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

Hi Lauren, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?

We can all relate to feelings of insecurity. Often we are manipulated into thinking self confidence is dangerous, that too much of it is bad. My pursuit into art has allowed me to grow into the confident, secure person I am. I can walk with my head high and navigate the world in my own way without fear.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My art depicts life around me, the experiences and feelings I have. In this way, it will ultimately set me apart from other’s, just as other works are uniquely their own. It’s a beautiful thing to witness, an artist coming into themselves fully and that is something I’m most proud of myself for. I’m proud of how far I have come from where I started at 15, in both my professional life and personal life. It has not been easy, dealing with emotional instability and doubts, learning patience, allowing growth..all to further myself. I was very sheltered at a young age, and I have made so many mistakes in my life as I navigate this world. I think my photos show that, the progress I’ve made not just in the work, but in my own life and the feelings I have towards the world and others. The best part..I’m not finished, and I’m sure not done growing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I live in San Marcos, TX at the moment, and if Cameron was visiting, I’d show them my home (Cam hasn’t seen it yet due to travel concerns with covid), but I’d show them the river I live by, the little hide away spots I sit at with my dog and my companions. This area of Texas has an incredible amount of lesser known places..you just have to look and find them for yourselves. When I visit a new place, I go where my heart leads me, and for me, that is how I find the most impactful and meaningful places and people in my life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I am most grateful for those that have supported me throughout my ups and downs, the friends that have stuck through it all.

Website: laurenwithrow@me.com

Instagram: @laurenwithrow

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.