But my big takeaway from all of this was to focus on living. It could be as simple as enjoy a good cup of coffee, getting a hug from a family member to sitting outside in the backyard soaking up sun. There is so much happiness and joy that can be found in simple things. My motto in life right now is #justlive. I plan to now more than ever live life to the fullest.
Pricing:
- Consulting – $200/Hr
- Speak Up La Unisex Short – $30
- Speak Up La Tumbler – $25
- Speak Up La Sweatshirt – $45
- Speak Up La Wine Tumbler – $20
Contact Info:
- Email: info@speakupla.com
- Website: www.speakupla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_speakupla/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupla.fbpage
