Lauren Carothers – An Event Producer who is creating spaces for US!

Who is Lauren? 

I was blessed to be born into a loving and supporting entrepreneurial family in sunny San Diego, CA. My father was a lawyer (first Black partner in San Diego) and my mother, a serial entrepreneur, was the founder of one of the first ever black women’s conferences in the world called African American Women on Tour (which I hope to revive someday). I am also proud to be part of a family lineage with other legendary figures like my aunt Jewel Thais Williams who was the founder of the one and only Black lesbian owned gay club Catch One. Throughout my life, I have always moonlighted as a creative entrepreneur even at an early age, college friends and I ran a pretty reputable fashion show production company. 

What made you start All Worthy People?

All Worthy People is the embodiment of my desire to intersect experiences with impactful and intentional purpose while collaborating with other creative talent of color. This entity that I created came from something I always wanted to exist for myself over the years..

All Worthy People was born in 2018 to put a name behind the work of realizing our worth and producing high value projects and making sure everything we touched had a purpose and creating things that could change future generations. Also creating a more sustainable and green way to execute concepts is important, so we align ourselves with brands and people that have the same ethos as us. 

How has the journey been growing a company from the ground up and being a woman of color?

In all honesty, because I often followed my heart and my gut the journey has been full of divine by design experiences, truly blessed. Although there have obviously been many no’s, there have been so many yes’ that lead to further growth and development as a Black women business owner. I probably don’t give myself nearly enough credit, because I am just a head down and get it done kind of person. 

What are some things you wish you had known before going into business for yourself?

The importance of a fucking team, you can’t do it by yourself! Well you technically can, and for a while you will. But in all honesty, there is not much you truly can arm yourself with. I continue to shape and develop who and what this all is everyday. I do what feels right and make sure to keep yourself open to learning. Keep learning forever. 

What does a typical day look like for Lauren?

There is no typical day hahaha. Although it is important to set up some type of structure as a business owner, especially working in production, each day has its own energy levels, wins and obstacles. Aside from a never ending list of calls and emails, on-site/set days can look like working alongside a diverse crew to bring different stories to life or taking a women-owned brand and introducing it to a community that needs this type of representation front and center. The part I look forward to the most in my day is when I am able to click out of email tabs, and go on ‘do not disturb’ to build concepts and strategies – that is where I really like to be.: building and designing worlds beyond anyone’s imagination, Giving a voice to people that may be voiceless, telling the stories of those who may be silenced, and add color to a community that may have been dimmed. All Worthy People’s goal is to always be extremely intentional about the elements we put out into the world to touch hearts, provoke minds, and create lasting memories.  

What advice would you give someone looking to get into the event production and creative industry? 

The real key for the younger generation is to learn how to google, literally the world is at our fingertips. Anything you think you don’t know how to do, you can learn in a 15 min tops on YouTube. My advice is to say yes to everything and don’t be afraid to fail because the best leaders are the best followers. I say this with a grain of salt because obviously work life balance is important…but that comes after the age of 40…it’s forever grind time kiddos.

What are some of your notable moments?

Honestly, I know I said it before but everyday is notable. I get to work with those most dynamic and talented people. And I’m a people person, so everything feels noteworthy to me. 

What’s next for Lauren? 

Myself and All Worthy People continue diversifying spaces in industries that have a lack of representation. I am creating programs that provide resources for Black creative entrepreneurs which we are set to launch at the end of Summer 2022 so be on the lookout at allworthypeople.com. For that. We are writing scripts and developing original content! All new ventures to see where that goes. My ultimate goal is to literally shape the way we educate x heal x create under one roof.

For photo credit: 
@freddybeezy