Lauren Durie shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Lauren, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’m in a new season of life—a new era, if you will, for the Swifties. I used to always have a trip on the books, passport ready at a moment’s notice. Since getting married, I’ve shocked myself by becoming more of a homebody. We still love exploring our own backyard and doing smaller adventures, but honestly, the thing that brings me the most joy right now is the simple stuff—lazy mornings, walks with the pups, cooking, and spending quality time with my family (I know, who am I?).
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Lo — a travel writer who never thought I’d get married, but life’s full of plot twists. After nearly 40 years of dodging the aisle, when I finally did say yes, I went all in, curating every detail of our three-day New Orleans extravaganza like it was my last story to tell. Somewhere amongst the planning chaos, I stumbled upon a TikTok of a maid of honor who created a wedding advent calendar for her bridal bestie and not so subtly hinted to MOH that I needed one too.
That’s when it hit me: life’s biggest moments go by way too fast. I wanted to slow it down, soak it up, and celebrate every single second leading up to the big “I do,” due date, or the birthday. That’s how Anything But Christmas Advent Calendars was born, countdown calendars for all of life’s milestones… because it really is the little moments that become the biggest memories.
We’re not just offering gifts—we’re unboxing emotion, excitement, and a little bit of joy to extend the celebration. Each calendar is packed with curated, clever, practical, and pampered surprises designed to make the lead-up to life’s most meaningful days feel as unforgettable as the day itself. Whether it’s a wedding, a baby, retirement, or graduation, we believe the countdown deserves just as much hoopla as the main event.
It’s been fun getting to be crafty and intentional—blending my love for gift-giving with meaningful, memory-making moments (and a full circle moment, growing up in a family who had a gift shop in our hometown). I get to create experiences that remind people just how loved they are and be part of their biggest days. That’s pretty special.
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?
When my third grade teacher told me I should be a writer I laughed because that was so basic. 30 years later, I’m here biting my tongue. I’ve had a lot of lives, though. Some people know me as a carefree travel influencer. Others know me as a polished government comms professional. I’ve always been entrepreneurial and a career chameleon. At our kindergarten graduation my best friend said she wanted to be a princess when she grew up. She had the right idea.
Now, I’m building something that lets me return to that part of myself: the version that sparks creativity and joy. Something that helps people slow down, savor the moment, and celebrate their journey.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Life doesn’t always have to be a competition (with yourself or otherwise). You don’t always have to be looking for the next best thing. Your job doesn’t define who you are. Take a beat and be present, as hard as it is. You’re already doing enough and it goes by way too fast not to enjoy it.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is definitely real — but it’s not the whole story. Social media is curated, a highlight reel. For a long time, I was terrified to show vulnerability, failure, or weakness. But I’m learning that it’s the messy middle and the not quite there yet moments that make you relatable. And we all need a little more authenticity right now.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I climbed the corporate ladder faster than I even thought possible — all the way up to becoming Director of Communications for a city. I wanted a seat at the table and I got it. Then I watched as that job quietly consumed me. At first, it felt powerful. Thrilling. But the thing I thought would fulfill me just… didn’t. I quickly learned titles are fleeting, everyone’s replaceable, and if you’re not careful, you’ll spend years chasing a version of success that doesn’t actually feel like your own. That was a wake up call. And I’ve been rewriting the script ever since.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anythingbutchristmasadventcalendars.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anythingadventcalendar/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmonitz/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenmonitz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anythingadventcalendar
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lmonitz
Blog: https://thedownlo.com/
