What is the best way to honor your
Grandmother and Grandfather? Well if you ask business
owner/ Stylist Lauren Olivia, she would tell you the best way
SHE could honor her grandmother was to start business and name it after
her. Lauren started DollCirca1930 in
August 2012. Her Grandmother always admired
her creative abilities and style. Doll was her grandmother’s nickname and 1930
was the year she was born. After
starting her DollCirca1930 line was started there was many request for a men’s
line, enter Johnee Lighting launched in
February 2013 in honor of the love of his grandmothers life.
Lets meet Lauren Olivia artist, stylist, creative
genius, of both fashion lines fashion that mix color,
trends, and classic styles that would make her grandparents proud.
How much
research did you do before you made your move?
I did thorough
research on current trends, timeless fashion lines, and certain demographics. I
was able to find my niche with this research.
What did your friends say when you told them
about your dream?
My friends
encouraged me to follow my dreams. I have always been the creative go-to person
in our circle. So when I told them that I wanted to launch a mixed media
jewelry, they fully supported my decision.
Did you
have any people who did not believe in you?
Yes, I had extended
family members who come from a traditional work background that didn’t
necessary believe in my dream at first. With time and them actually witnessing
my journey they have since had a change of mind and are extremely proud. I
didn’t let their initial thoughts or opinions defer me from my dream.
Describe a
life-defining moment of change?
In April 2013 I was
laid off of my job. Though the job had excellent pay and benefits, I wasn’t
happy. I had spent the past couple of years supporting and helping someone else
with their dream. From that point forward I focused on my goals and dream,
knowing that life is too short to be complacent.
Did you
have moments of doubts about what you wanted to do, and how did you overcome
it?
Of course I
had and still have moments of doubt. With prayer and having a positive circle
around me, I am able to keep my eyes on the prize.
What did
you do to stay motivated through the process?
I stayed prayed up;
understanding that just like with anything in life, this too is a journey.
Through my strong faith, I am able to conquer anything. With God all things are
possible, if it is in his will.
Did you
ever get down on yourself because you felt like you were not making progress?
There has been
times where a sale promotion or collection debut didn’t do as well as planned.
When this occurs I don’t throw a pity party, I just re-strategize.
What advice
would you give the person who is reading this blog and has been hesitant about
granting themselves the permission to succeed?
Life is too short,
to be anything but happy. Happiness and success comes when one fulfills their
dreams. Don’t continue to sit on the sidelines and watch others’ dreams come to
life. Tune out all the noise that is going on in the background, even if it’s
your own negative thoughts. Just go for it, you’ll never know unless you
try!
Five years
from now what’s your dream? Five years ago where did you want to be and are you
closer or have you achieved your dream?
I believe in
praying BOLD and dreaming BIG. I foresee a DollCirca1930/Johnee Lightning
Takeover! I want both lines to be worn by many, and to be collaborating with clothing designers.
Attending and vending at numerous events, as well as having a client list full
of stylists. Also, five years from now, I want to have DollCirca1930/Johnee
Lightning to be in many boutiques, including internationally.
What advice
or motivation would you like to leave the readers about giving yourself
permission to succeed?
Faith over fear, I
had to let go of all doubts and fears. Failure only occurs when you don’t try.
Be sure to follow Lauren on her sites and check
out her website. Awesome artwork.
Website:
www.johneelightning.com
Email:
johneelightning@gmail.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/JohneeLightning
Twitter/Instagram:
@DollCirca1930
@JohneeLightning
