We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Kemps-Thibodeaux recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren , thanks for joining us today. Looking back at the decisions you made early in your career, particularly whether to join a firm or start your own, do you feel you made the right choice for that stage of your career?

In grade school, I was given an assignment that required me to determine what I wanted to be when I grew up. I took that assignment to heart and did some self-reflection. Growing up as a Girl Scout, I knew that serving others, in various capacities, was my true calling. After accessing my other strengths, like my passion for debating with my sibling and my good writing skills, I came to the only logical conclusion — I wanted to be a lawyer. But, I didn’t want to be just any lawyer. I aspired to have my own law firm and utilize that platform to serve my community.

Additionally, for as long as I can remember, I have always had a heart for entrepreneurship. I remember vividly making crafts and goodies to sell to my family as I set up my toy cash register. During college, I went on to start a baking business as a side hustle. After law school, my mother and I ventured out to start an online boutique. Entrepreneurship is just a part of who I am.​

Over the years, my aspiration of becoming an attorney coupled with my passion for entrepreneurship. I was determined to become a great business attorney. My initial plan was to work for a firm for a year or two before “hanging my shingle”. But, as Woody Allen famously said, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.”.

I graduated from law school at a very interesting time. In May 2020, while the world was encountering unprecedented times, I graduated with Cum Laude honors and received my Juris Doctorate from the illustrious Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, became a Certified Civil Mediator, went on to conquer the Texas Bar Exam, and became a licensed attorney in the state of Texas. At this time obtaining an entry-level position within the legal field was difficult for me. Therefore, I was forced to do some self-reflection. I knew what my ultimate goal was and I was determined to make it happen.

In February of 2021, I decided to step out on faith and bet on myself. I founded LKT Law Office®. As a fellow entrepreneur, I know what it’s like to put your blood, sweat, and tears into something and want to protect it as best as you can. I also wanted to educate those in my community that may not have a true understanding of how to protect what they’ve worked so hard to create – their dreams and legacies.

Through LKT Law Office®, I strive to help entrepreneurs develop, maintain, and protect their businesses and brands. I’m so happy that I took the leap of faith and followed what God placed on my heart. I don’t regret the decision at all. I’m proud to say that LKT Law Office® has assisted numerous entrepreneurs in their efforts to legally protect their businesses and brands. My goal is to continue to educate and assist those in need of my services.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an attorney and entrepreneur from Houston, Texas. I stepped out on faith and started my own law firm to assist my fellow entrepreneurs with ensuring that their businesses are legally sound. LKT Law Office® is a client-driven law firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs develop, maintain, and protect their businesses and brands

I help clients nationwide obtain ownership of their brands via Trademark law. I also help clients in Texas form business entities (i.e. Limited Liability Companies, Corporations, Non-profits, etc.), draft custom-tailored contracts, and review business contracts.

As an entrepreneur myself, I’ve been in the exact position of my clients. Therefore I have a unique understanding and perspective of their values. I know what it’s like to put your blood, sweat, and tears into something. I know what it’s like to want clarity and guidance when it comes to the legal aspects of the business. This is a major focus at LKT Law Office®. I ensure that I make things clear for my clients. I break down things in a way that is easy for my clients to understand. As much as I love providing my services, I also enjoy educating my clients on important topics relevant to legally conducting their businesses in order to help ensure longevity. That’s what it’s all about — building and protecting legacies.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes, there are two books, which I refer back to often, that significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial mindset: ‘The ONE Thing’ by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan and ‘To Hell With The Hustle’ by Jefferson Bethke.

While on the entrepreneurial journey, it is so easy to get caught up in the “hustle mentality”. You feel as though you have to do all of the things all the time. I was the same way and ultimately this mindset was hindering me. After reading these two books and utilizing the information together, I was able to shift my mindset. This mindset shift was a game-changer!

For example, having my own law firm requires me to consecutively and consistently “wear all of the hats” from receptionist, assistant, paralegal, marketing manager, bookkeeper, and most importantly attorney. This presented its own challenges. As both an entrepreneur and a service provider I learned that I couldn’t pour from an empty cup.

When I shifted my mindset, everything changed! I was ultimately able to develop better focus, be more efficient (not just keep busy for the sake of the “hustle”), delegate tasks, and still make time for my own enjoyment and self-care.

When you embark on the entrepreneurial journey, you know from the outset that things will not always be easy. This path is not all “cupcakes and rainbows”. So having a great mindset will truly help you to focus more on efficiency and what is truly important.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

In today’s society we are often conditioned to believe that, in order to be successful, we must “prove ourselves” and show how tough we can be. However, that mindset is absolutely draining. I learned early on that I can’t do it all and there’s power in that. This doesn’t mean that I’m not tough enough or I’m not made for this. It just means that I have identified my strengths, weaknesses, and how I can make them work for me. There is nothing wrong with delegating certain tasks when necessary. It allows me to free up time, be efficient in all of my efforts, and focus on what I do best.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lktlawoffice.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lktlawoffice
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/lktlawoffice
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-kemps-thibodeaux-6972a7ab/
• Other: https://lnk.bio/eZtp

Image Credits
LKT Law Office® and Pure Conceptions Multimedia