Please take a moment to read this before hiring Lauren.

Q: How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get to be an image consulting expert?

A: My interest in fashion began at a very early age. I remember going shopping with my mom when I was 5 or 6 years old and getting excited about an outfit I wanted her to buy me. When I was 14, I got a job so that I would be able to buy my own clothing, as my parents weren’t able to afford much other than the basics. I used to make some of my own clothes in high school and was always looking through fashion magazines. After high school, I attended modeling school and received private coaching to compete in scholarship pageants (I wanted to pursue a music career), while also working on my college degree.

Although I had this very definite love of clothing and fashion, I didn’t honor it right away, rather I decided to follow other people’s well-meaning advice and be “realistic”. I went on to get my business degree and consequently worked at various jobs in the corporate world for a few years. Interestingly, I would sneak away during my lunch hours to walk through the malls eyeing the latest fashions and continued on with my obsession for fashion magazines. I would also give fashion advice to my friends and family and offer to shop with them, or for them, whenever I could.

My passion for inner work also began at an early age. My parents were fundamental in their beliefs - my mother especially. Even though their beliefs were pretty rigid, I found a comfort in seeking guidance from a higher power. I sought a connection to the divine and a foundation for my inner knowing. When I was around 18, I read the book “The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck. It ignited the seeker in me and I began to read books on other new thought ideas. I have always been very empathic and have a very healing energy – however, I didn’t really understand my sensitivity back then.

It wasn’t until years later, at a defining moment in my life, that both of these passions would come to the forefront and I would eventually turn them into a business. That defining moment was 7 years ago when I decided to honor myself and leave an abusive marriage. About 3 years prior to leaving the marriage, I encountered a betrayal that forced me to open my eyes and see what was really going on around me. I thought, “I’m a good person – how did I attract all of these people and situations into my life?” I decided something must be really wrong. I began my journey by seeking outside help through therapy. At the same time, I started reading books by Gary Zukav and Caroline Myss (they were guests on The Oprah Show) trying to find the answers to the unhappiness I had attracted into my life. I remember watching Gary Zukav the author of “The Seat of the Soul” on Oprah and thinking “I wish I was like him – he is so cool”.

In the years that followed, I went through a transformational process that re-sculpted my entire being. To start, I had no idea what I was facing in the court system. I went from being a stay-at-home mom living in a million dollar home to being forced into joint custody and living in a 2-bedroom apartment. Many times I had attorneys, therapists, parenting consultants and judges against me. I could have lost custody - many women in my situation do. I faced challenge after challenge – always doing my best to respond with integrity. With attorney fees of $6-7000/month, my finances took a beating. I lost everything. I used all of my retirement and still went deeply in debt. I faced bankruptcy and foreclosure.

Yet I prevailed. I ended up getting full custody of my children and being awarded $12,000 in attorney fees – something unheard of in family court. I consistently followed my truth when the odds were not in my favor. The magic and miracles that happened in order for us to be where we are now are huge. The people and situations that lined up to support us were nothing short of amazing. I have accomplished things that are unheard of. My children are with me exclusively full-time. Most importantly, they have freedom and can live in peace. I am demonstrating that it is possible to raise children as a single mother and do it well. I have gone to the depths of my soul to live with courage and determination. I have used every universal principle I could discover to help me in this quest.

That is what has brought me here to this place today. It was from these experiences, that I developed a desire to help others navigate their transformational journeys by combining my talents and teaching them about the dynamics of inner and outer beauty. To summarize, I have over 10 years image consulting experience, including working several years as a personal shopper for a major department store and over 10 years studying inner growth and transformation independently and through The Fireheart Insitute and Sancta Sophia Seminary.

Q: Who do you work with?

A: I believe my purpose is to help people heal their hearts and love themselves – to embrace the beauty in myself and to teach beauty to others.

That being said, I work with high-achieving, heart-centered individuals who are committed to do whatever it takes to get to the next level in their lives (i.e. new life, new job, more clients, new partner, earn more money, etc.).

Q: Who are your clients exactly?

Because image impacts all areas of life, my clients range in age and background. That being said, I have worked with: organizational leaders, financial planners, attorneys, consultants, interior decorators, real Estate Brokers, small business owners, office assistants, stay-at-home moms, teenagers, etc.

