Lauren Ashley owner of LA Weddings & Interiors is an Award Winning Full-Service Design Firm based in Houston, TX. Our designer Lauren Ashley, specializes in Weddings, Events, & Interior Design, creating well-tailored, inviting environments that are sophisticated, balanced, and above all, unforgettable. Our work has been shown and shared across the country in elite publications such as The Knot Best of Weddings, Upscale Magazine, and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Show House — where Lauren received the Ruby Award for her stellar performance and Showmanship. Whether it’s a love of entertaining, your wedding day, Bat Mitzvah, or simply designing the home for raising your family, each client has a unique story to tell. The objects we collect, the photographs lining our walls, and our furnishings arranged in perfect alignment create the backdrop to the memories we will share. Our team works diligently though our well thought out design process to deliver an stress-free experience. Through understanding our clients’ own values and what brings them personal joy, Lauren Ashley uncovers the story you want to tell and weaves it throughout each space. LA Weddings & Interiors is truly a one-stop-shop that can carry you from celebrating your milestone birthday to putting the last piece of furniture in your new home. From Full-Service Design to DIY Consulting, we have something for everyone who wants to simply “Enjoy the Journey, and Leave your Design Affair to Us”

Why is your business a business to watch in 2021?

LA Weddings & Interiors is a game changer. Most designer stick to one field but I happen to be gifted in both. I intend to change the way interior design has been viewed traditionally and to stretch the limits of what people deem to be luxury. For many of my clients, working with me is the first time that they’ve used an interior design professional. I want to provide that experience to more people in our community because everyone deserves to live in a space that they love.

What inspired your to start your business?

When no one would hire me after graduation, I saw an opportunity to start my own thing. After a conversation with my Dad, we came up with the name LA Weddings & Interiors and things unfolded from there.

How did 2020 change your business? Was it for the better?

Right before the pandemic started at the beginning of the year I decided to quit my job and work on my business full-time. I don’t regret it and it’s been one of the best decisions that I’ve made thus far.

What lessons did you learn in your business in 2020?

The year 2020 for me was all about growth – business growth, personal growth, and spiritual growth. I learned to trust myself more and to relentlessly pursue the things that I want to accomplish because anything that you put your mind too is possible.

What kind of impact do you want your business to leave on your client or customer?

When I work with clients, I want them to have the warm & fuzzy feelings towards myself and my business. I want to be the first person that comes to mind when they think of interior design or event planning.

Do you feel your product or service meets the needs of the market? 

Absolutely. LA’s Warm and & Fuzzy collection fits a need in the market. It introduces a little more “flavor” into the traditional luxury pillow markets. Warm & Fuzzy features funky textures and patterns that are outside of the box in terms of what traditional luxury was like. It’s the new age luxury but in the same breath it’s classic with timeless colors. 

What hurdles did you personally face in getting ready to open your business and how did you overcome them?

Trusting the process of growing my business in terms of trusting others to help carry out my dream. As you can infer, proprietary information is shared which comes with certain associated risks, so becoming comfortable in sharing my business information has been challenging. Also, delegating to my team as communication is vital, as everyone learns and takes information in differently.

When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you? 

When I became aware of the amount of backing and support that I really had. So many people showed up for me and supported my vision every step of the way.

Why did you choose entrepreneurship?

Before becoming an entrepreneur, I worked for the United States Post Office. After years of hard work I was promoted to supervisor. I had been working in support of someone else’s dream for nearly 10 years. When I began experiencing rejection in the workforce in terms of getting jobs to make a career change, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create not only a job but a career that aligned with my skill set and passion. 

What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you do?  

My mortgage has to get paid..lol! Innately I am extremely driven and hard working. I get it from my father who’s the hardest working man I know. I don’t really stop to think of what specifically motivates me because the general notion of success and how that’s measurable for me doesn’t encompass anything specific pertaining to keeping myself motivated. I just do it! Make a plan and I attack!

 What are you most excited or passionate about?   (In both business and life or both) 

The freedom! From controlling my schedule to being my own boss, the ability to operate and move the way I please has given me a great sense of limitless flexibility. I have the ability to act or change without constraints. 

What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business?  – 

In 5 years, I see myself being a household name! Having a brand that is widely recognized worldwide, and expanding my entrepreneurial endeavors to solidify my presence and footprint in the world of weddings, interior design, events, and home decor.  What are the goals that you hold personally? – Personally, I would be debt free. My formal education cost a pretty penny, but I’m attacking this goal too. 

What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?

LA Warm & Fuzzy is a product line and it will be expanding soon.

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