We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Valdez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from my parents. My father immigrated from South Africa and joined the U.S. military as an enlisted soldier to earn his citizenship. He worked his way through the Green-to-Gold program to become an officer, and throughout every transition, deployment, and challenge, he stayed focused, dedicated, and committed to giving his family stability and opportunity. His perseverance and work ethic shaped my understanding of what it means to push forward regardless of circumstance.
My mother’s story is just as powerful. She came from a very poor, large immigrant family, and as a young girl she walked miles to and from school just to pursue an education. She put herself through college, became a government employee, and eventually built a career that allowed her to travel the world, throughout Europe & Asia, all through her own effort. She has always been fiercely independent, adventurous, kind, and able to provide for herself and her family no matter what life handed her.
Growing up with those two examples of strength and determination showed me that setbacks aren’t final, they’re opportunities to rise. My parents taught me that community is important, but at the end of the day, you are responsible for showing up for yourself. That foundation is exactly where my resilience comes from.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a Lifestyle Content Creator and Community Leader based in San Antonio. My brand, Lauren’s List”, highlights solo adventures, local experiences, and the hidden gems that make life exciting. What I love most is showing people that they don’t have to wait for others to enjoy the world around them—they can explore, try new things, and create meaningful experiences on their own.
Alongside my content, I help lead large social communities that bring people together through events and shared interests. My brand continues to grow through collaborations with local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. I’m currently expanding Lauren’s List into a more structured series focused on unique experiences, solo dates, and lifestyle storytelling. My goal is to inspire people to feel connected, confident, and curious about the life they’re living.
In 2026, I am seeking to expand my platform to include travel content. As a lifelong solo traveler, I wish to inspire others to travel and show that traveling doesn’t have to be expensive.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are adaptability, determination, and genuine support for others.
1. Adaptability.
I’ve learned how important it is to go with the flow and think on your feet. Plans change, opportunities shift, and nothing ever goes exactly the way you expect. Being adaptable has allowed me to stay steady during unexpected moments and make the most out of situations that others might walk away from. For anyone starting out, staying flexible will open more doors than you realize.
2. Drive and determination.
I’ve never been afraid to show up, even for unpaid opportunities. I treat every event, every collaboration, and every gathering as a chance to learn something or meet someone new. Some of the most influential people in my life came from simple networking moments or free community events. My advice is: don’t underestimate the value of putting yourself out there. Consistency and effort will always pay off over time.
3. Supporting fellow creators.
Not every opportunity is meant for you, and that’s okay. If another creator gets a collaboration you wanted, cheer for them! Resentment doesn’t benefit you, and comparison will only drain your creativity. Your moment will come, and supporting others keeps you aligned with the right energy and the right people. There’s room for everyone to win.
Focusing on these three qualities has shaped my path more than anything else, and they’re the qualities I’d encourage anyone early in their journey to carry with them.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I am always open to partnering and collaborating with individuals and brands whose values align with my content and mission. I’m especially interested in working with travel-related businesses, including hotels and resorts, airlines, excursion and adventure companies, tourism boards, and any brand that creates memorable or unique experiences for people. I also love collaborating with local businesses, restaurants, lifestyle brands, and community-centered events that align with the type of experiences I share through Lauren’s List.
I enjoy partnering with fellow creators and teams who bring creativity, authenticity, and positive energy to their work. The best collaborations happen when both sides are excited about the vision and can create something impactful together.
If someone reading this is interested in collaborating, the easiest way to connect with me is through email ([email protected]). I’m always open to partnerships that provide genuine value for my audience while supporting the growth of the businesses and creators I work with.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslaurenvaldez/
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