Q: What happens if you haven’t worked with people in my field or with my background?

A: I have worked with many different clients in various backgrounds. The principles of image and inner beauty are universal. What my clients have found is that I bring a fresh perspective to each person I work with. I am immediately able to “tune-in” individually to each client and work with their specific situation and needs. I then connect with source energy and follow the guidance I receive to get them what they need or want NOW. They are then able to stand out in the crowd in their own unique and empowered way.

Q: How are you different from other image consultants?

A: My process works from the inside out. I work with clients to assist them in finding the beauty within and also help them in creating their outer image. I really like to work with clients who want to work on the total package – inner and outer – because I believe that beauty ultimately starts from within. Whatever we do to enhance their outer image is just icing on the cake – we are bringing out their inner light.

Q: What type of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me?

A: As a high-achieving go-getter, I really work best with people who share the same philosophy. My programs were created for people who are excited and very serious about transforming themselves. They need to be open to my suggestions and be committed and take the necessary actions to achieve monumental change in their lives.

Q: For what type of person is this program NOT going to work?

A: I really need people to be open and enthusiastic to the process to get the most out of our work together. There needs to be an element of trust in our relationship. I do my best work when I have the space to really allow my creativity to expand. This program is NOT for people who want to set guidelines on the process or are working from a very limiting perspective.

That said; if you find that you are not in a position to go forward with these kinds of changes right now, please know that I am always available down the road whenever you are ready.

Q: What exactly is The Empire Within System™ and what does it include?

1. Determine What Your Current Image is Reflecting to Others
   You need to be honest about where you currently are in order to see the next steps to where you want to go. We know this can be intimidating – we take care to do it in the most compassionate way, while getting to the truth. To make big changes, you need to start taking your image seriously. It is the catalyst to success in all areas of your life. We look at the ways image has been holding you back and why it is so important to take the steps to invest in yourself. We go over your total image from head to toe, verbal/non-verbal, etc., in order to make sure your image makeover is complete.
   
   
2. Get Clear on What you Want to Represent to the World
   What is currently going on in your life and how would you like things to change? What do you want to start attracting? We look at how we can work to accomplish your transformation to start bringing the things you desire into your life. Learn how to play BIG with your image and what it communicates to others. You’ll have the understanding and ability to put image and beauty at the top of your list.
   
   Once we know our starting point, we can begin to develop a plan of action. We immediately tune-in to you - getting information on your unique, authentic style and the process needed to bring it out. We identify all of the areas for improvement and work our way down the list - closet makeover, personal shopping, hair, make-up, skin-care, and communication skills.
   
   
3. Change Your Wardrobe – Closet Makeover/Shopping Kit
   It is important to go through your closet and evaluate what works and what doesn’t. Clothing that does not flatter you, is old, out-of-style, etc. drains your energy. We need to clear the way for new, wonderful things to come into your life. We’ll give you an honest assessment of what to keep and what to let go of. We also give you tips on how to create multiple outfits from the clothing that you already own and give recommendations on what items to add.
   
   After working in your closet, we brainstorm a personal shopping trip to add items that maximize what you currently own, while also creating brand new “attention grabbing” outfits that represent your authentic self and instantly transform you. You will have a blast trying on multiple outfits personally selected with your specific needs and wants in mind – you will not need to leave the dressing room. You will receive the VIP, red carpet treatment - everything is brought to you. Instead of going home, frustrated and empty-handed, you will have multiple outfits to choose from.
   
   We offer recommendations on hairstyle and give you tips on good skin-care and make-up techniques. If needed, we are able to refer you to fabulous salons and specialists for hair, nail and brow services. We also talk about the basics in verbal/non-verbal communication and help you refine your skills.
   
   
4. Commit To Making Your New Image a Priority
   Now that you have made the investment to transform yourself, the next step is to make a commitment to taking care of yourself starting NOW. It is one of the most important things that you can give yourself and is the foundation from where you will be able to be in a place to willingly give to others and be in your brilliance. We will work with you to make sure you have all the information you need to pamper yourself. We provide an ongoing maintenance program to keep you up-to-date.
   
