Hey there, friend!

I’m so glad you’re here. As I sit down to write this, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and gratitude—excitement to share my heart with you and gratitude that you’ve taken the time to stop by. I ’ve been dreaming of starting The Lauren Rose Collective Blog for years; it was on my New Years Resolution list in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Instead of waiting for the perfect time to start, I’ve decided that 2025 is year I finally just begin writing and hit publish! So, here we are!

Before we dive into all the exciting things I can’t wait to share, let me take a moment to tell you a little about myself and what this space is all about.

My name is Lauren, and I’m a former registered nurse turned stay-at-home mom and photographer. I’m passionate about Jesus, motherhood, wellness, style, creativity, and all things home. If you had told me five years ago that today I’d be a SAHM & photographer, pouring my heart into a blog like this, I’m not sure I would have believed you. Dang, God is good. But here I am, stepping into this space with a heart full of experiences, passions, and dreams to share.

From Nurse to Stay-at-Home Mom

I graduated with my BSN in 2019, just months before the pandemic hit. I’ve always felt a deep calling to care for others, which is what led me to pursue a career in nursing. Pouring my heart into helping patients in their most vulnerable moments was fulfilling in so many ways, but as life often does, things changed. My husband & I conceived our first baby in April of 2021. Sadly, after attending our first OB appointment, we learned that sweet baby was no longer with us here on Earth, but with the Lord. I have so many thoughts & feelings & prayers to share on this at a later date, but that sweet baby is what first gave me a taste of what truly matters in life. God abundantly blessed us with a healthy pregnancy later that year in November. Seeing a thriving baby with a strong, beating heart on an ultrasound is a moment that has & will forever stick with me. I knew this baby was truly a gift from the Lord, and I just couldn’t imagine bringing this life into the world and not giving him my fullest attention. I found myself yearning for a way to be present at home with our baby while still finding a creative outlet that could help provide financially for my family.

Taking the Leap of Faith

That’s when I decided it was time to dive head-first into photography. I started my photography business as a senior in high school. What was simply a hobby at the time, led to a part-time job in college. It was something that I continued to do on the side as the years went on. Photography has always brought me joy, but it was something I didn’t have the courage to pursue full-time. Nursing felt safe. It was a secure, steady paycheck with benefits. It was a career I poured so much time, effort, and money into achieving. But God nudged me, and I obeyed. And dang, am I glad I did. I officially resigned from my nursing job in May of 2022, just two months prior to the arrival of our sweet baby boy. Want to hear a quick testimony as to the goodness & faithfulness of the Lord when you listen and surrender? The first month I left the nursing field to pursue photography full-time, I made enough income to pay myself an 8 week maternity leave. Insane, right? That was something my nursing job didn’t even offer. From there I knew God had me on the right path. It felt like the perfect way to combine my creative side with a new chapter of life, still giving me the connection with others that I cherished while working as a nurse, but with the balance of being able to spend every day with my baby.

The Vision for This Blog

This blog is an extension of my heart. It’s a space where I hope to:

• Uplift and Inspire: My ultimate goal is to glorify God in everything I do. I’ll be sharing my love for Jesus, scripture that speaks to me, and other inspirational things sprinkled throughout my posts.
• Dive into Wellness: I’ve been on a wellness journey for 8+ years. As a former nurse, I’m passionate about health & I want to share more of my journey to holistic & nontoxic living, essential oils, and simple ways to cultivate a healthier home.
• Celebrate Motherhood: Being a mom is the core of who I am. I want to create community with other mamas & share the joys and challenges of being a mom, along with practical tips and things I’ve picked up along the way.
• Share Creativity: I’m a creative at heart. From sharing my latest galleries & all things photography, to rediscovering my sense of style and our home renovation journey, there’s so much I’m excited to share with you.

Why I’m Here

At its core, this blog is truly about connection. Life can be busy and overwhelming, but I believe there’s beauty in slowing down and sharing our journeys with one another. I’ve found myself all too often mindlessly scrolling on social media, and I want to connect with others on a more personal level off of Instagram & Facebook. Whether you’re here for a bit of inspiration, a practical tip, or just a reminder that you’re not alone, my hope is that you leave this space feeling encouraged. When an email from me lands in your inbox, I hope it brings you the same cozy excitement you feel when you get a hand-addressed Christmas card in the mail. I hope this blog gives you a sense of peace and a moment to slow down and feel inspired & encouraged.

Let’s Walk This Journey Together

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and get to know me. I’m so excited to share this space with you, and I can’t wait to hear your stories too. Whether you’re a fellow Christian, a mom, a creative, a wellness enthusiast, or just someone looking for a little light in your day, you’re in the right place.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Drop a comment below, share your thoughts, or reach out anytime. Until next time, friend, take care, praise the Lord, and stay inspired.

Warmly,

Lauren