Rising Stars: Meet Lauren Chin of LOS ANGELES

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Chin

Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Miami FL, I attended various schools of the arts and I’ve learned many mediums of art. Through all my years of being what I like to call myself a “multi-faced creative” I’ve gradually directed my creative gifts towards where I can apply them all. At first it seemed to be a blessing and a curse of loving so many different forms of art I wanted to take them all on. Within more time I’ve guided myself and focused my energy in fashion, design, photography, creative direction and modeling. It’s been years of experience, learning, and taking action of what I want to share with the world, understanding everyday of every way I can make that possible in the empire I’ve built for myself.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are many obstacles when you make the choice of aiming to be your best. Which is how we learn to build and become better in the direction we’re going. Some obstacles I’ve came across are finding reliable sources- for this instance my production team. In the beginning it took quite the time, patience, and persistence to find the right person to execute my brand who understood my brand identity, someone who I could observe that puts in their best in their craftsmanship. I’ve been wearing all of the hats in my business from taking on the role as the designer, to fabric and custom hardware sourcing, to web building, to coordinating and planning photoshoots, to shooting my product myself and modeling it, to handling and packaging orders, communicating with customers and running socials. As the back bone of it all every dollar thats been invested in my brand has been from my personal income. I really wanted to prove to myself, that I can really do this at first all on my own. The one thing I do not currently do within my brand is sewing the garments, but I love to touch each of my pieces so I like to do the finishings on my garments for example sewing the silver plaques on, stringing the bikinis, any finishing of detailing. As an independent designer wearing all the hats of my business may seem like a lot but the plan isn’t to have it that way forever, I’m confident that I can now teach future team members or friends that would like to build their own business as well. Great things happen in time, and wearing all the hats in creating my brand has taught me about all the roles it takes to make it possible. I’m extremely grateful for the ongoing experiences and knowledge.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I run an independent women’s wear brand Shameless Lingerie aka SHMLSS, I am a photographer that goes by Destruct Construct, and I also model freelance at the moment. I’d say most people perceive me as a model at first, it’s the first question/comment I get from most people I think they feel assured by that as I am 6ft tall. I may be perceived solely as a model at first but it takes communication, and connection to know that modeling is indeed is not the only area that I work in. As much joy that all my creative talents bring me I am truly most proud of my brand. I made Shameless to empower women my pieces are created as a refined minimalism in fashion where the details speak sophistication and quality. Creating garments that are subtle yet striking, celebrating power without the need excess. I feel extremely honored to have an initial design idea of mine to go through the beautiful blossoming process to reach final form, then putting it out in the world and seeing it on my customers or take place in a photoshoot or production … that is such an enlightening feeling to be able to share my art and have it a part of someone’s life in such a way. I’d say what sets me apart from others is that as a brand native to LA I strive to design high quality, modern, timeless pieces in a city where fast fashion is extremely saturated and praised. I source all of my quality fabrics from backend sources, left over material from previous designers/fashion houses to be as sustainable as possible when choosing materials. I want all women to consider investing in clothing for quality over quantity and support the artistry of independent creators and business owners.

How do you define success?
I define success overall by my growth, achieving goals, doing my best and having personal fulfillment of happiness in what I do in life: for myself, my relationships and my career. There will be obstacles to overcome and a great reminder for everyone is success is a journey not a destination. It’s all about trusting the process and elevating in each of life’s lessons, and just having fun while doing it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shamelesslingerie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenicolechin/
• Other: https://www.destructconstruct.com/

Image Credits
Photographer: Jora Frantzis