We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Ashley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.
Lauren , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
If allowed to go back in time, I would choose to start my business sooner. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with entrepreneurship, the feeling of betting on oneself and pursuing one’s passion is incredibly rewarding.
Certainly, there have been tough days and experiences that have made me question my decision to leave my corporate job for entrepreneurship. However, those moments of doubt and adversity have also been a valuable learning experiences that has shaped me into a stronger and more resilient entrepreneur.
Ultimately, I believe that leaping into entrepreneurship has been the right decision for me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The journey may have its ups and downs, but the opportunity to pursue my passion and build something meaningful is truly priceless.
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 am an interior designer with a background in Fine Arts in Interior Design. My journey into this industry has been a combination of childhood passion, creative exploration, and professional education. As a child, I always had a keen interest in transforming spaces and expressing my creativity through design. Although my mother didn’t allow me to paint my room, she nurtured my creativity by introducing me to a popular gaming software that allowed me to design and build virtual homes and cities. This experience ignited my passion for interior design and set me on the path to pursue it as a career.
After completing my degree in Fine Arts in Interior Design, I embarked on my professional journey, eager to translate my passion for design into tangible spaces that enhance people’s lives. I am deeply passionate about creating environments that not only reflect my clients’ personalities and preferences but also promote functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal.
In my practice, I offer a range of interior design services tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. Whether it’s residential or commercial spaces, renovations or new constructions, I work closely with my clients to understand their vision, requirements, and budget constraints. From concept development and space planning to material selection and project management, I provide comprehensive design solutions to bring my clients’ vision to life.
I take pride in the fact that my work has enabled me to establish my own business and lead a small team of dedicated professionals. Together, we collaborate to deliver exceptional design experiences and create spaces that inspire, delight, and enrich the lives of our clients.
Overall, my journey in the interior design industry has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion and make a positive impact through my creative work.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was that learning stops after receiving a degree. The backstory to this realization involves my transition from a structured 9-5 environment, with a heavy military influence, to pursuing a career as a creative entrepreneur.
Initially, my mindset was shaped by the belief that once I obtained my degree, I had acquired all the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in my field. However, as I ventured into the world of entrepreneurship and creative endeavors, I quickly realized that learning is an ongoing process. The degree provided me with a solid foundation, but it was just the beginning of my journey.
I had to unlearn the idea that success was solely dependent on following established protocols and being a diligent worker within a firm. Instead, I discovered the importance of continuously seeking knowledge, experimenting with new ideas, and adapting to changing circumstances.
Moreover, I came to understand that learning is not limited to formal education but extends to real-world experiences, interactions, and self-discovery. It’s about embracing a mindset of lifelong learning and being open to new possibilities and opportunities for growth.
Transitioning from a structured environment to the world of entrepreneurship required me to relearn many things, including how to think creatively, take calculated risks, and find innovative solutions to challenges. While my previous experiences provided a valuable foundation, I had to adapt and find different ways to make my work thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
One invaluable resource that I wish I had known about earlier in my creative journey is the support and guidance provided by business coaches. Business coaches have played a pivotal role in scaling and evolving my business by offering personalized advice, strategic insights, and actionable recommendations.
One of the key benefits of working with a business coach is their ability to assist with the process of unlearning and relearning new material as the world, market, and my business landscape evolves. They provide a fresh perspective, challenge my assumptions, and help me navigate through the complexities of entrepreneurship with clarity and confidence.
Additionally, business coaches offer invaluable support in areas such as goal setting, time management, marketing strategies, financial planning, and leadership development. Their expertise and experience in the business world provide invaluable insights and guidance that have been instrumental in driving the growth and success of my creative endeavors.
Overall, the support and guidance of business coaches have been transformative in my creative journey, and I highly recommend tapping into this resource early on to accelerate growth, overcome challenges, and achieve long-term success in the creative industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurenashleyexperiences.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenashleyexperiences/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenAshleyExperiences
Image Credits
Krytondra Mamou