We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Barrera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren , thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Spending time outside of my comfort zone was definitely something I used to avoid doing. I was used to the stability of a typical career path, a consistent paycheck, and knowing what my next day would entail, but life has a funny way of giving you something you least expected. The biggest risk I’ve taken was starting a small business from scratch, in one of the most challenging times during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was unexpectedly laid off during the pandemic due to budget cuts and realized how quickly I needed to pivot my career in the process. I spent a lot to time thinking what my next steps would be. If I went back into my comfort zone, I’d go straight into another 9-5 job, but while I was decision making I received so much encouragement from my family & friends to go for what I’ve always wanted to do, mix my passion for creating art into a full-time business. I took my last paycheck from my job and finally invested in myself, or rather…my dream. I knew my dream was ambitious, but I also believed I was capable. It’s so easy to doubt your own potential. The doubt can set in, outside opinions can be difficult to navigate, but when you start to imagine of all the things that could go right, that’s when the magic really happens. I started my business back in 2021, and never once have I regretted my decision. Letting myself embrace the ebbs and flows that comes with the reality of being a first time entreprenuer has made me realize, I need to always leave the door of my comfort zone wide open, because that’s where personal and professional growth really begins.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Lauren, I’m a 32 year old entrepreneur, based in Southern California heading into my 5th year of owning & operating my small business Love, Seresa. I graduated from CSU Channel Islands with a Communications degree with an emphasis in Business & Nonprofits, as well as a degree in Fine Arts. I was always that kid growing up who carried her sketchbook around, and that has not changed even through adulthood. After graduating, I went into the nonprofit field, working at several organizations with mission-based work in my local community. Years later when I started my journey as an entrepreneur, I quickly realized how much being purposeful and intentional with a small business was incredibly important. I always knew I wanted a small business that would reflect the love I have for my culture. I named my business after my mom Cherry, “Seresa” in Tagalog means cherry. The core of who I am, comes from my parents. My mom is Filipino and my dad is Mexican, and both of their families immigrated here to the United States. Love, Seresa is not just a name, it represents my culture, my family, and my appreciation of what art has done for my life. A place where we’re all able to embrace one’s culture, community, and find relatability in those shared traditions and memories that connect us with our heritage. There’s a playful way I go about creating my designs, oftentimes a hug to your inner child. It’s always been dedicated to the cook anaks (kids) at heart, a club we’re all a part of.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I think one of the best things that has come out of my small business is all of the genuine connections I’ve made through it. I’m super grateful to have a community that has been so supportive of not only me, but my business. I never take for granted any order, shoutout, direct message, or review I receive. I realize that there are so many businesses they could shop at, and I take into consideration that they are spending their hard earned money on something I created. I will always make the time to read through what they’ve sent me, and letting them know how much it means to me is something they deserve to hear, because it truly does mean the world. When it comes to my fellow small business owners, being able to collaborate with their business, cheer them on, and reciprocate that support back is a priority for me. It goes beyond fostering brand loyalty, it’s community over competition ALWAYS. That will always reflect in how I treat my community.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Doing wholesale and custom orders really opened up my business into a full time career. I was able to form relationships with brick & mortar stores spanning from Southern California to Hawaii that wanted to carry my products. Those opportunities not only opened Love, Seresa to be at a physical location, but it brought in new customers who preferred a shopping experience in person. Don’t be scared of opportunities to grow in your business. I’m thankful to have been able to get great advice and tips from other small business owners about how to expand my business in that direction, and that caused such a positive ripple effect for scaling up.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.etsy.com/shop/LoveSeresa
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/loveseresa/