In the interview with Lauren Conrad Adylia-Rhenee had the opportunity to ask her what motivates and inspires her to her goals. What I found so refreshing was that although Lauren Conrad came known to many from her reality TV show, The Hills, that was not her motivation for her goals, her motivation was to educate herself on her passions.
Lauren became a TV personality from her starring roles on the MTV reality show, “Laguna Beach,” “The Real Orange County,” and “The Hills.” From there we got a peek into her professional life as she pursued her passion, the fashion industry.
I have always found her focus inspiring, she realized her passions; fashion, clothes, shoes, and reading; she chose to obtain knowledge on those things that interested her. It is easier to have a good foundation for success when the necessary work (education) is done.
A-R: You started from a platform that has led some to success and others not. What can you say that set you on a path to success:
L.C.: There is never just one thing that leads to success for anyone. I feel it always a combination of passion, dedication, hard work, and being in the right place at the right time. And I also think sometimes things don’t always work but the key is to go back and continue to try and pursue.
A-R: If your were in a position of a mentor to a young girl just starting on her journey, not knowing her direction, what would be the best advice that you could give her?
L.C.: Listen to advice from people who have been there and done that. It is so hard to believe that when you are young, but parents, mentors, teachers, they can all be so valuable when it comes to advice.
A-R: In life we know it’s good to always have a plan B and sometimes C to get to your goal. Your platform was the reality TV shows, what was your plan B if you did not have the reality TV shows?
L.C.: Reality was never my plan so I always had a plan A to go to design school and learn all I could about fashion design and merchandising.
Lauren Conrad has two fashion lines, LC by Lauren Conrad and Paper Crown. With both of Conrad’s successful clothing lines there is one consistent message that she conveys – is that simple staples are always a good investment. Those pieces that will last forever, and that will make it through any trend. And Lauren says to not be afraid of a neutral color.
I have realized, that when we are pursuing our passions, we encounter many people who point out that there are other people doing what your goals are (so why do it). So I felt compelled to ask Lauren if she faced that, and if so, how does she handle that? I asked her:
A-R: Does it affect your vision/dream when you know that there are many celebrities with clothing lines, and that have written books? What do you know that sets you apart?
L.C.: I think there is room for everyone and a fan base for everyone. I try to stay true to my brand and vision. I think there is a niche for every market.
A-R: What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects you have found from starting your business and being a celebrity?
L.C: Seeing someone wear my designs. Or when I am out and someone tells me they have one of my dresses and loves them. There is no better reward.
Throughout my interview with Lauren one common thread was prevalent, she is clear who she is, what her style is – and not to follow trends blindly.
I then asked Lauren what was her daily source of motivation, “my dog licking my face, and deadlines that I must meet.”
And then to get through those challenging times, which we all face, Lauren says that she leans on good girlfriends.
Conrad is the author of the “L.A. Candy Trilogy,” and has a spin-off in the works. So I asked Lauren what is it about her book that makes it a must read. She said “The Fame Game” is a really fun and twisted look at the reality of wanting to be famous. It is written from a really fun point of view, I think fans will love.
With her two fashion lines LC and Paper Crown, and noting that fashion is fun; I asked Lauren what did she think the three signature pieces that a young lady need in her wardrobe? “The perfect little black dress, a great pair of skinny jeans, and a basic boyfriend blazer that can be worn over anything.”
We then discussed the importance of fashion from her perspective. She said fashion is great when it makes you feel good and pretty. There is nothing like the feeling of going to a party, event, or even a job when you feel and look great.
I then asked Lauren how did she juggle her current career with the fame she garnered from her reality TV days?
L.C.: There is really no juggling. Now I just try and find time to design my two lines and write my books. That is a challenge.
It came as no surprise to me when I asked what charities she was involved with or will be, and Lauren said “I just returned from Africa, where she looked at a lot of non-profits, and I hope to share that with you soon. I like to involve myself in charities that help children, and also young women in need.”
Lauren says that strong women like her mom and grandmother are her biggest inspiration. The three things that Lauren cannot live without are her Blackberry, sunscreen, and sunglasses. She wants to be remembered for being a great friend; and the three qualities Lauren values in people are – honesty, loyalty, and not taking life too seriously.
When I asked Lauren if there was one thing she wished people knew about her, she simply said, “I don’t think I have anything left to hide.” Thank you
