We recently connected with Lauren Turk and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Growing up, I was the person in the room that ALWAYS felt like they were wearing the wrong thing. I definitely yearned for fashion knowledge and loved to look at what other people were wearing. Most women that “get into fashion: tell stories of late nights with Vogue and Harpers Bazaar- not me. I didn’t know any designer brands until I was in my early twenties. My slogan, a saying I repeat on the daily about my business and style is, “It’s not about the brand, it’s about the piece.” If a shoulder padded blazer from 1986 makes you feel like a Rockstar- you wear that blazer and Rock On. If skinny jeans works for your body, but not for the “2024 trends” Skinny Jeans it IS! Know your body, Love your style and just be you. I learned. And it took me literally 25 years- that If I like my outfit- I don’t care what anybody thinks….they can wear something else.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
After working as a personal assistant in the real estate world for ten years, I knew it was time for a change. I learned a lot in those years, so I submitted one year’s notice and started brainstorming about what I would do next. I always loved fashion and was always interested in why/how people choose to dress themselves. My favorite pastime is people-watching in NYC and getting inspiration from other peoples fashion choices. I spent a lot of my childhood in my grandmothers’ closets looking through the different fabrics and styles. Consignment for me, was always an opportunity to enjoy and participate in lavish and luxe couture – on a budget that I could afford. As a consignment shopper and vintage clothing enthusiast I decided it was time to open a consignment shop in my neighborhood that didn’t smell like moth balls and look like you were stepping into a time machine. My first order of business was to find a space and start collecting pieces of fashion. I went to family members, friends and friends’ family members. I started the business in February of 2020 with about 400 followers on Instagram. COVID hit three and half weeks later, and I only had social media to promote and expand my business. During the first months of lockdown I focused my social media mainly on entertaining people and drawing people in. I didn’t focus so much on SELLING at that time; I really just spoke about different ways to wear things and different styles and brands. I pride myself on creating a space that is always welcoming, warm and most importantly FUN. There is never ever pressure to purchase or consign.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Since opening The Hangout four years ago, I have definitely gained a broader understanding of my business as well as a deeper sense of fashion. I know have a better understanding of trends, body proportions, sizing, pairing, and pricing. I also have been given the opportunity to see first hand how labels and designers developed over time. I definitely do not claim expertise, but I can definitely say that I wish I knew then, what I know now. Prior to opening The Hangout, I had a very diverse resume and was always an extremely hard and devoted worker, but it was always for others. One of my first bosses from my teenage years; for whom I worked for almost ten years taught me early on that no one will ever work as hard for your business as you will. (and boy was he right!) Very quickly, I learned that if I’m not working or networking, I’m not growing. I believe everywhere you go an opportunity to meet a person who can potentially become a client or customer awaits. (Always carry dozens of business-cards).
I try to be serious, but not take myself too seriously. That means, using humor to make people feel comfortable and entertained. I do find that the fashion industry as a whole does take themselves and their art waayyyy too seriously. Fashion is Fun. Fashion gives people the ability to wear their style on their sleeves. Opening right before a global pandemic didn’t just PUSH me, it SHOVED me in the direction of posting stories on Instagram daily. I had to get comfortable real quick, and at the end of the day if there is food on your face, or your skirt is tucked into your underwear, it disappears in 24 hours anyway.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Throughout the process of leaving my decade-long career in real-estate and opening a business that I truly knew nothing about, I owe my confidence to the unwavering support of my awesome group of friends and family. I am extremely lucky in the support department, but also, I knew that if I were given an opportunity to create the space I envisioned, I could do it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thehangoutnj.com
- Instagram: thehangoutnj
