Lauren Jones is the founder and driving force behind Elle & Reid, a rapidly growing fashion consulting firm that is making waves in the industry. Before launching her own business, Lauren had a successful career as a Vice President in the fashion industry, achieving significant professional success. However, when she was unexpectedly laid off in 2022, she faced an unforeseen turning point in her life. Rather than viewing this event as a setback, Lauren used it as an opportunity to take control of her future. She channeled her two decades of experience into starting Elle & Reid, turning her personal career disruption into the beginning of something greater.
The Life Pivot
The 2022 layoff served as a catalyst for Lauren to rethink her career trajectory. This life-altering moment pushed her to step into entrepreneurship. Instead of dwelling on the uncertainty that followed her job loss, Lauren acted swiftly, using her deep industry expertise in fashion design, business management, and brand consulting to forge a new path. The decision to launch Elle & Reid was a direct response to the career pivot, allowing her to transform what could have been a setback into an opportunity for growth. Lauren’s quick thinking and proactive approach are key themes in her journey, showcasing her resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.
Building Elle & Reid
Elle & Reid began with a simple concept: to provide fashion consulting services that would help startups and emerging brands navigate the complex world of fashion. In the early days of the firm, Lauren used her background in design and consulting to lay a strong foundation. Her vast industry knowledge, coupled with her ability to anticipate trends and consumer behavior, became the cornerstone of the business. Within its first year, Elle & Reid experienced rapid growth. By its second year, the firm is already on track to hit its first six-figure revenue milestone—a testament to Lauren’s leadership and strategic vision.
Investing in Skills and Education
Lauren’s commitment to personal growth and education has been a key factor in Elle & Reid’s success. After launching her business, she invested heavily in expanding her skill set. She immersed herself in learning everything from digital marketing and social media growth to search engine optimization (SEO) and growth strategies. This dedication to continuous learning wasn’t just about improving her fashion expertise but also about mastering the business strategies that would allow her to scale her company. Her ability to apply these newly acquired skills helped turn Elle & Reid into a fast-scaling firm in a highly competitive industry.
Scaling Through Strategy
Strategically scaling Elle & Reid has been one of Lauren’s primary focuses. Her business acumen is evident in her approach to refining product lines, enhancing brand identities, and driving success for her clients. She has a hands-on approach to every client relationship, aiming that each brand receives a customized strategy tailored to its unique needs and goals. Whether it’s through storytelling, marketing, or product development, Lauren applies data-driven insights and digital tools to create measurable success for her clients. Elle & Reid has quickly become a trusted partner for fashion startups looking to build strong brand identities and succeed in a crowded market.
Fashion Founder Academy
As Elle & Reid continues to grow, Lauren has also set her sights on a new venture aimed at empowering future fashion entrepreneurs: the Fashion Founder Academy. This educational platform will provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to scale their fashion brands. The first course in the academy, a Brand Identity and Storytelling Bootcamp, will focus on helping participants develop strong, compelling brand stories. Following this, in Q1 2025, Lauren will launch the Fashion Founders Blueprint, a flagship course that offers comprehensive instruction on product creation, brand development, and business strategy. Drawing from her two decades of experience, Lauren has designed the Fashion Founder Academy to blend her knowledge of fashion with proven business strategies, offering a 360-degree guide for those looking to build their own fashion businesses.
Commitment to Helping Startups Grow
Lauren’s passion for helping startups succeed extends beyond Elle & Reid and the Fashion Founder Academy. She is committed to mentoring and guiding new entrepreneurs through the often-difficult process of launching and growing a fashion brand. Her mission is to equip fashion startups with the necessary tools, strategies, and mentorship to thrive in a competitive industry. Whether she is helping a client refine their product offering or advising on market entry strategies, Lauren’s focus is always on ensuring that creativity is balanced with financial viability. Her work goes beyond simply consulting—she helps her clients build sustainable businesses that can grow and evolve over time.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, Lauren’s vision for the future remains rooted in her desire to help others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. She plans to continue scaling Elle & Reid, solidifying its position as a leader in fashion consulting, while also expanding the Fashion Founder Academy into a key resource for new and emerging entrepreneurs. Her journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur is a powerful reminder that challenges can be transformed into opportunities. Through her work, Lauren empowers others to take control of their own futures, guiding them as they navigate the complexities of building successful, sustainable businesses in the fashion industry.
Published by: Martin De Juan
