We recently connected with Lauren Way and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lauren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success, to me, embodies persistence, adaptability, and authenticity. It’s not merely about setting goals but also about navigating challenges, learning to pivot, and staying true to your vision. True success means pursuing your own dreams without allowing others’ expectations to overshadow your beliefs and aspirations.

I also believe that the ultimate level of success is achieved when one can empower others by sharing the blueprint of their own achievements. By guiding and supporting others on their journeys.

Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy that inspires others to pursue their dreams with faith, persistence, and good intentions. In a world where shortcuts are often glorified, I strive to be a living testament to the power of integrity and hard work. I want to show my siblings and anyone who needs it that with dedication and a clear purpose, success is attainable.

Lauren , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Lauren Caress, a Southern California-based model, marketing professional, and entrepreneur originally from Metuchen, New Jersey. My journey into the creative industry began with modeling, where I discovered my passion for storytelling, branding, and engaging with audiences. Over the years, I’ve expanded my expertise into entrepreneurship and marketing, creating innovative solutions for brands that want to connect with their audiences authentically.

In 2018, I relocated to Los Angeles after years of international modeling. Transitioning into a new market without my physical support system was challenging, but I was determined to carve my path. I gained valuable insights into high-end clientele and the luxury market through freelancing, managing luxury retail stores, and working in private aviation, laying the groundwork for my next chapter.

The COVID-19 pandemic became a pivotal moment, challenging me to dig deeper into my creativity and build opportunities when the industry slowed down. That period refined my craft, strengthened my network, and allowed me to collaborate with brands I once admired.

My career has been diverse, encompassing roles in luxury retail management, private aviation operations, and now marketing and content creation. I specialize in producing impactful media and advertising campaigns across industries such as financial services (SoFi Bank), healthcare (Tia and Fay Nutrition), beauty, and wellness. For my clients, I offer end-to-end solutions—from content creation and strategic direction to enhancing their brand identity in ways that resonate.

What sets me apart is my adaptability and ability to build genuine connections with both brands and audiences. I combine professionalism with creativity and am intentional about the partnerships I form, prioritizing authenticity in every collaboration. I work with brands whose values align with mine because I believe that meaningful work stems from shared purpose.

One of my proudest achievements has been transitioning from a traditional modeling career into a multifaceted role as a creator and entrepreneur. When COVID-19 disrupted the industry, I used that moment of uncertainty to refine my skills, foster new connections, and create opportunities for myself. That pivotal time allowed me to collaborate with brands I once admired from afar, turning dreams into tangible achievements.

My brand is fueled by passion, purpose, and creativity. I aim to bring stories to life that inspire, connect, and elevate others. Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to build meaningful relationships within the industry and establish my own agency—one that reflects my values, supports others, and leaves a lasting legacy.

The journey is ongoing, and I’m dedicated to blending my experiences to launch my own brand and agency. For me, success means taking intentional steps every day, keeping a bigger vision in mind, and evolving with purpose.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that asking for help makes me weak.

As the eldest child, I’ve always felt this sense of responsibility to take care of everything—whether it was looking out for my siblings or managing the pressures of my career. Growing up, I often felt like I had to set an example and handle things on my own. I thought that asking for help would make me seem weak or incapable, so I took on everything by myself, even when it became overwhelming.

But over time, I realized that this mindset wasn’t sustainable. I noticed that the most successful people around me weren’t doing everything alone—they had teams, mentors, investors and people they could rely on. By learning to trust others and ask for help, I became more efficient and built stronger relationships with both my colleagues and clients.

This lesson also carries into my everyday life. Whether it’s seeking advice from an expert or collaborating with others on a project, I’ve learned that leaning on those around me doesn’t diminish my strength. Instead, it allows me to grow and thrive in ways I couldn’t on my own. Unlearning the belief that I had to do it all by myself has been one of the most empowering shifts in my life.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, my creativity is driven by the goal of experiencing as much of the world as possible and then curating or creating something of my own that allows others to experience it too. My ultimate mission is to immerse myself in different cultures, lifestyles, fashion, food, and languages, and then share that wealth of experience in a way that inspires others to see the world in a broader, more vibrant way. Whether through content creation, building my own brand, or offering something unique, I want to create a space where people can connect to the beauty of diversity and adventure. The driving force behind my creativity is the desire to teach, inspire, and share these experiences, so others feel encouraged to explore and appreciate the richness of the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Laurencaress

Image Credits

N/A