Meet Lauren Ficklin

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

Hi Lauren, really appreciate your meeting with us today to talk about some particularly personal topics. It means a lot because so many in the community are going through circumstances where your insights and experience and lessons might help, so thank you so much in advance for sharing. The first question we have is about divorce and how you overcame divorce and didn’t allow the trauma of divorce to derail your vision for your life and career.

Overcoming divorce was one of the hardest and most transformative things I’ve ever done. For the first year or two, I was in survival mode—managing motherhood, mourning the life I thought I’d have, and trying to hold myself and my life together. Writing became my outlet. I started blogging to process my emotions, find meaning in my experience, and connect with others who might be feeling the same way.

Through that blog, Grab Your Light, I shared openly about the pain, the lessons, the work, and the hope I was slowly rediscovering. While writing was cathartic, it also pushed me to reflect and take ownership of my healing process. I didn’t just want to survive. I wanted to thrive, to turn my life into something I loved, and to be the best version of myself.

Therapy, faith, and leaning into my support system played huge roles. Therapy helped me uncover the patterns and wounds that got me into that mess and kept me stuck in survival mode. My faith reminded me that even in my darkest moments, God was with me and there was light ahead. My family, friends, and eventually, the community I built through my blog, reminded me that I was doing fabulously and wasn’t alone.

Eventually, I turned my story into something bigger. My book, Shine Through, is a reflection of that journey—not just the struggles but the growth, strength, and clarity that came from it. Writing the book helped me process my experience even further, and sharing it with the world felt like completing a chapter of my life while opening the door for others to start theirs.

Overcoming divorce wasn’t a straight path. It was messy, painful, enlightening, and humbling. But it taught me resilience, self-worth, and the power of sharing our stories. For anyone navigating the aftermath of divorce, I hope my journey serves as a reminder that healing is possible and that, with time and intention, you can shine through even the darkest seasons.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Lauren – a proud girl mom, coach’s wife, writer, and brand builder with a passion for storytelling and creating meaningful connections. My journey began in 2017 with a blog called Grab Your Light, where I shared my experiences healing from divorce, navigating motherhood, and rediscovering myself. Over time, it grew into something much bigger—a space for connection, inspiration, and empowerment. In 2024, I wrote Shine Through, a book that shares my journey through divorce and co-parenting, offering hope and practical insights to others on similar paths.

Today, I’m the founder of a branding agency that specializes in helping athletic, fitness, and wellness coaches build brands that are as impactful as their passions. From designing websites to creating strategic campaigns, I focus on crafting authentic, intentional, and compelling stories that resonate. What excites me most about my work is seeing clients step into their power—watching their brands transform into reflections of who they are and what they stand for.

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to be working on another book, possibly about co-parenting or dating after divorce—continuing the journey I started with Shine Through. I hope to inspire and support women navigating life’s challenges, providing them with the tools and encouragement to rebuild and thrive.

Through everything I do—writing, branding, podcasting, or connecting with my audience—I bring authenticity and intention to every project. Whether you’re here for inspiration, practical advice, or to connect with someone who gets it, my goal is to empower you to shine through whatever comes your way.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were optimism, resourcefulness, and grace. Optimism, rooted in my faith, helped me see my divorce not as the end of my life but as the beginning of a new chapter. It allowed me to believe that no matter how difficult things were, better days were ahead. Resourcefulness empowered me to lean on my network, seek opportunities, and fill the gaps in my life—whether through learning new skills, finding fulfilling work, or creating a support system. Grace kept me grounded and prevented me from getting caught up in the messiness that can often surround divorce. It allowed me to maintain my dignity, avoid badmouthing, and keep moving forward without letting the chaos consume me.

My advice for anyone navigating a major life transition is to take it one step at a time, even if you only know the very next step. Approach each step with as much light and grace as you can muster. Remember that nothing lasts forever, and with effort and intention, even the hardest seasons can pass sooner than you think. Focus on the work you’re doing on yourself, and trust that the journey will lead you to a better place.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always open to partnering or collaborating with individuals and organizations who are passionate about empowering women navigating life transitions—especially those dealing with breakups, divorce, or co-parenting. Whether through podcasts, blog posts, workshops, or speaking engagements, I love sharing my experiences and insights to inspire, educate, and connect.

As a seasoned writer, speaker, and storyteller, I bring authenticity and a unique perspective to every collaboration. My goal is always to create meaningful conversations that resonate with audiences and provide practical tools for growth and healing.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, engaging partner to contribute to your podcast, event, blog, or project, I’d love to connect. You can reach out to me through my website. Let’s work together to create something impactful and uplifting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itslaurenmarie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imlaurenmarie/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmhopkins/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/imlaurenmarie_