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

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

The legacy I am building is one rooted in empowerment, purpose, and community. My mission has always been to help people—especially small business owners and, more specifically, minority entrepreneurs—realize their full potential by equipping them with the digital tools they need to succeed. When I started my business, I saw a gap: so many talented, passionate individuals lacked the resources or knowledge to create a strong, streamlined brand presence. I wanted to bridge that gap by offering high-quality branding, website design, and marketing strategies at an accessible cost.

However, beyond business, my impact involves people within the entrepreneurial space. I don’t just create brands—I help entrepreneurs tell their stories, show up confidently in the digital space, and market their services in an authentic and powerful way. To date, I’ve helped over 45 businesses thrive since 2017, and I continue to pour into my clients, ensuring they have the strategies and support they need to succeed.

The legacy of my work I hope to leave behind is the remembrance of being someone who led with purpose and generosity and maximized her potential while helping others do the same. I want to be remembered as a woman whose kindness, creativity, and belief in others were at the heart of everything she did. Someone who always had a smile on her face, who saw the best in people, and who built a lasting community of entrepreneurs who, in turn, helped others rise.

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 am a self-taught website and graphic designer with a strong foundation in communications, specifically public relations. My background in storytelling and brand strategy has allowed me to create compelling digital experiences for businesses, helping them communicate their value in a way that resonates with their audiences. One of the biggest lessons I took from my college experience was that technology will be an integral part of the future—whether we embrace it or not. Recognizing this, I began designing websites in 2017 and soon realized the power of digital branding in helping businesses grow.

As I built my skills, I quietly started creating websites for small businesses, first on WordPress and later shifting to Wix. Today, I am a Wix Icon Partner, which means I not only build and design websites but also earn revenue through my expertise in the platform. My business focuses on website design, brand development, and digital marketing strategy—helping small business owners create consistent, bold, professional brand identities that stand the test of time.

One of the biggest challenges many entrepreneurs face is confidence in showcasing their brand. I often see business owners unintentionally leaving money on the table because they’re hesitant to market their products and services boldly. When used strategically, social media is a powerful tool for growth. I specialize in effectively helping my clients leverage their brand presence—from defining brand guidelines to creating a long-term vision for their business. My goal is to build brands that aren’t just visually appealing but built to last.

What I’m most proud of is my business’s longevity and reputation.LaurenSimone has been thriving for seven years and has grown purely through word-of-mouth. That’s a testament to the quality of work I deliver and the trust I’ve built with my clients. Many of my clients return for additional projects, refer me to others, and continue to champion my services. While my brand may be small, it is mighty—I do a lot, and I do it well.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from being in business for myself, it’s that no matter how challenging the journey gets, everything must align with my purpose. My work is more than just design—it’s a tool that allows me to help others step into their purpose. What I do in this space is much bigger than business—it’s about impact, transformation, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2020, my business was thriving, and I was excited about the growth I was experiencing. At the time, I was juggling multiple ventures—I owned a boutique, ran a jewelry subscription company, and was building my digital business, By.LaurenSimone. On the surface, it looked like I had everything figured out. I was embodying the “boss babe” persona, but deep down, I was overwhelmed and stretched too thin. Nothing was getting 100% of my focus, and I wasn’t genuinely showing up for myself that season.

While business was booming, I found myself disconnected from my purpose. I was successful but lacked fulfillment. I realized what I was doing was driven by external expectations—what I thought I should be doing rather than what I was called to do. In the aftermath of COVID-19, I craved a new sense of balance. I wanted to experience life differently—to travel more, embrace new experiences, and create space for love and personal growth. But more importantly, I needed to align my work with my God-given talents and move with intention.

So, I decided to pause everything and take inventory of where my energy was going. I had an honest conversation with myself and realized I was operating out of obligation, not passion. I had unknowingly confined myself to societal expectations—”what a young Black woman “should” be doing that’s not married and doesn’t have children.” But I no longer wanted to live according to a script that wasn’t my own. I wanted to build something that aligned with my values and sustained me long-term.

In that realization, I chose to close my boutique and jewelry subscription company within the following year and focus solely on By.LaurenSimone. At first, it felt like a loss, like I had failed by letting go of something I had built. But looking back, I now see that it was the best decision I could have made. By streamlining my focus, I’ve grown my business in ways I never imagined—from refining my services to launching an internship program that allows me to mentor and pour into others.

Many people think success comes from doing more, but I’ve learned that success comes from doing what you are called to do well. This pivot was purposeful, and I’m grateful for where it has led me. I no longer feel weighed down by external pressures. Instead, I operate with clarity, alignment, and the freedom to build a business that reflects my identity.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative in this space is witnessing the transformation when small business owners see their vision come to life. There’s nothing like the moment when a client takes a deep breath, exhales, and realizes that their brand will last a lifetime. Seeing that confidence shine through—knowing that they now have a polished, professional brand that represents them fully—is an incredibly fulfilling experience.

Beyond just delivering a final product, I take pride in building lasting relationships with my clients. I don’t see myself as just a designer but as a long-term partner in their journey. Whether they continue in their current business or venture into something new, I love knowing that they trust me—not just with their ideas but with their vision, their feelings, and the direction of their brand.

What makes this work so meaningful is the ability to be genuine, honest, and integral to someone’s entrepreneurial journey. Helping business owners feel seen, heard, and supported as they build their dreams is an honor I don’t take lightly. Every completed project is more than just a deliverable—it’s a stepping stone toward someone’s success. And for that, I’m truly grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bylaurensimone.com
• Instagram: by.laurensimone
• Facebook: By. Lauren Simone