We’re so excited to introduce this month’s Aspiring Woman Who Inspire, Lauren Scruggs Kennedy. A wellness warrior, New York Times best-selling author, lifestyle blogger, founder, and philanthropist (seriously though, when does she have time to sleep?!), she’s truly inspiring and one to watch when it comes to…well pretty much everything. From brand launching and brand building, to wellness, beauty, fashion and clean living, Lauren is a model in living life to the fullest and creating the life you want for yourself.
Please welcome Lauren!
Introduce yourself.
I was born in California, grew up in Dallas, and now I am back to living in California. I have a twin sister and have been married for 5 years to my best friend, and I am incredibly passionate about wellness. My goal is to share my own experiences and journey to help others feel less alone in theirs! I really enjoy the entrepreneurial life because it is challenging, filled with passion, relationships, education, and risk; I have two books, launched a dry shampoo called Stranded, a 90 day nutritional guide called The Clean Sweep, started the Lauren Scruggs Kennedy Foundation, have a lifestyle blog called LSK, and I am launching nontoxic surface wipes in just a few months!
How did you get into your industry? Was this always where you saw yourself?
During my first semester in college, I got such a clear picture that I would be working in the fashion industry. I switched schools and started diligently pursuing this! I interned in NYC in the Gossip Girl wardrobe department, at the Michael Kors showroom, and soon after, I started reporting seasonally for Fashion Week in New York and sporadically in Paris and Montreal as well. After college, I took all of my favorite aspects from each of my experiences and launched an online website, and the rest was history!
From your experience, what are the three key factors or strategies for starting and establishing a brand?
Be yourself, work hard and set goals, push through discouraging times, and ask for wisdom! Oh! And be patient because everything takes longer than expected. This is more than three, but these have each been so key for me!
What’s an accomplishment you consider to be the most significant in your career so far?
I honestly have learned so much through each experience. I think pushing through risk and keeping my vision in tact while shifting when necessary has been my greatest accomplishment. Each one of these passion projects has been so sweet and special and growing in their own separate ways, and I am grateful for each of them.
What’s a failure that turned into a blessing?
When starting a company, it is impossible to know what you are doing. It is such a journey. I am so thankful for the starting points. It has been so fun to “rebrand” as I enter into new seasons of life. My blog focused on such different things at the beginning, and it’s so rewarding to see everything grow and transform along with me as I do the same in my life!
Morning routine?
Right after I wake up, I aim to read and journal for about 15-30 minutes. I grab my bone broth bar, make some tea, and start emails! And hug my husband in between!
Who’s an aspiring woman who inspires you?
My mom greatly inspires me. She consistently aims to be better, to grow in self awareness, and to help others by sharing her own life experiences.
What’s one piece of career advice you’d give a young person looking to follow in your footsteps?
Be yourself and take one day at a time. Don’t expect to be immediately successful as everything takes time and effort. Keep believing in yourself!
When you’re not killin’ it in your career, what can we find you doing?
I go to the beach several times a week, I love just hanging out with my husband whether it’s a cozy night at home or with a group of friends, my family is my happy place, and I really enjoy eating at healthy places, cooking new meals, and taking weekend getaways with my husband.
RAPID FIRE
Three words that describe you?
Organized, caring, efficient.
Three products you can’t live without?
Primally Pure Beauty Cream, Stranded dry shampoo, eyebrow gel and Lab to Beauty lip balm.
Dream collaboration?
I would love to work with and learn from any woman that is dedicated to creating clean beauty through her own garden or farm.
Trendy or classic?
Classic.
#1 place on your travel bucket list?
The Philippines.
Go to drink order?
The hot chocolate with homemade date syrup and almond milk at Sweet Laurel Bakery.
Favorite restaurant?
The Real Coconut, Pace, or R+D Kitchen.
Where can people follow you?
@laurenscruggs on Instagram and on laurenscruggskennedy.com
