Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Chantel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Lauren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
As I approach eight years in business for myself, I often reflect on why I founded The Ladies’ Room NJ, a nonprofit organization dedicated to women in or interested in entrepreneurship. The answer is simple: I created the community I once needed.
Starting my own business wasn’t just a leap of faith—it was a necessity. I’ve always pushed beyond the bare minimum, constantly innovating and striving for elevation in everything I do. I worked across multiple industries, taking on any job I could think of, yet nothing truly fulfilled me. That’s when I knew I had to create my own lane—one that would challenge me, allow me creative freedom, and help others along the way.
In the early days, I spent countless hours researching, educating myself, and seeking guidance. I looked for mentors, but they felt out of reach. I didn’t personally know anyone in the space I aspired to enter, and that made the journey even more isolating. I remember participating in a nonprofit during college and drilling a colleague with questions, hoping to uncover the blueprint for where to begin. That moment opened my eyes—I lacked the support and community I needed to thrive.
My friends didn’t fully understand my vision, and I didn’t expect them to. I didn’t know where to turn, but I did know one thing: I had to build what I was looking for. I needed a space where I was understood, where resources were accessible, and where women like me could find guidance, mentorship, and collaboration. That’s why I created The Ladies’ Room NJ—because no woman should have to navigate this journey alone.
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?
My name is Lauren Chantel—New Jersey native, founder of The Ladies’ Room, owner of Chic Hour Skin, licensed esthetician, and proud mom to my beautiful daughter Suhayla. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, I’ve always had a passion for service, leadership, and pouring into others. I’m a friend, mentor, and sister to many, and I’ve never been one to sit still—I’ve always had big dreams and the drive to match. From being a straight-A student to juggling multiple jobs, volunteering in my community, and constantly pushing toward my next goal, staying busy is just part of who I am.
I founded *The Ladies’ Room* in 2020—originally sparked by my desire to create a safe, intentional space for women in business to connect, grow, and find the resources we’re so often left to figure out alone. But I quickly learned that “self-made” is a myth. With a newborn baby and no team, I put the vision on pause—until two years later, when a group of powerful women saw what I saw and chose to help bring it to life. That was the turning point.
Since then, The Ladies’ Room has blossomed into a true sisterhood. Over the past three years, we’ve hosted networking events, panels, wellness workshops, and pop-up experiences that connect women of all ages and stages—from high school students to seasoned entrepreneurs. We’ve partnered with powerhouse brands like JP Morgan Chase, Black Girl Sunscreen, Crumbl Cookies, and more. And while we’re built for women, we’ve also opened our doors to men—because access to resources and support in business is a universal need.
This mission is personal. I show up every day to create the spaces I wish existed when I started. My goal is to build something that outlives me—something Suhayla can be proud of, and something that continues to pave the way for the next generation of bosses, creatives, and changemakers. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, the team that stands beside me, and the women of The Ladies’ Room who keep betting on themselves—and winning.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Being myself is my superpower. I don’t switch up depending on the room—I walk in as Lauren Chantel, every single time. And as a business owner, that’s something you can’t fake. You see it in the way I interact with my audience, how I run my businesses, and how I show up for my community. I don’t talk in hypotheticals, and I’m not giving you fluff. I speak from real, lived experience—and people respect that. They don’t want to hear what I might do if I were in their shoes—they want the real, and that’s exactly what I give.
That’s what gives me the edge in this space. I’ve been through the fire—personally, professionally, and as a Black woman in business. I don’t gatekeep the game. I share what I know because I want the next woman to win too. That’s what The Ladies’ Room is built on—transparency, growth, and sisterhood rooted in truth.
And listen, I’m not perfect. I’m constantly learning. But that’s the beauty of having a team that gets me. They don’t just tell me what I want to hear—they support me, call me in when I need to grow, and show up for me the way I show up for them. That’s what real leadership looks like. That’s what real community feels like.
Everything we do—from our events to our branding to our conversations—is 100% real. No fake voices, no made-up storylines, no stock photos to make it look good. Our impact speaks for itself because our stories are real. Our journeys are raw. Our mission is lived.
Authenticity is rare—but it’s my mission to lead with it, live in it, and deliver it. Because if we’re not preparing people to move through the real world, what are we really doing? The real always prevails. That’s not just a motto—it’s a lifestyle.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pivot.
Get familiar with the word. Make it your best friend. Learn your strongest strategy and stay ready—so you don’t have to get ready. Life is about change. Nothing stays the same forever, and if it does, chances are there’s no growth happening there. Pivoting doesn’t always look like an inconvenience, but 9 times out of 10—it is. And I’ve had to pivot more times than I can count.
As of 2024, the cost of living in New Jersey hit hard. Real hard. People started rethinking how they spend—especially on self-care and beauty. My skincare business, Chic Hour Skin, started to slow down. Clients I saw every week became “every now and then” visitors. Product prices went up, but the expectation was for service prices to stay the same. That balance? It started slipping. I picked up side jobs just to keep things afloat, and it started to take a toll on my body and my mental.
Skincare can be seasonal—that part I already understood. But this was different. This wasn’t a slow season, this was a shift. New clients weren’t signing up. Memberships weren’t moving. Services that once stayed booked were sitting open. I had to be real with myself and say, “Okay, it’s time to switch lanes, for now.”
So I tapped back into my roots and started applying to jobs in the legal field. For months, it was nothing but silence and rejection. But I stayed active—still marketing my business, showing up at my part-time job, and keeping faith that something was going to give. And then in March, it did. I was offered a full-time role—close to home, consistent, and respectful of my work-life balance. It wasn’t part of my original plan, but let me tell you, it was right on time.
This new chapter gives me financial stability and peace of mind. It’s allowing me to reimagine what’s next for Chic Hour Skin without stressing about how to survive. As of April, I’ve opened the studio up for event rentals, coworking space, and more. It’s a pivot, not a pause. And although this wasn’t the path I saw coming, I’m making it work. Because that’s what real hustlers do—we figure it out.
One thing about me? I’m going to bet on myself every time. And even when the vision shifts, the mission stays the same: keep pushing forward. So if you’re reading this and going through a tough season—pivot with purpose. Be flexible. Stay focused. And remember, things could always be worse. You just have to trust your bounce back and believe in your next move—even when it doesn’t look like what you planned.
There is always a way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Angelicbraze
- Instagram: @ladiesroomnj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theladiesroomnj/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-chantel-63494b90/
Image Credits
@MONTEIAHSIAN