Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Wootton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lauren, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I wish I had started my creative career sooner than when I initially started. I didn’t start taking my content creation seriously till the end of 2021. One reason why I didn’t start sooner was that I was worried about what others would think of me. Whether it was people from high school, my family, my friends, or even random strangers. What if they think I’m weird or cringe? What if they make fun of me? What if no one supports my journey? I became so hyper-fixated on how others would perceive me to the point where it made me hesitant to start. I had to quickly learn that it doesn’t matter what other people think of me. Who cares! I am doing something fun and exciting for me. Becoming a content creator has opened so many doors and brought me new opportunities that I am very grateful for.

Lauren, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Lauren Wootton and I’m a content creator/influencer based in Houston, Tx. Growing up I have always been very social and outgoing, so I wanted to find a career where I could show my personality and express who I am. I have always been interested in doing something with social media though I wasn’t exactly sure which avenue I wanted to take. When I moved away from home for the first time, I began to find my sense of style. I was trying out clothing pieces I have never worn before, started putting outfits together, and eventually got more into beauty and self-care as well. The more I got into beauty and fashion, I realized I could implement my love for it into content creation. Watching creators like Emma Chamberlain and Monet McMichael use their platforms to express themselves inspired me to do the same. In the winter of 2021, I decided to start taking content creation more seriously. I would put outfits together and drive around the city shooting pictures of myself in these outfits with just my phone and a tripod. I used to feel so awkward in front of a camera, but once I got past the fear of judgment from others, I became much more comfortable with myself! Fast forward to today. I collaborate with many brands and create content for them and their products. I have worked with brands like Levi’s, Macy’s Wine Shop, NYX Cosmetics, Evry Jewels, and many more! I also shoot content for small businesses in the Houston area, such as Skelto Hair Salon, owned by Haley Skelton, and Slashed By Claudia, a lash business owned by Claudia Montalvo. I post their salons to help build exposure and bring them more clientele in the Houston area. I am beyond grateful for all the opportunities that content creation has brought me thus far, and I am always working on growing my brand and getting my name out there!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is receiving new opportunities just by doing the things that I love. For example, when I received the news that I had been accepted for a year-long partnership with Levi’s I was ecstatic. To work with such a big brand name is such an honor, and I love every minute of it. Being able to express myself through fashion and be creative is what I strive for. My goal is to eventually do content creation full-time, so having these opportunities is always a huge blessing and makes it feel like I’m one step closer to what I’m working towards.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’m still in the process of building my following, however; something that has helped me build my following to what it is now is creating authentic content. Show your personality through the content you create. Especially with social media being prominent, there are so many people online trying to be like someone else. There is only one YOU! Make your content an extension of yourself. People want to see something original. It makes you stand out more when you do create something that sets you apart from the rest!

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/laurenrayxvx
• Instagram: @lauren_ray_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lauren_ray_
• Other: TikTok: @laurenxvxray