Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Long.
Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Since I was a little girl, I have always had a passion for all things fashion and beauty. I used to play in nail polish and sketch recreations of clothes from fashion magazines. I was always creative and loved art, knowing there are endless possibilities of how art can be created. I fell in love with the art of beauty, whether it be through clothes or cosmetics, I’ve always had an eye for creativity.
Since I was 10 years old, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I had big dreams of working in the fashion industry in New York City, and I made that dream a reality! But what I never knew is what bigger things life had in store for me beyond my wildest dreams! When I was a freshman in high school, I told my Grandmother about my plans for the future in the fashion industry. Though she was supportive, she had concerns about the industry and encouraged me to have a backup plan. I told her about the cosmetology program that my school offered, where I could attend a vocational technical school for half of the day and go to school the other half of the day. It was a three-year program in which if I finished properly, I could graduate with not only my diploma but also a cosmetology license. From knowing the pressures of the fashion industry and the beauty aspect of it all, my grandmother and I decided that it would be the best thing to pursue so that I could approach the industry from all angles. Grandma was always right!
During my cosmetology education, I grew a passion for nails. My mom made a mini salon in her basement where I could continue to practice my skills and build a clientele. I was involved in a competitive club, called SkillsUSA, in the Vo-Tech school where I competed on various levels against multiple schools in the state of Pennsylvania and consecutively won 3rd and 2nd place in the state wide competition. Once I finished high school and obtained my cosmetology license, I went on to study Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at the Indiana University of PA. Throughout college I held various jobs at nail salons until I graduated and moved to NYC. In NYC I worked as a Fashion PR Coordinator, handling press and marketing for multiple luxury brands. I worked closely with high fashion magazine editors, celebrity stylists, fashion bloggers and social media influencers. There I learned the ins and outs of luxury marketing and social media influencing. I also modeled, independently and for agencies, learning the business of fashion, beauty and photography. I was “living the dream”, I was living my dream.
I worked in NYC for 4 years. Although my professional life was amazing, my personal life was not. Aside from personal hardships, my Grandmother became traumatically ill. Things took a turn for the worst in September 2016 and I decided to leave my “dreams” behind and move back home to be with my family. That decision was the hardest decision I ever had to make. Letting go of my “dreams” and walking away from everything that I worked so hard to achieve. Although I loved NYC, I love my Grandmother more and needed to spend as much time with her as I could. But I knew that wasn’t the end for me, because thanks to my Grandmother, I had a backup plan.
About 6 months after moving home I had an opportunity to get back into nails and get into business for myself. Being the enlightened opportunist that I am, I took it! My partner encouraged me to go into business for myself, and with the approval of my Grandmother I decided to move forward. Once I decided to open my own business, I created a mobile business where I would drive to people’s homes to do their nails. This was my way of marketing, prepping and preparing for the opening of my own salon. I was mobile for over a year while we worked on renovations to the building and making my vision come to life. During that time I took multiple classes to prefect my craft, built my clientele, and executed my business! I paid close attention to people’s common concerns when going to salons, then turned their weaknesses into my strengths within my salon. I incorporated inspiration from traveling in the design elements and focused on providing an overall experience. I planned to execute an atmosphere where women can relax and rejuvenate in a modern-chic environment. A judgement free zone where self love and inner beauty shines brighter than the crystal chandeliers. I wanted to create a “vibe” where the energy is magnetic and you leave feeling exhilarated! My partner and I worked day in and day out, planning and preparing for what you see today. It is everything I dreamed it would be!
Now, 20+ after my initial introduction to the industry, I am my own boss and a proud black woman business owner! I have been able to obtain a loyal clientele and a group of strong young women to join my team. With my Grandmother watching over me, the support of my family and friends, my faithful clientele, my hardworking team, my amazing partner, and my everlasting God, together WE will make LaLa’s Salon & Spa into a renowned salon specializing in the artistry of the beauty business!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
my professional life was amazing, my personal life was not. Aside from personal hardships, my Grandmother became traumatically ill. Things took a turn for the worst in September 2016 and I decided to leave my “dreams” behind and move back home to be with my family. That decision was the hardest decision I ever had to make. Letting go of my “dreams” and walking away from everything that I worked so hard to achieve. Although I loved NYC, I love my Grandmother more and needed to spend as much time with her as I could. But I knew that wasn’t the end for me, because thanks to my Grandmother, I had a backup plan.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My expertise has garnered international recognition, leading me to serve as the Lead Nail Stylist for New York and Paris Fashion Week.
This role involves collaborating with designers to create nail designs that complement their collections, recruiting & overseeing a team of talented technicians across the country, and ensuring flawless execution under the high-pressure environment of multiple back-to-back fashion week shows. My leadership and creativity have significantly contributed to the visual storytelling on the runway.
I have elevated the runway experience for not only the nail stylists, but the designers; which adds that “special touch” to the collection, and the models; for who the nails are personally sized & customized. After over 50 fashion week shows in America & Europe, the creativity & customization has taken the runway by storm and I have proven myself as an innovator & risk taker!
I am most proud of accomplishing 8 years in business, teaching thousands of students across the country, and building an empire that will create generational wealth!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is traveling. I love to experience new people, places, and things and immersing myself in other cultures. I always leave feeling inspired. I also love to spend time with my family, it helps to ground me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lalassalonspa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlaurenlong/
