Meet Lauren | Founder Rise Wellness & Laleigh Coffee

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

Hi Lauren, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At the heart of everything I do—whether it’s through Rise Wellness Retreats or the Unplugged movement—is a desire to help people reconnect with themselves so they can better show up for their communities and the world. I truly believe that when one person heals, gets clear, or reignites their purpose, the ripple effect is massive. They become better leaders, partners, parents, and changemakers.

Rise Wellness Retreats create intentional space for people to pause, reflect, and reset. So many people are walking around burned out, disconnected, or unsure of their next step. When someone comes to a retreat, they often leave with renewed clarity, deeper confidence, and real tools to carry back into their life. That matters—not just for them, but for everyone they influence.

Unplugged also plays a big role in social impact. It’s not just about stepping away from technology; it’s about stepping into presence. I’ve seen lives change when people create space for stillness. And when we start operating from a grounded, aligned place, we lead differently. We listen better. We create more. We love harder.

On top of that, with Laleigh Coffee, we donate a portion of proceeds to the Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of my grandfather. It’s a small way to give back to a cause close to my heart and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Ultimately, my mission is to help people rise—because when they do, so does the world around them.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I definitely didn’t take the easy route to get where I am today—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. My business journey has been filled with plot twists, setbacks, hard lessons, unexpected detours, and big decisions. I’ve experienced the heartbreak of failed partnerships, lost investments, and business ideas that didn’t take off. I’ve lost money—and made it back. But every single challenge helped shape me, and I leaned heavily on the wisdom of my grandfather during those seasons. His guidance always came back to integrity, resilience, and showing up with heart.

Today, I run Rise Wellness Retreats, Laleigh Coffee, and Retreat Launch Formula, a coaching program that helps aspiring retreat leaders plan, price, promote, and sell out their retreats. But more than what I do, it’s about why I do it. The heart behind everything I create is about people. It’s about impact over income, connection over performance, and creating inclusive spaces where people feel like they belong—whether that’s at a retreat, a coffee table, or in a coaching container.

What sets my brand apart is that it’s built on intention and integrity. Every retreat we lead is designed to take people from strangers to family. Unplugged isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of living. It’s about helping people step away from the noise and into clarity. Whether it’s through morning rituals, nature, journaling, or movement, we help people reconnect with themselves so they can move through life more purposefully and respond rather than react.

I’m also incredibly proud of Laleigh Coffee, which was created in honor of my grandfather. It’s more than just great coffee—it’s about coffee and conversation. We believe you’re only one meaningful conversation away from a completely different life. A portion of every purchase goes to the Parkinson’s Foundation, continuing his legacy of generosity and heart.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way could fill a book, but some of the most important ones are:

1. Lead with integrity, always—even when no one’s watching.

2. People matter more than profit.

3. Get quiet enough to hear your own voice.

4. Resilience is built in the in-between moments.

5. Ask for help—community is everything.

6. Celebrate the detours—they often lead to the most beautiful places.

What I want the world to know is this: You have a raison d’être—a reason for being, as my grandfather would say. And discovering that purpose, that North Star, is everything. It’s what will carry you forward through the highs and the lows. Surround yourself with people who speak life into you, who reflect back your light when you forget it’s there. You’re here for a reason. Don’t stop until you find it—and once you do, never let go of it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, we’d make it the perfect mix of adventure, wellness, great food, and meaningful connection—because that’s how I love to live. Here’s a little peek into the ultimate LA week through my eyes:

Day 1 – Arrival + Reset
We’d kick things off with a light walk and grounding moment at the beach in Marina del Rey, then head to Boulevard Coffee on Abbot Kinney for a latte and conversation. It’s one of my favorite cozy spots and the energy is always right. That night, we’d do a chill dinner at The Butcher’s Daughter—incredible food, great ambiance, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Day 2 – Nature + Nourishment
We’d start the day with a hike at Temescal Canyon or Los Leones—beautiful views, fresh air, and a perfect way to move the body. Afterward, a stop at Erewhon for smoothies or their famous hot bar meals (yes, it’s expensive, but it’s like adult Disneyland and a total LA experience).

In the afternoon, we’d head to Revival in Playa Vista for contrast therapy—cold plunge, sauna, maybe some IV drips or red light. We’d end the day with dinner at The One Hotel in West Hollywood—great views, gorgeous vibes.

Day 3 – Staycation Magic
A day trip (or overnight) to Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. This is one of my favorite places for a staycation. The service, the spa, the food—everything is next level. We’d relax at the beach club, order sushi to be delivered right to our lounge chairs, maybe sneak in a spa treatment, and just fully unplug. If it’s still available, we’d check out the Malibu Wine Safari—feeding giraffes while sipping non-alcoholic rosé is something you don’t forget.

Day 4 – Creative Recharge
We’d work out at HUME Los Angeles or hit up moss in Venice—a co-working space with a wellness lounge (cold plunge + sauna!). Then swing by Lighthouse Campus, a beautiful new space for creatives and collaboration. The evening would be casual—sunset at the beach and tacos from a local Venice spot.

Day 5 – Wellness Immersion
We’d go all in on a wellness day. First stop: Remedy Place or Next Health in West Hollywood for a full-body reset—cold plunge, hyperbaric chamber, sauna, maybe a B12 shot or IV drip. Then lunch at Erewhon again (yes, we’re going twice), and take it slow the rest of the day. Maybe a grounding walk at Will Rogers State Park.

