Meet Lauren Simone | Boutique Owner & Public Relations Guru

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

Hi Lauren, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In 2016, I graduated from Virginia State University with a B. A. in Communications and relocated to the D. C. Metro Area to start my career. I received my first job as a Marketing Assistant for a global nonprofit organization; However, on the 90th day of employment, my employer cut my position from the organization. So that’s where my entrepreneurial journey began.

Losing my job was a new reality for me. I felt robbed of the experience I spent four years preparing for. While being jobless, heartbroken, and slightly optimistic, I decided to take some time to reflect on what was next for me. After reflecting on my current situation, I realized I became consumed with working a job to pay bills and not listening to what God had placed on my heart. I desperately needed to realign myself to my purpose.

So, in 2017, I utilized my skills to start freelance website designs and digital branding products. This laid the foundation for L. Simone Company Public Relations (LSCPR). Within that same year, I started market research on owning an online boutique and decided to go for it! It took about two years to develop and nurture my brand and I officially launched the L. Simone Co. Boutique in April of 2019.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As I mentioned,  I am also the owner of L. Simone Company Public Relations (LSCPR). LSCPR is a safe space for me to serve and support people that want to start a business. I took the tools and things I learned to help others succeed. Since 2017, I have successfully helped over 25 businesses launch their brands and still growing my portfolio today. Some of the services I provide are:.Website Design, Graphic Design, Print Services, Business Coaching, Social Media Coaching, Product Launching Campaigns, Branding Tool Kits, Writing Services, Resume Building & Interviewing Coaching services.I invite you to collaborate with me and shop my proud black woman owned and invested businesses!

Currently, I am a full-time employee with our U.S. Government. I am working in a Talent Acquisition role and I have the opportunity to shape the future of our agency’s workforce. I enjoy meeting and informing recent graduates about life after undergrad and career benefits.
In this role, I encourage our next generation of leaders to give themselves grace, try something new, and be open to opportunities. I love recruiting and connecting with potential candidates worldwide. Since graduating in 2016, this is the most fulfilling professional role I have ever had. 

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?
In my family, I never witnessed anyone owning a business. Growing up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Portsmouth, Virginia, the choices for my dad and mom were seemingly limited. Thankfully, my parents exposed me to opportunities via mentorship, Christian leadership, and extracurricular activities. This gave me a vision of the life I could have if I worked hard.

Now I am a career woman with a booming side hustle (hopefully full-time entrepreneurship soon). I understand the importance of black women owning businesses that thrive and shaping the perception of HBCU-educated women in the workforce. When I think of my business, I desire to help influence the thought that everyone should have something of their own outside of their 9 to 5. The influence of my parents pushing me to step out on faith helped me push my little brother and younger cousins to do the same. My family is my support system and they deserve a little recognition.

Also, thank you to my sister Morgan Monia! She shouted me out to VoyageDallas.

Website: www.lsimoneco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l.simoneco/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-papillion-m-a-2720ab110

Other: https://www.instagram.com/iam.lsimoneco