Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Jenkins.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Lauren Jenkins — a mom, entrepreneur, project manager, speaker, author, and the founder and CEO of The Lauren J Enterprises. My journey wasn’t polished or predictable. It started with me simply trying to survive.
Life has brought a fair share of challenges — grief, legal issues, health struggles, parenting, and trying to balance it all. But even when the path wasn’t clear, I trusted God. Over the past four years, I’ve realized that my story, my experiences, and the skills I’ve developed can help others.
What began as side projects and people coming to me with their problems has grown into a multi-layered brand built on faith, strategy, and service. I didn’t have a blueprint or someone showing me the way. But I did have vision. And by God’s grace, I’ve been led step by step to where I am today. Every pivot in life, business, and faith has brought me closer to my purpose.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. There were seasons of rejection, moments where doors closed, and times I completely doubted myself. I’ve been laid off, financially stretched, and mentally exhausted. But each challenge taught me something valuable. I’ve learned how to turn pressure into power and disappointment into drive. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s absolutely been worth it!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Lauren J Enterprises?
My umbrella brand is The Lauren J Enterprises, which includes:
– TLJ Consulting Co.
– Nalo Maison
– Well Watered Women (co-founded with my sister, Kenni McClendon)
Everything under The Lauren J Enterprises flows from a place of purpose.
– Nalo Maison is an online fashion brand for women who want to show up confidently and boldly. We focus on exclusive drops — luxury pieces that embrace identity and individuality. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
– TLJ Consulting Co. is a career and business consulting company where I help professionals and small businesses grow through business strategy, system setup, and leadership development.
– Well Watered Women is a growing sisterhood rooted in faith. We host weekly Bible studies and events that offer both spiritual nourishment and real-life encouragement for women at every stage of life.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just build brands — I build safe spaces. I offer strategy and structure, but I also bring heart and healing. Everything I do is deeply intentional and rooted in faith.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Yes—get you a mentor, for real. And not just someone to clap for you, but someone who can check you, challenge you, and pour into you spiritually, personally, or professionally. Personally, I prefer a mentor I don’t know too closely. That distance gives them freedom to speak truth without sugarcoating, and it gives me room to receive without getting in my feelings. When it’s someone you’re not overly familiar with, there’s less room for offense and more room for growth.
And mentorship is not one-sided—it’s a mutual exchange. When someone takes time to share valuable wisdom, insight, and experience with you, sow a seed back into them. That could be your time, support, prayer, or even a financial seed. Honor what they’re giving, because that information could change your life.
When it comes to networking, what’s worked best for me is being genuine. I don’t network to just “get something.” I show up, stay consistent, support others, and allow real connections to happen organically. Purpose-driven relationships go farther than transactional ones. So be intentional, be kind, and know that the right people will come into your life at the right time—but you have to stay ready and stay open.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelaurenj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamthelaurenj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamthelaurenj
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthelaurenj
- Other: https://linktr.ee/iamthelaurenj
Image Credits
Merix Alexander
