Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren O’Toole.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m the creator of the fashion blog, Brown Paper Doll. I’m a 28-year old Southerner by birth, but a recent transplant from New York City! I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and spent my days shopping, hitting the beach and did I say, shopping? After finishing school at Vanderbilt University, I moved to Atlanta for a couple of years before pursuing my advertising career in New York. After a couple years in the big city, I’m happy to call Atlanta home again!
All my life, I’ve had an unwavering passion for all things fashion. From a very early age, I really enjoyed putting outfits together or thinking of unique ways to wear my clothes. People always stop me on the street and ask, “hey, where did you get that sweater?” or “who makes those shoes?” For many years, I thought about starting a blog to document my outfits and the things I’m lusting after but the timing just didn’t feel right. I was also fearful about putting myself out there. All of the bloggers whose style really resonated with me, didn’t look like me. So, despite loving fashion, I thought being a blogger wasn’t for someone who looked like me. With some confidence, I overcame my hesitation and realized that my diversity is pretty powerful.
I hope I can motivate other girls elsewhere to follow their passions. That’s part of the inspiration behind my blog name “Brown Paper Doll.” I also loved the memory of playing with paper dolls as a child, mixing and matching their delicate clothes to put together unique looks. Similarly, I try to bring that same creativity to my outfits and ultimately, my blog.
I started Brown Paper Doll in April 2016. Since it’s inception, my followers look to my for outfits, fashion advice and lust-worthy items on the market. I’ve also evolved to include more lifestyle and travel content!
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?
So it’s been about a year and a half and I’m loving every minute of this journey. In that short amount of time, I’ve been really lucky to meet some incredible new people and even partner with iconic brands such as Barbie, DSW, and Spanx.
It definitely hasn’t been an easy road, and I’m still growing and learning. Hurdles include other competitive bloggers, the Instagram algorithm and balancing my life between my day job and growing Brown Paper Doll. I ultimately just want to bring my content in front of more people’s screens and have the opportunity to connect with a wider audience!
Please tell us about Brown Paper Doll.
I’m known for attainable luxury and an aesthetic that mixes my Southern roots with time in the city. You won’t find me in a Lily Pulitzer dress, but that doesn’t mean I shy away from color.
What sets me apart is my style and heritage. So many bloggers out there look the same, dress the same and hope their followers fit into this perfect box.
I’m all about diversity (I’m a melting pot of races) and hope that my followers feel inspired to be themselves and wear what makes them feel great!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Anything that involves my family. Spending weekends shopping with my mom, heading to the beach on sunny days or jetsetting to Europe to spend time with my brother (he lives in Ireland and I’ve been going there since I was 12).
Contact Info:
- Website: brownpaperdoll.com
- Email: la@brownpaperdoll.com
- Instagram: brownpaperdoll
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brownpaperdoll/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/brownpaperdoll/
Image Credit:
Cat Galletti Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
