Prepare to meet the badass boss lady behind Black Girl in Om, Lauren Ash. This powerhouse of a woman is an inspiration to many and a role model for the rest of us mere mortals. Let's delve into her early life and background to find out what makes her tick.

Early Life and Background

Lauren Ash's life story reads like a fairytale, complete with hurdles, challenges, and a happy ending. Her family and upbringing shaped her character, and her education and early career molded her into a formidable force.

Family and Upbringing

Lauren credits her parents for instilling a deep sense of self-confidence and a love for all things wellness-related in her. Her mom, a physical therapist, taught her the importance of taking care of her body, while her dad's entrepreneurial spirit inspired her to pursue her passions.

Having two older siblings exposed Lauren to different perspectives from a young age, and she learned to speak her mind and stand up for what she believed in. Her family also instilled in her a love for travel, which has become a significant part of her life and work.

Education and Early Career

Lauren's thirst for knowledge led her to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. While there, she also pursued her passion for dance, joining several dance groups on campus and performing in various shows.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Lauren went on to earn her Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the same institution. During her time in graduate school, she developed a strong interest in diversity and inclusion work, which would become a significant focus of her career.

Her early career included roles in student affairs and diversity and inclusion work, giving her a solid foundation for her current work. She worked at several universities, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and DePaul University in Chicago, where she developed programs and initiatives to support underrepresented students and promote diversity and inclusion on campus.

Outside of her professional work, Lauren also became involved in the wellness industry, pursuing her passion for fitness and healthy living. She became a certified personal trainer and began teaching group fitness classes, eventually opening her own fitness studio.

Lauren's diverse experiences and interests have all contributed to her unique perspective and approach to her work, making her a respected leader in both the education and wellness industries.

Founding Black Girl in Om

Lauren's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for wellness led her to found Black Girl in Om, a platform dedicated to promoting self-care and empowerment for women of color.

The Inspiration Behind the Platform

Lauren's journey towards founding Black Girl in Om began with her own personal struggles with wellness. As a woman of color, she found that the wellness industry often failed to cater to her unique needs and experiences. She noticed a gap in the market for a platform that focused specifically on the wellness of women of color.

Lauren's own experiences with self-care and wellness led her to realize the importance of creating a space where women of color could come together to celebrate and uplift each other. She felt driven to fill this gap and create a platform that would help women of color prioritize their own self-care and wellness.

Building a Community for Women of Color

As she began building the Black Girl in Om community, Lauren's vision was clear: to create a supportive and inclusive space that celebrated black and brown women and their beauty. She wanted to create a platform that would help women of color prioritize their own self-care and wellness, while also providing a space for them to connect with each other and build a supportive community.

Black Girl in Om quickly became a popular platform for women of color who were looking for a space to connect with others who shared their experiences and struggles. The platform provided a space for women of color to share their stories, celebrate their beauty, and prioritize their own self-care and wellness.

Lauren's passion for uplifting communities of color has led to collaborations with other brands and organizations in the wellness industry, further expanding Black Girl in Om's reach and impact. Through these collaborations, Black Girl in Om has been able to provide even more resources and support to women of color who are looking to prioritize their own self-care and wellness.

Today, Black Girl in Om continues to be a powerful force in the wellness industry, providing a space for women of color to connect, celebrate their beauty, and prioritize their own self-care and wellness.

Advocacy and Activism

In addition to her work with Black Girl in Om, Lauren is an outspoken advocate for wellness and self-care, particularly for communities of color.

Lauren believes that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for everyone. She understands that people of color often face unique challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare and wellness resources. As a result, she is committed to promoting wellness and self-care within these communities.

Lauren's message is clear: self-care is not just about bubble baths and face masks. It's about taking care of your whole self, including your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. She encourages her followers to prioritize self-care and to aim for holistic wellness in all areas of their lives.

Promoting Wellness and Self-Care

Lauren is passionate about promoting wellness and self-care, and she has developed a number of resources to help people get started. She offers workshops and online courses on topics like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. She also shares tips and advice on her social media channels, where she has a large and engaged following.

Lauren believes that self-care is an act of resistance, particularly for people of color who have historically been denied access to healthcare and wellness resources. By prioritizing self-care, she says, we are taking control of our own health and well-being.

Empowering Women of Color

Lauren's work focuses on empowering women of color and promoting their self-worth and self-confidence. She understands that women of color often face unique challenges when it comes to feeling valued and respected in society.

Lauren champions diverse representation in the media and encourages women to own their unique beauty and embrace who they are. She believes that when women feel confident and empowered, they are better equipped to take care of themselves and those around them.

Lauren also works to create safe and inclusive spaces for women of color to come together and support one another. She has organized retreats and meetups where women can connect, share their experiences, and learn from one another.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Lauren's advocacy work has led to collaborations with other wellness leaders and organizations, such as Lululemon and The Wing, further amplifying her message and expanding her reach.

Through these partnerships, Lauren has been able to reach new audiences and spread her message of self-care and empowerment even further. She is always looking for new opportunities to collaborate with others who share her vision for a more inclusive and equitable world.

Overall, Lauren is a powerful advocate for wellness, self-care, and empowerment. Through her work with Black Girl in Om and her advocacy efforts, she is helping to create a more just and equitable world for all.

Personal Life and Interests

While Lauren's professional life is impressive, her personal life is equally inspiring. She has found a way to balance her work with her passions and interests.

Lauren is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a passionate yogi. She has been practicing yoga for over a decade and has completed several teacher training programs. She believes that yoga is not just a physical practice but a way of life. Her dedication to yoga has helped her find balance and inner peace in her busy life.

When Lauren isn't busy running Black Girl in Om or promoting wellness and self-care, she enjoys exploring new cultures and cuisines across the globe. She believes that traveling is not just about seeing new places but also about learning and experiencing different cultures. She loves trying new foods and learning about the history and traditions behind them.

Hobbies and Passions

In addition to yoga and traveling, Lauren has a passion for writing. She has written several articles and essays on topics ranging from wellness to social justice. She believes that writing is a powerful tool for self-expression and advocacy.

Lauren is also an avid reader. She enjoys reading books on spirituality, personal development, and social justice. She believes that reading is a great way to expand your knowledge and perspective.

Balancing Work and Personal Life

Lauren has found a way to balance her work and personal life by integrating her passions into her work. She believes that self-care is not just about taking bubble baths and indulging in spa days but also about aligning your work with your values and passions.

Lauren's work with Black Girl in Om is a perfect example of this. She has created a platform that promotes wellness, self-care, and self-love for women of color. By doing so, she is not only helping others but also living her passion.

Overall, Lauren is a true inspiration. She has found a way to live a fulfilling and balanced life by following her passions and integrating them into her work. Her dedication to wellness, self-care, and social justice is truly admirable.

Awards and Recognition

Lauren's work has not gone unnoticed, and she has received numerous accolades and features in the media and from influential organizations.

Media Features and Accolades

Lauren has been featured in numerous outlets, including Essence, The Huffington Post, and Refinery29, and was voted one of Chicago's most inspiring women in wellness by Chicago Magazine.

Influential Speaker Engagements

Lauren's advocacy work and leadership skills have led to speaking engagements at various conferences and workshops, including the Girlboss Rally and the Women in Business Expo.

In conclusion, Lauren Ash is an inspirational leader and role model who embodies what it means to pursue your passions and align them with your values. Her work with Black Girl in Om and her advocacy for wellness and self-care will continue to inspire women of color and uplift communities for years to come.

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