Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Shaw.
Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ten years ago, I was introduced to hula hooping as a hobby and was instantly hooked. A few months later, I began performing with my hoop at nightclubs. When I saw a light up LED hoop for the first time, I convinced my manager to buy one for me. That was the beginning of my love affair with LED dance technology.
A few years after I started hoop dancing, I had the idea to create an LED hula hoop that displayed words as it was in motion. With the help of a friend and some parts from the dumpster at his work, we made the world’s first customizable LED hoop that could display words, logos and graphics.
After taking that hoop to Burning Man in 2010, my passion was really fueled and I teamed up with another hoop maker and formed SpinFX. Since then, we have been designing and pushing the limits of LED dance technology offering products and live performances with our creations.
What started in my bedroom with a single product has grown into a fun a vibrant downtown LA warehouse, where we design a range of LED dance equipment and perform for clients worldwide. We have an amazing and creative team at SpinFX, which makes it such a joy to do the work we do and we are excited to launch our newest venture, PoleFX, this Spring!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. There were days I thought about giving up, days I didn’t want to get out of bed and days where it seemed like I was fighting a battle all alone. Forging a path that no one has walked before is never easy, but there are tools that you can accumulate in your toolbox to help support you through your growth. I believe meditation, self-care and outdoor activity are especially helpful in balancing the rigors of professional life. Get into nature for a hike after work or take a walk during your lunch break. I love to unwind at night in a bath with my favorite essential oils. Do the things that bring you deep joy and fulfillment.
Another important thing I constantly remind myself is to “keep my runway clear.” If there are hazards or objects in the way of me lifting off, then I promptly remove them so I can soar.
I also could not have arrived where I am today without the support of so many amazing friends, family members and mentors. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and challenge you. Cherish them and reciprocate the energy they give you with gifts or support you can offer them in return.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SpinFX and PoleFX – what should we know?
Over the years my partner and I have developed a line of advanced LED dance and circus equipment. Our technology allows custom graphics to be displayed on the tools while in motion. It’s like 3D light art dancing around the performer. It’s quite mesmerizing!
The Phoenix Smart Hoop is our main LED product, which is sold to circuses, renowned hoop performers, dancers and festival-goers worldwide.
In addition to products, we offer live shows with our team of elite performers and have traveled far and wide to deliver our bespoke entertainment. Some notable clients are the NBA, NCAA, MLB, Zappos, Kia, Intel and Samsung.
I’m thrilled about my next chapter with the launch of our new company, PoleFX. We are reinventing the world of pole dance by offering the world’s most advanced LED dance pole which supercharges performances with interactive lighting effects.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
There is such a strong women’s movement happening right now. We are living it and are now exposed to the power, strength, creativity and success of women around the world. Even though there is still much headway to make in gender equality, there are many organizations and networks supporting women in the workplace and other areas of life.
Social media makes it easy to find and connect with these groups. But once you find them online, be sure to get in front of them in person. Because face-to-face is how you create the powerful connections that lead to magical results. It really is our time to shine and to show to the world what we are made of! I think the best way to do that is to be true to ourselves, follow our intuition and to live authentically.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spin-fx.com
- Email: Lauren@spin-fx.com
- Instagram: spinfx_
- Facebook: spinfxentertainment
- Other: www.polefx.com
Image Credit:
Bill Kennedy, George Simian, David Parrot
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