“Give a woman the right manicure, and she can change the world.”
These are the words that Lauren Berkovitz, founder and CEO of Lauren B. Beauty, lives by. Since she was a little girl offering manicures in the make-shift salon she created in her garage, Berkovitz has felt empowered to conquer the world with perfectly painted nails. This attitude inspired her to follow her dreams and launch her own nail polish business, Lauren B. Beauty, at the end of 2013.
By the time Lauren had grown into a young woman, she had noticed a gap in the beauty market for better quality nail products that aren’t harmful yet still fit her lengthy list of demands. So she spent six years perfecting a nail polish formula that is cruelty-free, vegan, long-lasting, and chip-resistant.
Before my conversation with Lauren Berkovitz, she generously sent me samples of her products.
This included four of her stunning colors, all based on the city of Los Angeles, nail polish remover, topcoat, and nail growth serum. At the time of writing, I’ve gotten to test out the Beach House Vibes polish and the Polynesian Plumeria polish. I can testify that Lauren B. Beauty’s products are as good, if not better, as the website claims. The colors were beautiful and didn’t chip for a full two weeks, even while I was living a more hectic than normal life traveling for the holidays.
Although the products offered by Lauren B. Beauty are impressive in their own right, I couldn’t help but be inspired by Berkovitz’s story. It’s a story of female empowerment as she navigated the business world as a female entrepreneur and now as a new mother. I was lucky enough that she was willing to sit down with me to talk about her experience running her own business. She also shared the advice she has for the next generation of female entrepreneurs. For young women like me, Berkovitz’s story shows that you can be successful pursuing your passions and that hard work really does pay off.
CK: What challenges have you overcome as a female entrepreneur, and how did you do it?
LB: I never imagined that the beauty industry would have so many males in charge. When I started, I was young. I was constantly judged for being a young girl or was mistaken for being an admin in the boardroom. I had to constantly prove myself and fight to get to where I am today. There are many hurdles from pitching nail care to men, to raising funds and being asked inappropriate questions.
CK: How do you manage your role within your company and your other daily life responsibilities?
LB: Since we’re a smaller company, I wear many hats. But without my amazing team, I would not be able to do what I do. We all give 110% and do whatever it takes to get the job done. I’m constantly challenged with balancing my work, home, and family with my job, but that’s okay. I am learning. But relying on others in all aspects and surrounding myself with a good tribe of supportive people is absolutely essential. I don’t think you can have it all at the same time, but I do think there is a balancing act. Sometimes home life will require more attention, and sometimes work will. But it all ebbs and flows.
CK: What new challenges has becoming a new mom created for your role at Lauren B. Beauty?
LB: I am still learning how to juggle, delegate more, and outsource tasks both at home and at work. I think being flexible and adjusting has been a big lesson.
It’s also important for my son to see that I work hard. Sometimes he has to come with me to the office after work hours to get something done. That is okay because I am showing him that I work hard and do whatever it takes.
CK: What advice do you wish you could go back and tell yourself when you were first launching Lauren B. Beauty?
LB: Just go for it. Take the risk, don’t overthink it, and spend less time worrying about every detail. I shed so many tears and worried about specific things that seemed major. Looking back, they weren’t that important, and we got through them. Also, remember that failure is okay but don’t dwell on it either. Just learn and move forward.
CK: What would you tell another young woman who is considering launching her own business?
LB: Life is short, so LOVE what you do, and be the best at it. Take the time to know the ins and outs of your industry or product. Starting your own business is hard, so surround yourself with the right support system. Don’t be afraid to network and ask for help. Also, take care and love yourself first, so you can be the leader your company needs.
CK: What’s coming next for your brand?
LB: We launch new colors twice a year, so we will constantly have something new to offer. I am currently working on an exciting custom project for a large department store. We plan to launch in February, so stay tuned for that. I am also passionate about hand care, so you can be on the lookout for more science-driven products to address the aging hand.
To see more from Lauren Berkovitz and shop Lauren B. Beauty products, check out her website, Instagram, and Facebook!
*Some answers have been edited for length and clarity*
Featured image via Lauren Berkovitz
