It Girl | LAUREN RHEW
Lauren is hands down one of the sweetest and most inspiring souls we have had the pleasure of working with. She exudes the attitude of a go-getter which is evident in all that she touches. Lauren is launching her new podcast, The Grit and Glitter Podcast, which is sure to inspire you to chase your dreams in addition to her website. Below, Lauren shares with us the inspiration behind her podcast and why she began Grit and Glitter Co.
Name: Lauren Rhew
Age: 26
Job Title/Company: Dreamer-in-Chief, Grit and Glitter Co.
Education Background: Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a Minor in Entrepreneurship
- Tell us a little about who you are.
My name is Lauren. I’m a dreamer. A dancer (but only in my bedroom when the good jams are on). A passionista. And a believer in all things happy and bright. I’m fueled by passion … and chocolate (it’s a problem). Brene Brown speaks my love language. I love a good latte. I spend too much time listening to podcasts. I’m obsessed with personal growth and business books. I start and end most every day with a cup of hot tea. I live beside of the breath-taking Rocky Mountains in Denver, CO with my amazing fiance and super cute Bernese Mountain Dog, Boken! I’m the dreamer and doer behind the Grit and Glitter Podcast, and I’m chasing a dream to ignite a “me too” revolution of boss ladies across the world. I believe our greatest fears are ruled by our own doubts and insecurities, and the only way to overcome them is to join together and remind each other than we’re not alone.
- What sparked your interest in starting Grit and Glitter Co and your podcast?
I wanted to create what I needed most. Having struggled with my own doubts and insecurities as an entrepreneur, and having spoken with dozens of other boss ladies, I realized I wasn’t alone in my struggles. I found hope and inspiration in knowing that I wasn’t alone. When I found out that amazing ladies that I looked up to, women whom I considered a “success”, were also struggling with their own doubts and insecurities, I knew that my own doubts and insecurities didn’t have to stop me from chasing my dreams, either. I needed more of that, and I knew that thousands of other dreamers needed it, too. So, the podcast will be a space for raw, real, soulful conversations where amazing dreamers and doers can share their stories and their struggles. It’s a place where boss ladies can come to for weekly doses of truth and inspiration.
- Who are you most influenced by?
It’s so hard to name just one person! I’m most influenced by those who chase their biggest dreams, despite the fears that overwhelm them. I’m influenced by the amazing human beings who are willing to stand up, speak out, and love big. And I’m constantly inspired by people who fearlessly pursue a life that uniquely fulfills them.
- What was your first job and how long did you hold that position?
Less than 6 weeks! I had 7 different jobs within my first two years of graduating college. To say that I struggled to find fulfillment, passion, and my path after college is an understatement.
- Can you share a career defining moment with us?
I can’t pinpoint the specific moment, but it was a realization and a sureness that changed not only the path of my “career” but also my belief in myself. As I mentioned, I held quite a few different jobs within a very short period of time. I began to feel like a quitter. Like a failure. My imagination went wild with judgements I thought others were making about me. I began to doubt my self-worth and my purpose. I finally realized that my path wasn’t like any other. My journey through life was unique, as was my career journey. I was figuring it out. I was learning more about myself than ever before. In that realization, I found so much respect and love for not only myself, but for the journey. The greatest gift we can give ourselves is the acceptance of our own story.
- What were your initial goals with your work? How have they evolved?
My initial goal with Grit and Glitter Co. is still the same today - to help boss ladies. The how has changed, though. My initial plan was to share information on how to launch and grow a business. I wanted to be the go-to place for all new business info, from taxes to accounting, to pricing, and more. I realized quickly that while I had that knowledge, it wasn’t my speciality. It wasn’t my passion. So, it changed direction and Grit and Glitter is now a place for all dreamers and doers to come for inspiration, truth, and real, raw, soulful thoughts and conversations.
- What do you think is the most important life skill you learned from being an entrepreneur?
Grit!
- Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
Loving life as much as I do today, continuing to be surrounded by amazing human beings, and inspiring dreamers and doers for a living.
- What is a typical day like for you?
I wake up between 5-6am. After waking up, I light a candle, make a cup of tea, turn on some music, and get started on work. About 8a, I take a break and head outside for a morning walk with the pup. I then make breakfast and get started again around 9a. After another long lunchtime walk (lots of outdoor time thanks to having a pup) and a little afternoon work, I finish up my freelance work for they day before getting started on Grit and Glitter work. The evenings always change. I typically take one or two evenings a week off and spend time with the fiance and pup. Other evenings, though, I work well into the evening on podcast, blogs, and all sorts of inspirational goodness!
- What was the biggest obstacle you’ve faced so far in the process of pursuing your dreams?
My own doubts and insecurities. Thankfully, these obstacles have led to me pursuing one of my biggest dreams thus far.
- What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
- When do you get your best ideas?
When I’m running!
- Can you share with us one time that you failed and what you learned from that failure?
I closed my first business two years after launching. I don’t view it as a failure, though. It was one of the greatest learning experiences of my entire life. I learned everything I know about business, marketing, creating a product, and more thanks to that experience. I learned so much about myself. I’m where I’m at today thanks to that experience.
- How do you unwind?
Baths! They’re my favorite. Give me a glass of wine, a great book, and a hot bubble bath and I’m one happy lady!
- What would you tell someone else who wants to start their own business?
Do it. Chase your dream. You can accomplish anything that you set your mind to. But that doesn’t mean it will be easy. It’s going to be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done. It will also be one of the most amazing.
- What do you hope people take away from your story?
No two stories are the same. Your story doesn’t have to look the same as hers or mine to make your dreams come true. Be yourself. Dream relentlessly. And chase your dreams despite the fears that try to keep you from doing so.
- Anything we missed that you would like to share?
The Grit and Glitter Podcast launches February 11th! Mark your calendar! And sign up for all of the excitement and podcast reminders sent right to your inbox! Eek! http://www.gritandglitterco.com/podcast/
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