Meet Lauren Burhoe | Ventura County-based writer & Creative

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

Hi Lauren, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It all started in September 2024, almost by accident. I was scrolling through Instagram, like I do, and saw an ad for a makers market in Ventura. Out of nowhere, this idea popped into my head—“a pop-up bookshop would be fun.” But then another voice quickly chimed in: “You’re not really creating something.” I was worried people would think I was treating the Maker’s Market like a garage sale. Still, something in me wanted to try. I applied for a spot, not expecting anything—and to my huge surprise, I got in.

At the time, I had so many books I loved and truly believed in sharing them, not hoarding them. So, I thought, what if I could give them a new life? What if I could create a little experience that would get people excited about reading again?

That first market, I went all out. I collected all my books, and even rescued some from local thrift shops to sell. I decorated my easy-up like a cozy bookshop, made hand-painted tote bags, created bookmarks with my own Ventura County photography, and offered blind date with a book. People could even customize their blind dates, and I’d hand-wrap each book. The most special part was seeing their reactions—how their eyes lit up when they found something perfect for themselves or someone they loved. I’d hear things like, “My daughter would love this,” or “This is so my best friend’s vibe,” and it made me realize: I was creating something after all.

That moment sparked Burhoe & Books, my bookish brand centered around sharing the joy of reading in fun, meaningful ways. But as I kept going, I realized I wanted to share more—my life, my style, my creative process, my love for Ventura’s vibe and aesthetic. That’s when Strawberry Coast Lauren was born. It became my “everything me” brand—a cozy space to express myself outside of just books.

Right now, I’m rethinking what’s next for Burhoe & Books, and in the meantime, I’ve been pouring more energy into Strawberry Coast Lauren. But the heart behind both brands is the same: I want to spark joy, build community, and inspire people to fall in love with stories—whether they’re reading them or living them.

I don’t know exactly where this will all lead, or what success will look like yet, but I do know that creating something that makes people smile, think, or feel seen is worth it. And I want to keep doing just that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I guess that depends on which work you’re asking about! My creative work is a mix of storytelling and connection. My “day job” is as a scientist working in cancer research. Neither of them were– or are– easy.

I spent years studying biology, earning my degree, and building a career in a field I care deeply about. For a long time, I never considered myself creative. I always saw myself as analytical, logical—someone who followed the rules and solved problems.

But somewhere along the way, I realized I was craving something softer, something more personal. I started reading more, writing more, and sharing little glimpses of my life and thoughts online. That slowly evolved into Burhoe & Books, a passion project where I share my love of stories through pop-up bookshops and handmade bookish items. Later, I created Strawberry Coast Lauren, a personal brand rooted in beachy, bookish, heartfelt lifestyle content—my little corner of the internet for everything “me.”

And honestly, it’s scary to put myself out there as an artsy, dreamy person when I’ve spent so much of my life being the science girl. It can feel kind of wild to say, “Actually, I want to be a writer. I want to own a bookstore. I want to make content and spark joy.” Especially when I’ve worked so hard to get where I am in research. But I’ve learned that we don’t have to fit in just one box—and that choosing a creative path doesn’t mean leaving everything else behind. I’m both. I’m analytical and artistic. I’m a scientist and a storyteller.

What sets my work apart is that it’s built from both sides of me: the side that is precise and deeply curious, and the side that sees the world in color and feeling. What sets my work apart is that it’s built from both sides of me: the side that is precise and deeply curious, and the side that sees the world in color and feeling.

As a scientist, I’ve been trained to ask questions, solve problems, and analyze every detail. That mindset shapes the way I approach everything—I notice patterns, I care about the why behind things, and I’m not afraid to dig deep. But I also carry this other side: the dreamer, the romantic, the observer of tiny and beautiful moments. The one who slows down to watch the light hit the ocean just right, who gets lost in stories, and who loves creating things that make people feel something.

Blending those two parts of myself—logic and heart, research and creativity—is what makes my work unique. I don’t just sell books at a market; I curate an experience. I don’t just post on Instagram; I tell a story. I bring the same thoughtfulness I use in the lab to every creative idea, and I bring the same wonder I feel when reading a novel into my everyday life.

It’s not a contradiction—it’s a balance. And I think that balance is what makes me, and my work, real. I care about creating experiences that make people light up—whether it’s through a pop-up bookshop filled with books I’ve loved, or a quiet Instagram post about the beauty of slowing down.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there’s power in simply starting—even if you don’t know where it will lead. And what I want people to know is that books, stories, and creativity are for everyone, no matter what your background is.

We all contain multitudes. This is just me finally letting mine bloom.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting LA County, I’d absolutely want to show them some of my favorite spots that feel unique and inspiring. I’d start with The Last Bookstore downtown, because it’s this amazing, whimsical place that book lovers dream about—full of creative displays and tons of books to get lost in. Then I’d take them to The Ripped Bodice in Culver City, a romance bookstore with such a warm and welcoming vibe. Definitely we would hit up the Petersen Automotive Museum. For dinner, we’d head to Patrick’s Roadhouse on the Pacific Coast Highway, where the ocean views and relaxed atmosphere make for the perfect ending to the day. We would drive up PCH back home to Ventura County.

But honestly, as much as I love LA, it’s hard to leave Ventura County! So after a few days exploring the city, I’d want to bring my friend back home to Ventura. I’d show them the beautiful beaches, the laid-back vibe, and my favorite local spots to eat and hang out—places that inspire my creativity and feel like a true home base.

For me, Ventura offers the perfect balance of beauty, community, and calm—things that keep me grounded and inspired every day. So while LA has incredible energy and fun spots, Ventura County will always be where my heart is.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I’d be where I am without the love and support of my family and my boyfriend. My parents have always been a huge inspiration—not only because of how strong and loving their relationship is, but also because they’ve both owned their own businesses. Watching them create something from the ground up showed me what’s possible when you have passion and persistence.

My sister deserves an enormous shoutout too. She’s been through so much and has come out the other side stronger than ever. She’s built a beautiful life and family, and I admire her deeply for her resilience. My nephew Orion is my little best buddy and keeps me laughing, my niece Nora is pure sweetness, and Fred is the cutest three-year-old you’ve ever met.

My boyfriend, Andrew, has been my rock through all the highs and lows. He encourages me when I doubt myself and has believed in my ideas even when they were just scribbles in a notebook. He’s also the muscle to my madness, he helps me set up every pop-up bookshop. Even when that means we have to wake up at 6am on a Saturday.

And finally, to every single person who’s stopped by my pop-up bookshop or sent a kind message about my content—thank you. Your support reminds me that stories matter, that creativity connects us, and that I really am creating something meaningful.

Instagram: @BurhoeandBooks @strawberrycoastlauren

Image Credits
All of the photos were taken by me! Except the pictures of me were taken by my boyfriend Andrew Fiscus (coffee pic) and my friend Natalie Erickson (Strawberry Pic)