Meet Lauren Francesca | iwantmylauren on social media, Actor, filmmaker, influencer

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

Hi Lauren, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think the most important factor behind my success has been consistency and connection. I’ve been creating content online for over a decade, and I’ve stayed true to who I am while constantly evolving with the platforms. Whether it’s acting, directing, or just being silly in a skit, I show up, I create, and I engage. My audience has grown with me because I’ve always tried to be real and relatable — even in a world that’s full of filters. And honestly, I love what I do. That passion keeps me going through the hard days, and I think people can feel that.

Being an actor and filmmaker means you hear ‘no’ a lot — not because you’re not good enough, but because this industry is built on timing, relationships, and energy. You can pour your soul into a role or a project and still get passed over. As a creator, some of my favorite videos haven’t performed how I expected — but I’ve learned that doesn’t mean they weren’t valuable. One of the biggest lessons I’ve embraced is: His rejection is God’s protection. What’s meant for you will never miss you, and what misses you was never meant to stay.”

One of my earliest experiences with this was when I broke my ankle and didn’t get into the high school I thought was my dream. I was heartbroken at the time. But that detour led me to PPAS (Professional Performing Arts School) — and it completely changed my life. I fell in love with the school, earned a scholarship to Alvin Ailey, and got to study alongside classmates who went on to become major stars. Looking back, that ‘no’ was one of the biggest blessings in disguise. It taught me early on that when things don’t go your way, it doesn’t mean your path is over — it just means it’s being rerouted toward something better.”

Even legends like Tyler Perry faced endless rejection — he lived in his car, put on shows no one showed up for, and still kept going. Stories like his remind me that the struggle is part of the success story. I truly believe that if you show up with love, keep the faith, and trust the process, the right doors will open. You just have to be ready to walk through them.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share! My art is rooted in storytelling — whether I’m acting, creating content, or collaborating on a new project, I’m always drawn to emotional truth, humor, and that spark of real human connection. I think what sets me apart is my willingness to be vulnerable while keeping things fun and relatable. I love blending comedy and heart, and I’m always looking for ways to connect with people through authenticity.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come by betting on myself, especially when things weren’t easy. Getting to where I am today has definitely had its ups and downs. There were times I wasn’t sure where the next opportunity would come from, or if I was even on the right path. But I kept showing up — sometimes scared, sometimes discouraged — but always with the belief that what I had to offer mattered. That persistence, along with incredible mentors like Josselyne Herman-Saccio, made all the difference.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stop waiting for permission. When I started creating my own content, I realized I didn’t have to wait around to be cast — I could build something on my own terms. That shift changed everything for me. It taught me that momentum is something we can generate ourselves.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: I’m here to tell stories that make people feel seen, to bring lightness where there’s heaviness, and to inspire others to go after their own dreams — no matter how out-of-reach they may seem. iwantmylauren isn’t just a catchy name — it’s a call to action for anyone who’s ready to be bold, have fun, and create the life they actually want.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting LA for a week, I’d want to show them everything — the iconic landmarks, the hidden gems, the creative energy, and the weird little corners that make this city unforgettable.

We’d definitely start in Venice Beach, which is super special to me — it was the first place I lived when I moved to LA. It’s such a unique blend of two cities I love: New York and Miami. Venice has the street culture, creativity, and spontaneity of NYC, mixed with the color, sun, and energy of Miami. We’d grab coffee at Great White or Menotti’s, walk the boardwalk, watch the skaters, maybe even catch some drum circle action at sunset.

I’d take them on a secret hike nearby — there’s this incredible hidden compound filled with flowers, funky ruins, and even a downed airplane. It feels like a secret garden tucked inside the city. Totally off the grid and magical.

Since I’ve been living in West Hollywood for the past eight years, I’d have to show them my stomping grounds. We’d do brunch at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker, hit Melrose for vintage shopping, cool streetwear stores, and of course take the obligatory photo at the pink wall (because: LA). Melrose is one of those streets where you can find a $10 graphic tee or a high-end statement piece — it’s got range, and I love that.

Midweek, we’d head downtown for a full DTLA day. We’d explore The Broad, maybe stop by Grand Central Market for food, and definitely hit up Santee Alley. It’s such a fun, chaotic, bargain-hunting experience — everything from fashion to knockoff designer sunglasses to the best $5 finds ever. It’s pure sensory overload, in the best way.

Of course, we’d do the Hollywood classics — Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, a studio tour at Warner Bros, and a golden hour hike up Griffith Park for that epic Hollywood Sign view. LA really is a city where you can hike a mountain and walk a red carpet on the same day.

And then there’s Disneyland — a total non-negotiable. We’d spend a full day (maybe two!) hopping between Disneyland and California Adventure, eating all the snacks, riding all the rides (Guardians of the Galaxy is a must), and ending with fireworks under the stars.

For food, I’d take them all over the map: brunch at Gjusta in Venice, sushi at Sushi by H, tacos from a truck on Sunset, dinner at Gracias Madre for plant-based luxury, and drinks at Catch, SUR, or rooftop spots like Élephante or Harriet’s in WeHo. Every meal would be an experience — that’s just how LA rolls.

At night, we’d hit up a comedy show at The Comedy Store, maybe do karaoke in Koreatown, or find a random underground pop-up party that only someone who lives here knows about.

To me, LA is a city of extremes — glam and grit, nature and nightlife, creators and dreamers. I’d want my best friend to leave feeling what I feel every day here: inspired, energized, and like anything is possible.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been many incredible people who’ve helped shape my journey, but I want to give a huge shoutout to my former manager and longtime mentor, Josselyne Herman-Saccio. She believed in me early on and was instrumental in helping me land my first TV role on Louie, which was a pivotal moment in my career. She also got me into my first film, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. That experience opened so many doors — I met well-known actors who later cast me in their own projects, and I built lasting relationships with the production company. That kind of momentum truly stemmed from her guidance and belief in me.

Beyond launching my career, Josselyne has continued to support me through her coaching program, Be Unmessablewith. It’s been life-changing. Her coaching has helped me shift from living in constant reaction mode to stepping fully into creation mode — a transformation that’s been invaluable in both my personal and professional life. I’m so grateful not just for what she’s done for my career, but for how much she’s helped me grow as a person. Her impact runs deep, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am without her.

Fun fact: Josselyne also helped me come up with my social media name, iwantmylauren. It was her idea to create a name that was catchy, memorable, and aligned with my brand. That name has become a significant part of my identity as a content creator, and I owe that to her creative insight.

For context: Josselyne Herman-Saccio is a master coach and transformational leader with over 30 years of experience empowering people to live lives they love. She’s also a successful entrepreneur, author, and former talent agent who’s represented major film and television stars. Earlier in her career, she was part of the pop girl group Boy Krazy, best known for their international hit “That’s What Love Can Do,” which reached #1 on the Billboard dance charts and became a cult classic. Through her coaching platform, she helps people access what she calls their “unmessablewith” core — a place of clarity, power, and creation. Her work is about more than success; it’s about living with intention and freedom.

Website: https://www.laurenfrancesca.com

Instagram: https://hwww.instagram.com/iwantmylauren

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

Twitter: @laurenfrancesca

Facebook: @iwantmylauren

Youtube: @iwantmylauren

Other: tik tok @laurenfrancesca