   
5. Step Out of The Shadow and Into the Spotlight
   Your time to shine has come! You have a new fabulous look that is in alignment with your personal and professional goals. Step into the spotlight with courage- you are the star - your life is your stage. You are on your way to a deep, loving acceptance of who you are. Allow yourself to radiate and expand into your larger self.
   
   
6. Re-sculpt Your Being and Create A Place of Inner Power
   For clients that are interested in obtaining congruence between their outer and inner image, we offer an ongoing coaching maintenance program.
   
   So many of us were taught to disown our beauty when we were small. How do we get back in touch with it? A beauty that radiates comes from a divine and solid connection to your authentic self. We explore the blocks to living in your beauty. By honoring our inner guidance, we not only help ourselves, but we ultimately make our relationships better and the world a more balanced place. Learn to develop a trust in yourself that you will always honor what is right for you no matter what. It sends a message to the universe that you are clear in your purpose and to send the right people and the right situations into your life
   
   
7. Expand Into Your Greatness
   Our basic work is complete – now you get the opportunity to step into your greatness. Yes, we are all works in progress and we will continue to work with you as you grow and reach new levels of being. Expand and let yourself be all of who you are. The world needs you.

Q: What results can I expect?

On the outside:

• Wowing others and standing out from the crowd.
• Fun, fabulous outfits and accessories that emanate your style and personality.
• More compliments than you ever imagined.
• Increased success in all areas of your life.
• No more frustrating, useless shopping trips.
• Save time, money and energy.
• More joy in your life.

On the inside:

• A loving relationship with your inner self.
• Increased self-confidence and self-acceptance.
• A happier, authentic way of life.
• An inner beauty that radiates.
• An awareness of the importance of self-care.

On the whole, a brand new you!

Q: Will I recover the investment I put into this image program?

Yes, absolutely! I want you to stop reading for a moment and ask yourself “What is a complete change in my image worth to me over the course of the next few weeks….months…. and years….?” “What would it allow me to accomplish in my life that I am not able to accomplish now?” “How would I feel about myself and how would that change my life?” You are investing in yourself – the most important person in your life. Trust that honoring yourself in this way will bring miracles you couldn’t have imagined.

Q: What are my options for getting started with you?

Congratulations on making a decision for success! I am excited to work with you. I have developed 3 different level programs to choose from when working with me in person and 3 different programs to coach with me virtually. Both are designed to meet you where you are at in your life right now.

Did you know that one of the most prominent characteristics of successful people is that they take action? They take educated risks, decisive action, and they move forward faster as a direct result of this. It is a well-known fact that these people make decisions based on their gut instinct. So if this feels right for you, go for it.

Q: If I’m not ready to get started with you, how can I sample your work at low cost to see if it is the right solution for me?

A way to sample The Empire Within System™ is by subscribing to the weekly email newsletter. “The Empire Within” email newsletter provides you with a wealth of information, including tips and advice on inner and outer beauty.

Lauren understands image in the whole sense. Everything from colors, styles, accessories, to posture, voice and gesture. I invited her to talk to the women's council at work for a 1 hr workshop. She gave us so much information, and all of it extremely relevant. She's very creative - she brought in wardrobe clothing and accessory examples to show us how to do it. It made all the difference to see how to mix and match items to make multiple outfits. Loved it and totally recommend her. Just meeting with her is an inspiration to me!

—Shweta Humad Sharma

Lauren is amazing and very gifted.  I always have trouble finding pants and when I would shop I would often come home with nothing.  Working with Lauren, I had so many options which was wonderful!  At one point, she brought in the first pair of jeans for me to try on and they fit perfectly!  That never happens to me.  She also coordinated tops to go with my pants which was great and accessorized with scarves and belts.  I'd always wanted to wear scarves but wasn't sure how to do that.  Now I do!  I ended up buying many of the items that resonated with me.  It was all so easy!  I just showed up and she did the rest. We also shopped for shoes and I got a couple of great pairs.  One was a great pair of red patent leather shoes that I would never have thought to pick out for myself.  It felt good to stretch my boundaries where shoes were concerned and try something new and different.

I feel renewed and empowered with my new clothes and I haven't felt that way in a long time.  The timing is perfect as I am looking to change careers.  These new clothes have brought me a lot of excitement and joy along with the confidence to put myself out there in a new way!

—Sharon Johnson