We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Brazile and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Throughout my journey, themes of love, compassion, grace, excitement, fun, and exploration have been integral to both my personal life and my work. I approach challenges with love and compassion, ensuring that I serve others with kindness and understanding. I infuse excitement and fun into my projects, making them not only impactful but also enjoyable for those involved.

The most important factors behind my success stem from a deep commitment to my values and purpose. First and foremost, I put God at the center of my life, allowing my faith to guide my decisions and actions.

I prioritize surrounding myself with people and engaging in work that resonates with my mission. By connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations, we create a supportive network that inspires growth and collaboration. Knowing that our time on this beautiful earth is limited, I strive to spend it wisely, making choices that reflect my core beliefs.

Additionally, I embrace exploration, seeking new experiences and perspectives that enrich my understanding of the world and enhance my ability to serve my community. This combination of spiritual grounding, purposeful connections, and a joyful approach to life has been essential to my success and continues to drive my passion for making a difference.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets We Grow LA apart from other non-profits is our vibrant and diverse community of volunteers, which includes award-winning music artists, individuals from the special needs community, students of all ages, elders, Instagram influencers, and single moms. This rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences fosters a unique environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

Our authentic approach to building safe spaces in underserved communities is a cornerstone of our mission. We focus on changing the narrative for young Black and Brown individuals by emphasizing that service can be fun and uplifting. We strive to create an atmosphere where people feel welcome and supported, breaking down barriers and stigmas associated with seeking help.

Our grocery giveaways exemplify this philosophy. We aim to create a joyful grocery shopping experience, allowing community members to choose what they want and fill their own bags. This approach not only empowers individuals but also helps to eliminate the negative stigma often associated with receiving assistance. Everything we do at We Grow LA is designed to uplift, inspire, and build our communities.

Additionally, our commitment to provide professional development resources to growing entrepreneurs and collaborate with other service orgs distinguish us from other organizations. While we have our own mission, we believe in the power of “WE.” In our first year, we have helped over 100 small businesses and partnered with over 30 organizations of all sizes to bring resources and an economic boost to the underserved.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Black owned restaurants:
Hilltop Cafe
Harold & Belle’s
Alta

Activities:
Slauson Super Mall for our weekly grocery giveaway
Skid Row- bring some snacks and hygiene products for our houseless brothers and sisters
Venice & Malibu- beach time and seafood

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom and dad
My aunt and uncle Alona and Jimmy Watts
My aunt and uncle Pamela and Danny Bakewell
My cousins Ashlie, Fatima, Amira, Micah, Brandon and Chelsea
My client and good friend Storm DeBarge
The Million Dollar Babies (you know who you are)
My childhood friends Cassie, Jade, April, and Mark
My boss babes Morgan and Victoria
My mentors Lisa Dixon, Baron Davis and Anthony Jolly

All of these people have poured into me in a way that has truly changed my life.

Website: https://Wegrowla.com

Instagram: @wegrowla @laurenbrazile

Image Credits
Sheopatra Jones, Sunlit Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.