Day 6 – Adventure + Play
Hike Escondido Falls for a more adventurous trail, then do a little shopping and strolling down Abbot Kinney. We’d explore cool boutiques, pop into Erewon for one last smoothie or snack, and maybe grab an afternoon coffee at Boulevard Coffee again (because once isn’t enough).

Day 7 – Faith, Reflection, and Fill-Up
We’d start the day with church—Vintage Church in Santa Monica is a beautiful experience—or a faith-based morning journaling session to reflect on the week. Then head to brunch and wrap it all up with a walk on the beach at golden hour, soaking in gratitude before goodbye.

Whether it’s wellness, creativity, connection, or soul-level recharge, Los Angeles—especially the Westside—is packed with spaces and places that help you feel something. That’s what I want every friend (and retreat guest) to experience: presence, play, and that feeling of “I didn’t know I needed this.

Some more iconic and off-the-beaten-path LA experiences—food, wellness, nature, culture, and play—to add to your itinerary:

☕ Coffee & Brunch

Republique (La Brea)

Little Dom’s (Los Feliz) – Cozy Italian‑American brunch spot with local, seasonal dishes

La Mill Coffee – Sleek, design-savvy café beloved by coffee aficionados

Pine & Crane (DTLA/Silver Lake) – Taiwanese-style brunch gems, like their “Thousand Layer Pancake”

🍽️ Dinner & Eat-Outs

The Butcher’s Daughter (Abbot Kinney) – Plant-forward and stylish

Jon & Vinny’s, Urth Caffé, Nobu Malibu – Standouts in the Vogue editors’ LA guide

🌿 Outdoor & Nature Adventures

Hikes at Temescal Canyon, Los Leones, Escondido Falls, Runyon Canyon

Griffith Park & Observatory – Epic views of the Hollywood Sign and city skyline

Santa Monica & Venice Beach – Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, bike paths, boardwalk life

Kayaking or SUP around Marina del Rey & Venice

Sand volleyball on the beach at Venice/Santa Monica

🏖️ Staycation & Relaxation Spots

Calamigos Ranch (Malibu) – Beach club sushi, spa, pool—day trip or overnight escape

One Hotel (WeHo) – Luxe dinner or staycation option

🧘 Wellness & Fitness

Remedy Place (WeHo) – Cold plunge, sauna, hyperbaric chamber

Next Health (WeHo) – Wellness drips, hyperbaric therapy

Revival (Playa Vista) – Contrast therapy + red light treatments

moss (Venice) – Co-working with cold plunge & sauna lounge

HUME – Trendy fitness/workout studio

🎨 Museums & Culture

The Broad (Downtown) – Free contemporary art with iconic works like Kusama’s Infinity Room

LACMA – West Coast’s largest art museum on Miracle Mile

Getty Center – European & American art plus stunning architecture/views

California Science Center (Exposition Park) – Family fun + Space Shuttle Endeavour

Hollywood Bowl – Summer concerts under the stars

Magic Castle (Hollywood) – Invite-only club for magicians—truly magical!

🎬 Pop-Culture LA

Hollywood Sign hike via Griffith Park – Iconic trail + photo op

Hollywood Walk of Fame – Tourist classic, but crowds can be intense

Studio tours – BTS experiences at Universal, Warner Bros, Paramount

🚗 Quick Getaways

Catalina Island – Island adventure with a Mediterranean feel

Joshua Tree, Ojai, Santa Barbara – Perfect day/weekend escapes

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, encouragement, and support of many incredible people. First and foremost, my biggest shout-out goes to my grandfather. He was my mentor, my coach, my father figure, my biggest fan—and truly, the heart behind so much of who I am and what I do. He was the kind of man who showed up fully for people. He kept his word, led with kindness, and lived generously. Whether it was clipping newspaper articles to inspire others, coaching multiple sports, or recruiting the best people for his teams, he led with both strategy and heart. He taught me to be thoughtful, to pay attention to the details, and to always show up prepared—and he did it all while cheering the loudest from the sidelines. He inspired my brand, Laleigh Coffee, and a portion of the proceeds go to the Parkinson’s Foundation in his honor.

Beyond him, I truly believe it takes a village. My mom, dad, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins—they’ve all played a part in shaping me. I was blessed with a family that believed in me and pushed me to aim higher.

I also had incredible mentors early on. Mr. Bill Poelma, my 4th and 5th grade teacher, had a massive impact on my life. He taught us discipline, structure, and excellence—showing us that being early was on time, and that we were capable of more than we realized. It was in his classroom that I decided I wanted straight A’s, and that drive carried me through middle school, high school (where I became valedictorian), and college (graduating magna cum laude).

And then there was Coach Anderson, one of my basketball coaches, who poured belief into me and instilled a level of professionalism and pride in how I showed up. From uniforms to attitude, he reminded me that how you do anything is how you do everything.

And finally, I’d be remiss not to recognize my faith. My grandparents encouraged me to go to church growing up, and that planted the seeds of my Christian faith, which has become the foundation of everything I do—from how I lead retreats to how I run my business to how I show up in relationships.

So, this shout-out isn’t just to one person—it’s to a whole tribe of people who helped me rise. And for them, I’m endlessly grateful.

Website: https://www.laleighcoffee.com

Instagram: @laurenldonahue