Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Umpenhour.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a marketing maven passionate about creating content, building real connections, and leveraging data to share meaningful stories that maximize brands and impact. Before this, I was managing accounts for a Fortune 500 company that reaches millions of online users around the globe… daily. The plot twist? That fancy job that I’d been chasing for so long felt out of alignment from my bigger purpose.
After countless sleepless nights and what seemed like hours of never-ending research, I left the 9-5 job that was supposed to be my “end game.” I now run a service-based business where I have the opportunity to help creatives chase their dreams and level up their business!
Nothing lights my soul on fire the way that this does. I get to collaborate with existing businesses to achieve a new phase of growth in digital marketing and brand strategy and coach early entrepreneurs through the launch process that often feels both lonely and overwhelming. I want to empower and champion YOU as you live out your true purpose so that you can live your most fulfilled, empowering and joyous life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think in today’s media culture, we have a tendency to romanticize certain ideas, including that of entrepreneurship. The title ‘CEO’ seems incredibly glamorous and sexy; and it can be. Founding a business allows one to explore their full creative expression, work flexible hours from the place of his/her choosing, earn as much profit as he/she is willing to work for, make a real impact, etc.
But like anything else, beautiful things require hard work. When you pull back the curtain, entrepreneurship for me has, at times, looked like a woman sitting alone for 60+ hours a week, talking to her dog, trying to make sense of things on her own. Entrepreneurship for me has been endless pep talks during fits of tears, trying to convince myself that I am fully capable of forging a name for myself in this industry. It’s been moments of being spread thin and over worked to make magic for my clients, and moments of feeling exhausted and unmotivated to get up to work at all. It’s rejection and failure and resilience over and over again. There are just as many bursts of overwhelm and doubt as there are bursts of inspiration and gratitude.
Entrepreneurship is often lonely work. Spending days alone—whether it be from a cozy home office or Insta-worthy coffee shop or tropical beach in another country—I’m inside my own head, with no one to share ideas. Self-employment is also a career choice that’s often misunderstood by others which can sometimes enhance those feelings of loneliness. In the beginning of my business, the lack of collaboration was isolating. I value other creatives and their ability to offer different perspectives and input. Learning to rely solely on myself and trust every decision was a learning curve, but it has made me a stronger businesswoman and taught me just how much I’m capable.
Attending networking events, meeting other entrepreneurs, and building a circle of trustworthy friends have helped to ease the loneliness for me now! As my business continues to grow, I hope to hire a team of people who can offer new thoughts and ideas, diversify the work, and challenge client initiatives.
Additionally, imposter syndrome has been a huge challenge. In the beginning, I constantly asked myself questions such as: “Am I good enough to do this? Can I actually make a difference in this person’s business? Why do I think I’m even worth hiring?” Everyone suffers from imposter syndrome at times. I’ve found comfort in knowing that I’m not the only one who experiences this and understanding how/why my brain falls into those thought patterns. When I feel imposter syndrome setting in, I remind myself of the truth: I earned my degree of expertise through an exclusive program at my University complemented with extra certifications I pursued on my own; I have seven years of experience in the industry working for influential brands such as The Walt Disney Company, Cox Media Group WFTV, Advent Health, and more; I’ve successfully impacted the analytics of new and existing brands since the start of my business and I’ve left my clients with results they’re thankful for.
Then, I remind myself of the people I can serve with my skills and talents, which reminds me that this business isn’t actually about me at all— it’s about all the dreamers I can help through my work. As long as I can serve others to help them start or grow a business, the entrepreneurship journey is beyond worth it.
Overall, entrepreneurship requires you to face who you really are. During this time, every challenge has forced me to grow- something I’m so appreciative of. I’ve worked with life and mindfulness coaches to confront my limiting beliefs and strengthen who I am as a business person and as a woman. For me, right now, I feel so called to this career. It’s important work because it’s hard work. It’s meaningful work because it’s hard work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an Orlando-based marketing and brand strategist dedicated to growing new and existing businesses to be more profitable, passionate, authentic, and fun! I offer marketing services including brand design and strategy, social media management, website design and SEO, and copywriting.
I think that my passion for people and story-telling sets me apart from other people in the industry. I’ve been coined a “business bestie” because I’m genuinely invested in seeing others succeed in a business they love. Taking the time to get to know my clients—understand who they are and the vision that they have for their life—is vital to the ideation process.
Crafting a strong brand is more than just a pretty logo and the right words; it also means telling a story that moves and inspires. I’m determined to help tell that story, and for me, that means connecting with my clients on a deeper level. When I can guide my clients to tap into the power of who they are and uncover the story that’s already inside of them, that’s when the magic happens. Once I create a brand that’s a true reflection of who my client is, I believe it will undoubtedly stand out because now it’s more than just a business… it’s a heart-driven message.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Outside of my passion for people, I believe that my curiosity has led me to the things that I consider to be successes. I absolutely love to learn new things, which has driven me to understand different client industries inside and out and propelled me forward in sharpening my skills as a marketer. I am constantly pushing the envelope on what I’m able to do and how I’m able to better serve my clients and colleagues. Additionally, I believe in learning from people. I approach every interaction with curiosity, trusting that I will walk away from a better person because of a lesson that someone can teach me.
Contact Info:
- Email: Lauren@laurenumpenhour.com
- Website: www.LaurenUmpenhour.com
- Instagram: @laurenumpenhour
Image Credits
The feature photo from the Not Your Mothers brand shoot was taken by Joshua Best.
