Every week we bring you a featured blogger or talent who inspires us. This week we’re so excited to share with you Lauren of You and Lu! You & Lu is one of our go-to spots for everything from cocktail recipes and style ideas to celebratory DIY’s and mindful wellness beliefs. Sharing ways to create an accessibly chic lifestyle with ease, Lauren’s positive spirit is one of the reasons we keep coming back for more! Learn more about Lauren and her blog here.
What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Patient, committed, optimistic.
What Profession other than yours would you love to attempt?
I have dreams of writing books someday. I’d love to hide away in a peaceful corner of our world and just write, write, write.
What is your favorite quote?
“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” I am a big believer in this.
What inspired your blog?
Initially, the inspiration came from a very personal place. I was sharing my life as a newlywed, an aspiring broadcaster, and an LA transplant. Over time, I built You & Lu into a celebratory destination. It’s about creating an accessibly chic lifestyle with ease. I want my readers to walk away with practical ways to live a healthy, happy, and stylish life!
What is your favorite social media platform and why?
I love snapchat, because it’s so genuine and unfiltered. It has allowed me to connect with my readers in an entirely new way — one that’s very real, raw, and oftentimes, mundane. Real life doesn’t look like an Instagram feed (as pretty as it is)! I have loved the opportunity to give my followers a new perspective, which oftentimes gives life to the moments I post on Instagram.
Where do you find inspiration for blog posts?
Everywhere! I don’t look at life the same anymore. My mind sees everything as a blog post, which is both a blessing and a curse 😉 I’m inspired by the places I travel, parties I attend, the influencers I follow, and the books I read. I try to combine practicality with aspiration, so my followers walk away with ideas they can actually apply.
What do you think it is about your blog that keeps people coming back for more?
I make a very conscience effort to keep my blog personal and positive, so my followers feel safe and inspired each time they stop by. I think people come back because it’s truly about a building a life you LOVE. If I feature a DIY project, it’s to encourage togetherness. If I feature an outfit, it’s to encourage confidence. If I feature a workout, it’s to encourage balance. Everything is about making the most of this beautiful life we have.
What do you love most about blogging?
I love the ability to impact people in such a direct and personal way. In a mere Instagram post, I can reach tens of thousands of people. That’s remarkable. Our world is changing. Plus, the creative process is so challenging and rewarding. I have to cultivate new ideas every day, which has made me look at my surroundings in a whole new light.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
This career is a true journey, and there’s no established ‘mentor’ in the space whose path we’re all following. It’s too new. I see myself interacting with more people, in more places, in new ways. I want a book. I want a celebratory lifestyle line. I want a family. And I want it all to create positivity and light.
If you could spend an entire day with one person, who would it be and what would you do?
Perhaps this is cliché, but it would be Oprah. She is someone who carved a path entirely her own. She’s brave and innovative and such a risk-taker. I’d convince her to have a martini with me and sit on that famous couch of hers!