Let me tell you about the GORGEOUS BOSS, Lauren Higgins White!! She is incredible! Growing up, I can remember our cheer/drill days like they were yesterday...and just watching her command the entire football field during halftime when the drill team would perform. She was so natural and just brought an energy that made everyone stop and watch!! From school bus rides on bus 59 to walking the "Eastside" streets in the summer, and everything else in between, Lauren Higgins White was always a ray of sunshine and a light that made everyone smile! I can't explain to you how much of an inspiration she was then and is still now. And when I tell you that she KILLED this...DID!!! Also...she tried to play me and didn't send me the pic below, so I stole it from her Facebook...because...SLAY!!!! I am so thankful that she agreed to be apart of this feature and am so excited for you all to learn more about her!!
I Introduce you to the Beautiful, Lauren Higgins White
*Generally speaking, what was your childhood like?
- Ashy knees, bike riding, Ms. Molly hot-links, bus 59, Darden’s, church, and dance. Just country small-town fun 95% of the time! Then summers in Georgia and Ohio with more ashy knees, losing crochet braids swimming with cousins everyday, Black Cultural festivals in Dayton, and churning homemade peach ice cream. I thought my granny was rich because she used to let us order snacks from “the Schwan’s man.”
*What have you learned over your lifetime that you’d like to share with the younger generation?
-There’s nothing wrong with not going to college. It’s not for everyone, and not going doesn’t diminish your value or worthiness to society or this world. Do what makes you happy, do a good job, and you will be successful. Also if you have to work for someone other than yourself, take ALL the PTO, sick time, and vacation that you earn and regularly.
*What has the journey/process been like for you to get to where you are today?
-Uniquely mine. A lot of trial and error, and learning to be kind to myself. I’ve learned the value of having and being a supportive and loving spouse, the importance of good friendships with amazing women, protecting my energy, that being a mom is hard AF, asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness, and the blessing in finding valuable mentorship.
*What sacrifices have you had to endure to get to where you are today?
-I would say the biggest professional sacrifice that I initially made was choosing to stay in West TX to grow my career and build experience instead of leaving because there was “nothing to do” out here. There were obviously more opportunities in larger areas, but I had a good start in San Angelo.
*What do you do for a living?
-April 5th was actually my first day as the North Side Boys & Girls Club Director in San Angelo. So I will oversee club operations and work to provide premiere programming in the areas of college/trade readiness, social and emotional skill building, and Rec sports, at affordable pricing for families.
*What motivates you the most?
-My daughter, husband, family, and friends motivate me beyond belief, but at the end of the day I have to dig for a lot of self-motivation. Full-transparency. Some days it’s easy to feel like giving up, even with all the external encouragement imaginable (like, my outer circle is GOLDEN). It’s my voice that’s the loudest when all the positivity is being drowned out though. I make the choice to keep pushing for what I deserve so that I can pour from a full cup.
*You are a complete BOSS…as a woman, why do you feel like creating this path for yourself was/is necessary?
-Thank you! I would be lying if I didn’t say that I’m still creating my path. I’m starting a brand new career after being with an organization for over a decade! At the end of the day I hope that I’m learning enough to be able to pull others up and along with me. I want everyone to win, and live the life that’s meant for them. I think it’s necessary for black girls and women to see and feel that example.
What was it like where you grew up?
-Home of the fighting Jackrabbits!! Every body knew everybody. It sounds cliche, but everybody was really one big bad a** family. Especially on the East Side.
*Describe your most important friendship(s).
-I can’t really put into words exactly how dope it is to have really good girlfriends. It’s so empowering to see each other winning because women don’t forget! So when you start doubting your greatness your girls shut that sh*t down in a heartbeat like, “nah sis... remember when you won the Nobel Peace Prize & saved a drowning puppy in one day?!” We straighten each other’s crowns when the world stays trying to knock them off.
*What did you want to be when you grew up?
-A lawyer. Haaaa!
*Were there any moments you recall as true breakthroughs in any area of your life?
-Having my daughter has saved me in lots of ways. I want her to have a strong, resilient role model like my mom was for me.
*Have your dreams and goals changed through your life?
-Yes, and no. My dreams have stayed consistent. My goals on how I’m going to attain those dreams have shifted throughout life.
*Who was the most influential person to you as a child?
-My mom. Hands down. She was the most patient and loving person in the universe, and she made being a kid fun.
*How do you define a “good life” or a “successful life?”
-My definition of a good or successful life is one where the smiles outweigh the tears and you pull as many (good) people to the top with you as you can take!
*Do you think a person needs to first overcome serious setbacks or challenges to be truly successful?
-No. Not necessarily. I think everyone’s journey with success is unique, but I do think that you have a different appreciation for success when you’ve been through setbacks.
*What would you like your children and grandchildren to remember about you?
-I hope my Daughter and her kid(s), should she choose to have any, remember that I was fun first and foremost. I want them to remember that I had firm boundaries and that they saw me tell people “no” when I didn’t want to do something... I want them to remember that I charge for what I’m worth, plus tax non-negotiable. I want them to remember that I was a wife while I also worked while I also “mommed”. I want them to remember that I cursed a lil bit, liked to dance, loved the holidays, and loved people but didn’t like people at the same time!!
*What is your greatest hope?
-My greatest hope is to leave this raggedy world a lil better than I found it!
*Anything you would like to say about your “platform” “area of expertise” “business” or anything at all?
-Later this spring I’m launching a line of vision board inspired Manifestation charms & charm bracelets. Each charm will have a real mustard seed encapsulated inside. If you know that small faith can manifest big dreams, follow Mustard Seed Manifestations on IG and literally watch this black business grow from the ground up! (Like super super new... I have 1 post lmao) BUT great things are in the works!
Lot's of Love 💙
Rebekah
Love to see our family winning!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!! So glad you enjoyed it!!!
DeleteAnother great read. Lauren thanks for sharing.
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