Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauryn J.
Hi Lauryn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From Loss to Legacy: The Making of Lauryn J
Let’s start at the beginning! I was born in Dekalb county & spent my early years in the heart of the eastside of Atlanta’s East Lake neighborhood with my mom—my rock, my everything. It was just the two of us for a long time, before we made the move to my family’s stomping grounds in Ellenwood, Georgia. I had a massive support system in my mom, grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and pretty much anyone who could say “aye cuz!” & get my attention. It was love and chaos all wrapped in one—exactly how a childhood should be..
The grass was green until tragedy hit when I was 16. I lost my cousin Shanay, who was more like a sister to me. She was my protector, my first friend, and her passing shook my world in a way I can’t quite put into words. It also marked the beginning of my relationship with God, something that would guide me through the toughest moments ahead.
The day after Shanay passed, I showed up to high school looking… well, dreadful—grief isn’t exactly a cute look. But that day, a girl named Tay, who had no idea what I was going through, decided to show me how to do my makeup. It was honestly life-changing. A little bit of brow action, mascara, and the right shade of concealer And just like that, she took me from a solid 0 to a full-on hero —at least on the outside. And while it didn’t erase my pain, it gave me a way to mask it. Makeup became my shield, and my way to get through the hardest time of my life. I wore my fake smiles and painted faces all the way through high school, prom, graduation—and even became a first-generation college student. Looking back, I realize that makeup wasn’t just about looking good—it was about finding the strength to keep going.
Life threw another curveball at me early on. While attending my second semester as a freshman at Savannah State University, I found myself at a crossroads when I lost my aunt to cancer. Instead of powering through, I dropped out of school at 19, emotionally and mentally drained. But, as they say, when one door closes, a lipstick opens (or something like that). I turned to makeup—my unexpected therapy—and started doing makeup professionally, first as a traveling artist, then in my cousin’s suite. It was a new beginning, one contour at a time.
Grieving my aunt and unpacking trauma from my past, I turned to therapy. I found that healing was not just about talking about your feelings but sometimes putting on a bold lip and facing the world head-on. Along the way, I also started my YouTube channel. Makeup was my art, and YouTube became my platform to teach others how to transform their looks, and my own life, in the process.
Then, I re-enrolled in college (because let’s face it, everyone loves a plot twist), after a semester the world went into lockdown. While many were adjusting to Zoom meetings, I was navigating a new reality—balancing pandemic stress with the growing realization that I was onto something big. My makeup artistry had evolved into a full-fledged career. I became a YouTube Partner within 11 months, secured brand deals, and most importantly, felt the urge to invest in myself. Enter Lauryn J Beauty Est. 2021
I soft-launched my cosmetics line, and it sold out in a day. It was a sign that I could do this—but, of course, life had more lessons for me. Just as I was planning my full rollout, my grandfather passed away. Instead of giving myself the time to grieve, I pushed through, and, spoiler alert: it was a huge mistake. I hit a major depressive episode, lost my ambition, and faced a dark period where even my makeup brushes couldn’t spark joy.
But life isn’t about how many times you fall; it’s about getting back up, even if it’s one mascara-coated lash at a time. After a couple of years, I found my light again—this time through corporate work and new goals. I learned the importance of patience, self-care, and the fact that sometimes, the best investments are in your mental and emotional health.
In 2024, I faced another heart-wrenching loss—my dad passed away just 16 days after my birthday. But amidst that grief, I was able to reconnect with my 10 other siblings. It’s bittersweet, but also healing, to rebuild those connections and bring some light into a heavy situation.
Through it all, I found myself again. The pain, the challenges, and the moments of darkness have only made me stronger and more determined to keep moving forward.
As I continue on this journey, I carry with me the strength of my family, the lessons from my hardships, and the faith that has never wavered. I know that God has a purpose for my life, and I’m walking confidently toward it.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
So, here I am—continuing to chase my dreams and always staying true to the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I look forward to becoming a serial entrepreneur, taking on more projects that fuel my passions, and continuing to build a legacy rooted in resilience and creativity. Whether I’m mixing makeup formulas or life lessons, I’m all about authenticity, growth, and never letting life’s challenges stop me from shining.
To the magazine, thank you. You’ve unknowingly helped me fulfill a promise I made to God years ago—to share my story and use my experiences to inspire others. Your platform is a step toward the next chapter in my life, and I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. The best part? This is just the beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—if anything, it’s been more like a rollercoaster with a few unexpected loops. Between losing close family members and juggling my dreams with real-life struggles, there were times I seriously questioned my path. But through it all, God kept reminding me that a little turbulence is part of the ride. Every setback became a lesson, and with time I learned how to pick myself up and keep pushing forward. It wasn’t easy, but it sure made the journey more meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been growing my resume as a federal civilian baddie since 2023, working in a federal setting, In an environment that often feels like it’s made for those with traditional credentials, I’ve managed to thrive—despite being a 2x college dropout (but hey, I made it, lol). What I’m most proud of is my consistency—because for years, I faced a rollercoaster of high-highs and low-lows, and it wasn’t always easy to stay on track. At times, it felt like I couldn’t get out of my own way. But I pushed through, learned how to embrace the journey, and never stopped moving forward. What sets me apart is my ability to keep going, even when the path gets rocky. I’ve built a foundation of resilience, and that drive to stay consistent has allowed me to reach new heights and keep striving toward my goals.
What’s next?
I’m excited to relaunch Lauryn J Beauty and get back active on my YouTube channel, ‘Lauryn J,’ where I’ll be diving back into content that blends beauty, self-care, and personal growth. Expect tutorials, product reviews, and behind-the-scenes looks into the world of entrepreneurship and my journey as a business owner. I plan to continue sharing my personal story, tackling topics like resilience, mental health, and life lessons—things that really matter to me and hopefully resonate with my audience. As I evolve personally and professionally. I’m prioritizing being present and finding joy in the everyday. Also trying to find ways to celebrate and honor my angels. I also see myself branching out into new industries, all while staying true to my purpose and using my past as fuel.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saylauryn
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@laurynj
- Other: https://linktr.ee/laurynJ
