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1996: At just 9 years old, Lauren opened a lemonade stand in the streets of New York City
2001: A successful modeling career led her to live and work in Paris
2003: Vacationed in Buenos Aires, Argentina which transformed into modeling there and quickly learning Spanish
2004: Returned to New York City and began collegiate studies at The Fashion Institute of Technology, hoping to launch a fashion brand.
2006: Decided to turn a successful grape-growing vineyard operation into a winery and began building and overseeing the construction of a winery and tasting room. She was also busy planning her wedding and got married that Spring.
2007: Opened the winery and tasting room doors of Sugarleaf Vineyards to the public in August.
2007: Graduated Magna Cum Laude from FIT with a Bachelors of Science in International Trade and Marketing in December, and gave birth to her first child, Jayden, days after completing her studies!
2009: Lauren had her second child, her mini-me, in September! Life as Lauren knew it suddenly changed; her marriage ended and she immediately became a single mother with 2 children under the age of 2.
2011: Was honored at The White House with an Empact100 Award by the Kauffman Foundation for being one of the Top 100 entrepreneurs under 30 in the United States.
2011: Started Luxury Market Branding and became heavily involved in the technology, venture and startup communities as an advisor and investor. At the end of the year, Jeremy Johnson and Lauren started Gen Y Capital to invest in early stage consumer facing technology companies.
2012: Sugarleaf Vineyards was acquired; Lauren sold her interest in the business — her first major exit as an entrepreneur!
2013: Essence Magazine named Lauren a “Shot Caller” to watch in business.
2014: Lauren’s book, The Path Redefined: Getting To The Top On Your Own Terms, was published by BenBella Books and became an instant best-selling business memoir.
2014: The New York Urban League’s Young Professionals awarded Lauren the honor of Philanthropist of the Year for her charitable involvement and dedication to giving back.
2015: Kia Motors and UPTOWN Magazine named Lauren as one of their Inspirationally Crafted entrepreneurs for her leadership and fearless entrepreneurial journey. Smart CEO Magazine honored Lauren as a 2015 Smart CEO Brava Award Winner.
2016: Lauren officially began her career in media, lending her business and marketing expertise on the TV show, Quit Your Day Job that premiered on Oxygen (NBCU) March 30th.
2019: Lauren was asked to join Walmart’s Board of Disruptors.
2020: Lauren became the CEO of digitalundivided.
2021: Lauren became the first ever Lifestyle Expert on The Tamron Hall Show on ABC produced by Disney.
2021: Lauren launched The New C-Suite in partnership with Cosmo
2022: The U.S. Consulate invited Lauren to speak at several events at the USA Pavilion for World Expo 2020 Dubai
2022: Lauren launched the InvestHER Power Series with Nasdaq, an exclusive networking event for women investors and entrepreneurs.
2023: Lauren completed her first year as judge for Cartier Women’s Initiative, culminating with their awards ceremony in Paris
2023: Lauren was named President, Digital Innovation at Hero Media