Step aside Hollywood, influencers are the new big thing–even if our grandparents don’t understand what exactly this job entails. Building a career as a successful social media influencer means putting yourself out there in a world that isn’t always friendly or accepting, but Lauren Dascalo hasn’t let that hold her back.
This 22-year-old entrepreneur and model has built a strong brand centered around lifestyle, fashion, fitness, and positive vibes. She’s turned her passions and love of motivating others into a multi-figure business by maintaining a tenacious work ethic and building strong relationships.
Dascalo maintains a loyal fanbase and has increased her prominence as an influential figure through strategic partnerships with big creators and name brands. She has worked with big platforms like Bang Energy, Revolve, Pretty Little Thing, Fashion Nova, and others. Her work as part of Team 10 (founded by Jake Paul) also helped her master the camera and all of the creative work that goes on behind it, too.
Lauren attributes her success to finding a niche that fits around her lifestyle and allows her to continue doing what she loves while inspiring others at the same time. “My brand stays unique, as it is a reflection of my authentic lifestyle. I’m vulnerable and open up to my audience, which allows them to feel connected and loyal to me,” Lauren said. She added that building an online brand isn’t an easy undertaking and requires dedication and patience. Dascalo emphasizes her focus on staying motivated, learning through trial and error, and applying strategic moves while maintaining a creative mindset.
Building a business will always come with challenges and Lauren firmly believes that, when it comes to overcoming these hurdles, mindset is everything. She has learned through her journey as an entrepreneur that staying positive is the key to pushing through when setbacks crop up. According to Lauren, this has helped her turn bad situations into good opportunities in a much shorter period of time, and often with better end results.
When asked about the hurdles she’s had to overcome, she mentioned staying true to oneself even when facing adversity or tempting offers that don’t align with one’s goals. Lauren has turned down multiple offers in the past, as they didn’t feel like a good fit for her. “One of the biggest challenges when starting a business as an entrepreneur is keeping true authenticity and staying creative when creating new products, programs, and content,” Dascalo stated.
Over the years, Lauren has learned that there are essential things that must take place in order to maintain positive growth. The number one thing is to not limit one’s thinking. Lauren struggled with increasing her creativity in the business world. However, using the strategies she has learned along with staying mindful when she feels overworked has been central to the success she is creating for herself.
Dascalo continues to grow her online business and is working to expand into online coaching and ebook writing. She’s also working on creating her own podcast, in which she wants to tackle topics like mental health and motivation. Additionally, she plans on designing her own loungewear and fitness apparel brand soon, and aims to start up her own supplement company and skincare brand one day.
