Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Valdez
Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in a military family and continuing into adulthood, I moved and traveled quite often. I spent many years in Germany and it was very common to take day trips to Netherlands, France, Belgium, Italy etc. With the growing presence of social media, this caught attention of my peers but I didn’t consider myself a “creator/influencer” at the time. I allowed the fear of not knowing how to edit dictate what my future would look like.
Summer of 2024, a local bar opened up in downtown San Antonio and I was extended a personal invitation. At this time, I had never created a content video before. I thought I was invited just to check out the space and to my surprise, management greeted me with all the perks and VIP treatment. I thought to myself, “Are they wanting me to create a promo video?”
I quickly got to work and recorded all of my surroundings. With the help of a friend, Calvin McGhee, a media director for local businesses- the very first “Lauren’s List” video was birthed. Due to the success of this video, I consistently took the time to learn how to edit and create engaging content which caught attention of local business owners and other influencers in the area. Within 6 months, I gained over 4.5K new followers.
I am now learning how to brand myself with the vision of taking Lauren’s List to places beyond the Greater San Antonio-Austin Area. A dream goal that I have for my brand is to be able to travel and create content for businesses full time- highlighting all of the trendy places this world has to offer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The saying, “you can be your own worst enemy” was always very true for me due to my debilitating shyness. In the past, it would be such an obstacle/ hurdle to the point where I would sob and cry meeting new people. Not the energy needed for content creation at all, right?
In addition to crippling anxiety, I was experiencing an overwhelming sense of “imposter syndrome”. I felt as though I did not earn or deserve to be in the rooms that I was eagerly welcomed into after my content started taking off- I would tell myself, “you don’t edit as good as they do, you don’t have their people skills. You don’t belong.”
I joined “Urban Run Club” and a local girls group “The Gathering” in July of 2024. The sense of community and safeness those groups provided, gave me the confidence to truly work through my shyness, my sense of imposter syndrome and engage with others in a healthy and uplifting way. I placed myself into spaces that empowered me to meet new people, speak confidently and grow my content dreams further than I thought they would.
I still deal with both shyness and “imposter syndrome” but I have learned healthy coping habits and positive uplifting internal dialogue reassuring myself that I too, deserve to take up space and sing my own praises.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create content for businesses that are seeking to highlight their special, fun and/or unique features/events. Lauren’s List is broken into four categories: Restaurants, Luxury, “Lets Unwind” (Bars), and Adventures. Every place that I have curated a Lauren’s List video for has a unique flare to the establishment/company that leaves me wanting to go back after the video has been created.
I’m known for being a curious and adventurous person. I love exploring local events, finding hidden gems in my community, and always being open to new experiences. Whether it’s a pop-up market, unique restaurant, or an outdoor activity, I enjoy discovering things that others might overlook and sharing those experiences with others. I truly believe no city is “boring” but rather a lack of promotion of events or the drive to go and participate in them.
For example, I am headed to Brazil and Panama next month and staying in hostels the whole time as well as using only public transportation!
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is my spontaneity, independence, and freedom. These qualities allow me to live authentically and pursue what genuinely excites me without being restricted by rigid expectations. My ability to embrace new opportunities without overthinking and take risks helps me grow both personally and professionally.
For example, I am going to Brazil and Panama with 2 girls that I met 2 years ago in a hostel in Mexico! They coincidentally were both from the DC area and we all became good friends. We explored Mexico together and a year later, planned a trip to Colombia and the island of San Andres. While in San Andres, we met another girl from our hostel that is from Brazil and we will be meeting up with her in Rio de Janeiro!
My love for doing unconventional, crazy things is what keeps life interesting and full of surprises. It pushes me to challenge norms, explore new ideas, and live a life that’s uniquely mine. The combination of these values gives me a sense of fulfillment and drives my passion for personal growth.
Lastly, equally important is my sense of community. I believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and support. Having a close-knit group of people who share similar values enhances my sense of belonging and drives me to make meaningful contributions.
Pricing:
- IG Story: $50
- IG Post: $175
- IG Reel: $225
- IG Reel & Story: $250
- IG & TikTok Reel & Story: $260
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslaurenvaldez/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@itslaurenvaldez
