Meet Lauren Mattison | Multifaceted Creative & Dermatology Technician

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

Hi Lauren, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Simply, I wanted to create something that I could own.
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, originating at the age of eight. I helped my dad run his shoe store in Maryland and I believe that representation planted a seed. By the time I got to undergrad I was fortunate enough to sit in on a class based on the book: The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Malcolm X was very passionate about promoting the importance of Black owned businesses. So much so, that he inspired me to start my own. At the time I was a Biology/Premed major so most of my time was spent learning science related information. Ironically, I felt I would benefit from a fashion-based shop to express my creativity. I was aware that in order to be successful, I needed to create a solution for a problem. Fashion is cyclic and I love 90s fashion, especially crocheted crop tops. It was extremely rare to find crochet in the average store, so I decided to make my own.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have a unique background in medicine. Over the last 8 years I’ve worked in various healthcare settings. I started out as a Patient Care Technician in family medicine/urgent care setting. When Covid hit I applied to medical school. I ended up getting redirected and took a leap of faith by pursuing a career as a Covid tester in TV/film. At the time it felt like a once in a life time opportunity. Instead of looking at Covid as a negative thing I shifted my perception and found my way into the entertainment industry. I lead with a mindset of gratitude and TV shows like Stranger Things and Raising Dion fell in my lap. In two years I was able to work on and lead Covid testing for over 20 Tv/Film sets. Now that Covid has died down I primarily work in Dermatology.

I’ve learned that patience, kindness, discipline, gratitude, and integrity can get your foot into doors that are beyond ones imagination.

There’s power in a name. MadeWithLove13 was founded on the principle of leading with love. I’m big on spirituality and I believe what you put into the world is what is what you get back, dharma (good karma). I’m proud of expanding my brand and focusing on legacy. I’m 31 and I feel like I’m just getting started. There are so many creative projects I want to accomplish as a way to serve and heal the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting me in Atlanta for a week I would definitely show them a great time. Some places I would recommend include:

Food:
-Bar Vegan
-Negril (Caribbean)
-Ike’s Cafe (African Cuisine)
-Desta (Ethiopian Cuisine)
-RHW Retail & Vegan Cafe (restaurant & metaphysical shop)
-Red Pepper (Mexican Brunch and Bottomless Mimosas)
-Breakfast at Barneys (Brunch)
-Eclipse De Luna (Tapas and Dancing)
-Delbar (Mediterranean)
-POSHA (Mediterranean lounge)
-Sivas (Mediterranean lounge)

Other:
-Jeju Spa in Duluth
-The Georgia Aquarium
-High Museum of Art
-Coca Cola Factory
-MLK exhibit
-Trap Music Museum
-Apache (Live music, poetry, comedy, jazz)
-Peter Street Station (creative arts)
-REVERB hotel (music hotel, business meeting, podcasters)

I love nature so we would have to do something outdoors:
-Botanical Gardens
-Amicalola Falls

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God- Faith in something bigger than me gives me courage to be successful.

Dad- He’s an entrepreneur as well, and planted the seed early on.

Mom- Served as a mentor, she crochets too she would critique me on my work. Early on, I would spend hours on a project and she would be honest enough to give me advice on how to improve. Even if that meant I would have to scrap something and start all over.

The book, The Autobiography of Malcolm X- the importance of Black owned business.

Beyonce- I’ve created whole collections inspired by her music and fashion sense. Beyonce’s work ethic has encouraged me to be disciplined. If you’ve ever seen her creative process and behind the scenes work its extremely inspiring.

Issa Rae- Inspires me to channel my entrepreneur spirit, go after the things I want to accomplish, and she reminds me of the power of representation. for instance, “I’m rooting for everyone Black”

Instagram: mwl134ever

Twitter: mwl134ever

Other: Email: MWL134ever@gmail.com
Personal IG: Theeloglow

Image Credits
Models:

Destiny Konan
Jasmyne Johnson: IG: J.leflare
Jazzineal Daniel IG: jazzineald
Morgan Gose: IG: morganthegoose

Photographer:
LennoxAve IG: lennoxave