We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Gardiner recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
For me self care comes in the form of moving my body in the mornings. I am the type of person who wakes up with anxiety, but I can flush it from my system with movement and breath. When I was younger I ran, but my body has changed – as it always does – and I’ve committed to a stronger yoga practice. I have a lovely community of yogis with whom I practice and I appreciate going to a studio where I feel connected and supported. It’s a heated class and the continuous movement keeps me out of my head and focused on the present as I sweat and exhale out the anxiety, the stories in my head, and the negative self talk every time I am on my mat. By starting the day with a clear head, I am able to face whatever tasks or challenges I have much more effectively and efficiently than if I am in a place of lethargy or anxiety. It’s really very simple: when I move, I move and when I don’t move, I don’t move.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My business, Inspiration Artists, is a one-woman shop booking agency for children’s musicians and performers. I represent GRAMMY winning and nominated artists in the children’s music space and I book them for festivals, performing arts center shows, local events, and more. I spent most of my adulthood running an education business. It took me years to pivot careers, but I am thrilled that I finally did as I am having so much fun! I enjoy meeting new people, asking questions, learning, and, of course, the energy of booking a great show for one of my clients! I also just started Inspiration Theatricals LLC and I will be producing my first show, an off-Broadway bound musical. We are still in the early stages, but follow me and watch this journey unfold. It is a show for people of all ages with a positive message of communicating outside your comfort zone, kindness, and inclusivity. And when I tell you this show has amazing music…it is truly fabulous.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Asking for Help:
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of wisdom. It shows you’re willing to learn and grow. Plus, recognizing that help can come from different areas of life, including at home, is a great way to maintain balance and mental health. It’s a reminder that success isn’t achieved in isolation but through a network of support.
Embracing Mistakes:
Mistakes are inevitable, but how you handle them can define your success. By owning up to your mistakes and moving on, you’re showing resilience and a willingness to learn. This mindset allows you to take risks, innovate, and push boundaries without being paralyzed by the fear of failure. Moving forward is key, and it’s something that takes practice and patience.
Believing in Yourself:
Confidence is a powerful tool. Many successful people are not necessarily the most experienced but are those who believe in themselves. Self-doubt can be a major barrier, but reminding yourself that you know enough to achieve your goals is crucial. It’s like yoga: if you look down, you’ll fall; if you look forward, you will stay balanced and standing.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents raised me to be a strong woman who could take care of myself and make my own choices. From a young age, I was given the responsibility to learn by doing. This not only built my confidence but also helped me develop crucial decision-making skills early on. When it came time to make decisions, my dad had the approach of listening, reflecting, and then encouraging me to make my own choices. His non-intrusive guidance provided me with a safe space to think through my options, but ultimately left the decision in my hands. He respected my autonomy and reinforced the idea that I was capable of making the right choices for myself. At the time, I found this method frustrating. It’s natural to want someone to step in and guide you to avoid mistakes, especially with major life decisions. However, my parents understood that making mistakes is an integral part of learning and growth.
The trust and confidence my parents showed me continues now, even as I navigate motherhood and adult life. My ability to make decisions confidently, even in the face of uncertainty, is a direct result of the autonomy I was given as a child. This skill is especially valuable in my current entrepreneurial endeavors, where decision-making and risk-taking are everyday occurrences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inspirationartists.com
- Instagram: @inspirationartistsllc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-farrell-gardiner-1698b55/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
