We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lauren Thompson. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to fully step into my voice and take up space in ways I used to be afraid of. For a long time, I kept myself in the background, either because I didn’t trust people to receive me, or because I felt like I had to be perfect before showing up. With Visually Different, I’m being called to put my vision out there boldly, without waiting for validation, and to stand firm in my boundaries as a creative leader.
What I used to fear was the responsibility that comes with owning my lane, being the one to set the standard, guide others, and unapologetically say, “This is who we are and what we bring.” Now, I feel like that’s exactly where I belong. It’s no longer about being “ready enough,” it’s about being willing to walk into spaces that weren’t built for me and prove that I belong there by the way I execute.
I’m also being called to build something bigger than myself, a community, a team, and a brand that outlives me. That takes courage, because it means being vulnerable, delegating, and trusting others with pieces of my vision. But that’s the very thing I used to avoid, and now it feels like the path forward.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lauren Thompson, and I’m a graphic designer, artist, and the founder of Visually Different, a creative agency I built to support both the creatives I hire and the clients we serve. I’ve been on many creative sets where the vision of minorities wasn’t supported, and I want to be part of the solution. Visually Different was created to provide agency support for brands who are looking for more authenticity in their personal voice.
We offer Brand Strategy & Identity, Social Media Design & Management, and Web Design and Development. At Visually Different, we bring our expertise and creative experience to the table, but your goals as the client matter just as much. Our approach is both creative and collaborative, making sure that every voice is valued and every vision feels true to the people behind it.
What makes Visually Different unique is that it’s not just about delivering visuals, it’s about building a space where clients feel seen and creatives feel supported. That balance is what drives the work we do and the impact we aim to make.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a light. I had a natural respect for the world, a genuine care for others, and a love for all creatures. My grandma would tell me as a kid, when she was trying to kill bugs, I’d say, “Don’t kill God’s creatures,” and I would always defend them. That version of me was full of empathy, curiosity, and kindness. She saw the good in everyone, and the world hadn’t yet taught her to hide it.
Over the years, life and its challenges forced me to protect myself, and I lost touch with that pure, open-hearted part of me. Reconnecting with that version of myself has been a journey. I truly believe my ancestors watch over me and protect me. I feel my angels around me constantly, and I truly believe I am God’s favorite. That belief sometimes gives me the confidence to not allow the world to control my behavior. The toughest lesson I had to learn throughout my twenties was to never let someone else’s behavior make you a bad person.
I’ve learned that you can’t let the world change who you are or your spirit be diminished. You have to protect your beautiful energy, set boundaries, and be intentional about who and what you allow into your space. That light is still there, guiding me as I show up in life.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience in a way that success never could. If I lost everything tomorrow, I know I could get it back again. Time and time again in my life, I have lost everything and gained more. That’s not a skill you inherit, it’s a mindset you grow into. Life will knock us down repeatedly, but the real question is whether you can rebuild, rise, and come back stronger each time. For me, the answer is always yes, every single time.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One foundational truth I rarely articulate is that “No move is still a move.” I’ve learned that sometimes the most powerful action is knowing when to pause, protect your energy, and not react to what the world throws at you. Choosing stillness isn’t weakness, it’s strategy, clarity, and self-respect.
For me, this truth guides how I navigate relationships, work, and life. It reminds me that I don’t always have to prove myself, respond immediately, or give my energy to situations or people that aren’t aligned with my vision. Standing still, observing, and being intentional is often how I make my strongest moves without saying a word.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve learned that giving your best isn’t about recognition or praise, it’s about integrity and holding yourself to your own standards. Recognition often comes later, but the work you put in today lays the foundation for the future version of yourself. At times, especially when we’re young, it’s easy to crave instant gratification, forgetting that some of the greatest milestones are only recognized years down the line.
I’m still building, both as a person and as a creator. If I don’t get praise right now, I don’t let it shake me. I have full confidence that what I’m creating, my creative agency and my personal brand as an artist, will be successful. My vision is to become one of the greatest artists of all time, and I know the world hasn’t yet seen everything I have to offer. For me, it’s not about today’s recognition, it’s about the lifetime of work and impact I’m building. And the truth is, I’m only just getting started.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.visuallydifferent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visuallydifferent.co/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-ashley-thompson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.a.thompson.79
Image Credits
@TreyLens
