The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1547447
VUENJ.COM 81 For Lauren, hair has never been just about the finished look. Aer more than a decade behind the chair in Hoboken, she's built the kind of clientele that doesn't simply book appointments, they grow alongside her. Some clients have been sitting in her chair since her very first day, a testament to the trust and connection she's created throughout her career. Now, aer 17 years in the industry, Lauren is stepping into her newest chapter: ownership of Golden Hour Haven. VUE: You've become one of New Jersey's go-to stylists. When did you first have the "I'm actually really good at this" moment? LAUREN: I think it was when I started doing hair in Hoboken about 10 years ago and the referrals really started coming in. Now, aer 11 years of doing hair in Hoboken, I have clients who have been sitting in my chair since my very first day. at's pretty incredible to me. VUE: After years of being behind the chair, what made you decide it was finally time to open Golden Hour Haven? LAUREN: I've always steered away from ownership. I had this gut feeling that it just wasn't for me. en one day I had a passing thought about opening my own space, and almost overnight, it didn't feel scary anymore. I sat with the idea for a while, and eventually I couldn't see myself moving forward in my career without having ownership in it. It really came down to timing. I realized that maybe I wasn't supposed to feel ready; I was just supposed to take the leap. VUE: And then there was the name. What does Golden Hour Haven mean to you? LAUREN: I do a lot of spiritual work and got into breathwork a few years ago. One time, I was photographed during a breathwork session at sunrise, and when I saw the photo, I looked completely at peace. I almost looked like I was glowing. at image always stayed with me. I wanted to create that same feeling for someone walking into my space—the feeling you get during golden hour when everything feels a little soer and, let's be honest, everyone looks good. And I chose "Haven" instead of "Studio" because I wanted it to feel like a safe space. Somewhere you can come in, relax, be yourself, and leave feeling better than when you walked through the door. VUE: When you imagined owning your own salon years ago, what did you picture?