Meet Dr. Lauren Bowman

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

Hi Dr. Lauren, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I think risks are necessary for an individual to grow. If you don’t take risks, you will not be able to reach your goals or fulfill your happiness. In my life and career, I have taken two important risks. The first risk I took was that I formed Lotus Lady Music LLC in hopes of filling a gap that is needed: to provide not only music instruction and music arranging for ukulele, but also as a music consultant for those who wish to become music teachers or start a music program in their school.

The second risk I took was to learn to ride a motorcycle a year ago. As an older beginning motorcyclist, I have found that many people are interested in my growth as a motorcycle rider. I started my Instagram @lotus_lady_moto to provide the experience of learning how to ride a motorcycle from the viewpoint of an older female beginner. Since I started riding in July 2023, I have been able to assist different riders of all ages how to obtain their license, give advice on motorcycle and gear purchases, and have even recommended different schools and programs for building and maintaining their motorcycling skills. I maintain my motovlog on a weekly basis, trying to find ways to inspire others to learn to ride.

If I didn’t take the risk to start a small business and to learn how to ride a motorcycle, I would have never been able to meet all the people I have today, and help spread the happiness that comes with music and motorcycles.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have a diverse background in that although I have been in Music Education for 30 years, I have also worked as a private music instructor, and play music professionally at weddings and parties upon request. It wasn’t easy for me because I have had to pay for my education by working 3 jobs at a time. Even after obtaining my Doctorate degree. I still am working 3 jobs. I overcome my challenges by simply advertising lessons and finding other ways of making income. I have learned a long the way that having an education helps, but it isn’t everything in life. There are people out there who have been able to make a living with a trade or technical degree and there is nothing wrong with that. I applaud those former students of mine who have took the leap, became entrepreneurs, opened their own businesses, travel the world, bought a home, and start families.

Even today, I am still working on my brand, Lotus Lady Moto, where I video log my experiences as an older, beginning female motorcycle rider, and Lotus Lady Music LLC, where I focus on music education, consultation, and music arrangements. I would like the world to know that it is never too late to learn something new and recreate yourself and your brand to serve the needs of others. It is also exciting and scary to make that change, but fulfilling all at the same time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
After picking up my friend up from the airport, we’d probably head to Beachside Bike Rental in Redondo Beach and rent bikes, spending a few hours riding along the coast to Manhattan Beach and dine at the Kettle. For nightlife, we could check out some shows at the Whiskey or The Viper room then head to Tatsu Ramen off of Melrose for a late dinner.

There are plenty of great museums in Los Angeles, and a great one to check out would be the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Grammy Museum. I would also recommend the Broad Museum, and at some point during the day, check out Grand Central Market for their amazing selection of food.

Closer to where I live, I would go for a drive along the Palos Verdes Coast and go hiking at the Sunrise Trail and Ocean Trails Reserve, then check out Terranea Beach and the trails around the Terranea Resort. Further along Palos Verdes Drive South, we could head to the Korean Friendship Bell off of South Gaffey Street in San Pedro. In that area, I would recommend stopping by Busy Bee Market for their amazing sandwiches.

I would recommend some of the great breweries in the South Bay, like LA Aleworks in Hawthorne and Project Barley in Lomita. They also have live music there on different nights and food trucks.

Of course, if my friend rides a motorcycle, I would definitely suggest renting a motorcycle from Eagle Rider in Hawthorne and cruising along Pacific Coast Highway Northward as far as we can ride. That in itself would open up a whole new way of exploring Los Angeles!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to my Grandmother, who told me that I should “do something that I am good at” for a career, which is music. I’d like to give a shout-out to my family who has supported me in my decision to become a Music Educator, my friends in the SGI-USA who have helped encouraged me and helped me continue to become happy as I strive for my goals, my boyfriend, who encouraged me to ride a motorcycle, and my friends in the motorcycle community who have helped me grow and supported me as a new motorcycle rider.

Website: https://beacons.ai/lotusladymusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lotus_lady_moto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurendjbowman

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lotusladymoto

Other: https://linktr.ee/lauren.bowman