We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Ashley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve had to make was resigning from my job at the United States Postal Service to pursue my dream of running my business full time. The decision was not easy to make.  I resigned a few days before my 10 year anniversary, which ironically was right before the Corona virus quarantines started. I prayed about the decision and I honestly felt that God had given me the greenlight long before I made the decision. At this point, I could not be happier. The saying is ABSOLUTELY true, when you love what you do it doesn’t feel like work. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Professionally, I am a multifaceted designer, this in itself keeps me busy. I can design beautiful spaces, but I also can do beautiful events. The vision behind my company’s name is to help create relationships that keep my clients satisfied, coming back, and I have managed to do just that! The road to get here wasn’t easy. In the past I applied for many event and design positions and no one would hire me. I love what I do so much that it forced me to overcome fear and start my own business. Owning your own company isn’t a piece of cake. There’s so much work that goes into creating the beautiful pictures. There’s many hours of research, planning, and then the execution of the project. I could write a book about how many minor details as well as major details go into completing projects, but you have to learn these details in order to be successful. I want the world to know that I am very hard working and I put my heart into each project. If I don’t know something, I will do the research to get the job done. I’m not afraid to ask questions and I’ll always put my best foot forward.   

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout, “Sno Monster,” it is an up and coming Shaved Ice Company in Rosharon, Texas! You have to check them out Thursday-Sunday especially with this Texas heat.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
They say that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it also takes a village to run LA Weddings & Interiors (LAWI). It wouldn’t be what it is today without all of the assistance I get from Johnathan of Smart Smile Training Center and Co-Owner of Sno Monster. He has helped me structure my business and stay disciplined on the things that I don’t really care for, but without it there would not be LAWI. There are varying levels of industry but, no matter what level you may be on, you have to continue your education. The interior and design industry is forever changing and I have multiple mentors in my village. One in particular is Veronica Solomon. Let’s just say she’s a beast in the interior and design industry. She has a Facebook group called, “What They Don’t Teach in Design School.” In this group you can post questions, comments, suggestions, and get answers that may help you along your journey. All of these things have been helpful as I continue to grow my business. I would like to publicly thank her for this group and her willingness to share her knowledge.

Website: www.ladesigneraffair.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ladesigneraffair
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ladesigneraffair

Image Credits
Rae Kade Photography and Krytondra Mamou Photography