We recently connected with Lauren Johnson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren , great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
When it comes to taking risk, we usually don’t because we are afraid. What we are afraid varies from person to person, but nonetheless we are afraid of something. Once we realize that fear truly doesn’t exist, then we will be able to take risk. Use those fears as risk management, but never let them hinder you from you truly want to do. That tugging feeling on your soul is your purpose. Don’t let fear wedge its way in between that. You will be rewarded every time.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
The saying “Jack of all trades is a master of none but often times better than a master of one” is pretty much what my creative journey is about. I love being a person of duality and being able to grow skills in more than one area. Sure, it’s difficult most days, but rewarding even more. There are so many avenues to express yourself, why limit yourself to one.
When I was younger, I did just about everything to really spark that creativity. I could have been drawing, painting with clay or using the computer to make graphics. As I got older in college, I started creative directing photoshoots with local photographers and modeling when I had the time. I also had a YouTube channel and fell in love with creating content. I majored in Industrial Engineering, but still found the time to balance taking bookings, creating my own personal content, and obtaining my degree in engineering.
Last November, I had the honor to curate a fashion of my own with my friends before graduation. All pieces were designed and sewn by me. The creative direction was led by me, but executed by all of my friends that were willing to provide that support. The last show that I did was Memphis Fashion Week and it taught me so much about designing and time management. My skills increased a ton after the show. It was so fulfilling to see my pieces come to life and be surrounded b so many other designers that dedicated 4 months into the show.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that have never failed me is persistence, patience and the ability to make mistakes. Things are going to be very messy in the beginning. Your’e gonna have to be okay with where you are in your journey even if it doesn’t align with what you have for yourself or look like what those around you are experiencing. To me, this is what makes the journey. Everything you will go through will be catered to your growth as you learn and make mistakes. It may not make sense in that moment, but later on it will. You just have to find that why and stick to it. Do not be afraid to sit down every now and then and write down what is working and what isn’t.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My mentor Chauncey Mangum has been a wealth of knowledge. We often talk about fear and the best way to address those problems, so we can be successful. He has also taught me the importance of being intentional with my projects. Every color has a purpose, every yard of fabric, every pose, every set up of lighting and anything that is being involved in that project. Be intentional with your art.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.packleadersonly.com
- Instagram: packleadersonly, thelolanychole
- Youtube: thelolanychole
Image Credits
Chauncey Mangum
