Meet Lauren Allen | Creative Anomaly & Business Owner

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

Hi Lauren, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business meant having creative control while doing something I love! The birth of my daughters increased my need for creative expression and getting closer to my purpose. My full-time job provides opportunities to be creative in leadership agility but can limit creative freedom based on personal interests. Focusing on helping my friends and family find new styles that compliment them while experimenting with color stories, developing marketing strategies, and sourcing unique accessories to fit the brand image I desired was paramount to escaping the corporate routine, even if for a moment. This expanded to connecting women from all over the world and all walks of life by buying and styling our pieces in their own special way, which was right in line with my vision. I thought it would be fun to combine a passion for the arts and fashion through my own lens and I was right!
 

Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Getting to where I am today wasn’t hard. It was made just for me. Honestly, so many of my goals are still in motion but learning who I am helped me overcome the challenges I may have faced. Being comfortable with the gray areas and taking stock of my motivations keeps me disciplined and focused.

Some lessons I’ve learned along the way are: 1) It’s okay to be wrong and let people be wrong about you. There’s nothing to prove! Just room to grow. 2) The gift of balancing giving and receiving. The blessings are hidden here! 3) Patience. I’m big on communication and learning the world in and around me. Being still ensures we don’t miss the moment.

I want the world to know Lala Deaux as the fun, classy, bold, and unique accessory brand. The brand you look to transform your wardrobe, take risks in, and start conversations while creating new experiences. The woman owned brand that focuses on femininity, luxe, and sensuality for moms, aunts, sisters, cousins, friends, teachers, nurses, lawyers, doctors, business professionals, creators, and everyone in between.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oooo! This is a good one. I’m an old Atlanta girl by way of Decatur and Stone Mountain lol so I’m well versed in fun times from the east side to the west side.

For breakfast, we’re going to Breakfast at Barney’s, Le Petit Marche, or Sean’s heart of the park. Lunch, anywhere in Virginia Highlands. We’ll say Bar Taco, Barcelona Wine Bar and Amore e Amore for specifics. For dinner, Canoe, 26 Thai (Juniper St. location), Slim & Husky’s. There’s so many more but these are my faves right now.

To visit and hangout for drinks and vibes, Rock Steady on any night, weekends at Whiskey Mistress, 9 Mile station (rooftop goes crazy), Fellaship, Ms. Icey’s Kitchen, Garden Room, Bon Ton, Colony Square, SkyLounge, Red Phone Booth, By Weight and Measure.

Some of the most fun, exciting, and interesting places I’d recommend people check out are: The High Museum, The Beltline, Piedmont Park, Splatter Studio, Dekalb Farmer’s Market, Trap Music Museum, World of Coke, Cascade or All American Skating Rink, Sister Louisa’s, Stone Mountain Park, Ponce City Market/Skyline Park, Ormsby’s, Puttshack, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Krog Street Tunel, catch a show at the Fox or City Winery, Folk Art Park, the wineries of North Georgia, Amicalola Falls, Junkman’s Daughter, Little Five Points.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God above all. The guidance and grace I’ve received throughout my journey is nothing short of amazing. It’s ethereal and beyond my wildest imagination. After that, there’s a few who deserve recognition. My mother, who was the first big money maker I ever saw in action. As a single mother, she provided for me, exposed me to new experiences, and taught me many lessons that made me who I am. My family and friends, who have encouraged me to be exactly who I am while supporting and pouring into me. And my mentor. It’s rare to find someone who is willing to show you the way and say your name in rooms you haven’t entered without fear of you getting ahead.

Website: https://www.shoplaladeaux.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/shop_laladeaux

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laladeaux