VUE

82 VUENJ.COM LAUREN: Honestly, I always imagined a space that was fun and reminded me of my childhood. I wanted the little things, from the snacks to the décor, to feel personal and nostalgic. It really feels like what my living room would look like if all of my friends were hanging out there. It's comfortable, fun, and very millennial-coded. VUE: From the outside, opening a salon can look glamorous. What's something nobody tells you about actually doing it? LAUREN: When you think you're done purchasing everything, the next day you realize you need five more things. Staying on budget can definitely be tough. Every little project can also cost more than you expect, so there's a temptation to rush and get everything finished. I've learned that sometimes you have to slow down, take your time, and let the space come together naturally. VUE: You've built an incredibly loyal clientele. What keeps women coming back beyond great hair? LAUREN: I think it comes down to trust and connection. Of course, I want every client to leave loving their hair, but I also want them to feel comfortable, heard, and completely themselves in my chair. A lot of my clients have grown with me through different stages of life and I've grown with them, too. ey're not just appointments. I genuinely care about them and I think they feel that. My goal has always been for you to leave feeling better than when you walked in—and not just because your hair looks good. VUE: You spend your days hearing everyone else's stories. Are hairstylists basically unofficial therapists? LAUREN: Yes, for sure. We learn how to listen, hold space, and not judge. Wit h my bre at hwork pr a c t i c e s , I've a ls o l e ar ne d how to rel e as e t he e ne rg y I ab s or b t h rou g hout t he d ay. I think that helps me be an even better listening ear for my clients. VUE: 17 years into your career, what has been the coolest opportunity hair has given you? LAUREN: Definitely doing Fashion Week all over the world. I've had the opportunity to travel to so many different countries, learn about hair, and experience completely different hair cultures. LAUREN: I've also traveled with a small group of other hairstylists who have become like family because of these opportunities. It's pretty amazing that we get to do what we love and see the world because of it. VUE: You've poured so much of yourself into your career and now into Golden Hour Haven. What has this chapter taught you about who you are outside of being a hairstylist? LAUREN: I feel like my life is just getting started and I'm not slowing down. I'm learning to trust the universe and where it takes me. Everything really is divine timing. Sometimes, when you don't think you're ready to try something new, that's exactly when the best things can happen. And sometimes I forget how strong I am until I'm faced with something difficult and realize, 'Wait—I actually can get through this.' VUE: Aer 17 years in the industry, what has building this career taught you about yourself? LAUREN: at every person I've met and every decision I've made has shaped me for my future self. Everything I've experienced has prepared me for this next chapter, whatever this career throws my way. I think that's the exciting part: you never really know what's next.

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