Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Frost.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m originally from Downers Grove, Illinois. I know it sounds depressing, but trust me, it was lovely. I was a creative kid, always into music and acting. My show biz career began at 12, appearing in professional theater in and around Chicago. The summer before freshman year, I begged my parents to take me to LA to try my hand in tv and film. That’s when I landed the big gig. I played young Barbra Streisand in her concert tour, taking us to Staples Center, Madison Square Garden, football stadiums in Sydney and Melbourne, televised on Fox and released on Colombia Records. It was along that tour that I booked Disney Channel’s “Even Stevens”, playing the lead’s best friend, “Ruby”. Immediately following that series, I starred in a pilot for Disney, the season “That So Raven” was picked up.
I continued working in voice overs and jingles and felt a pull to make my own music. I moved back to Chicago in my twenties, to write and make a record and play out with my band. While I loved making music in the Midwest, LA auditions were calling, and I made the move back to pursue comedy at Second City and Upright Citizens Brigade. From there, my all female sketch group, Cake Batter was formed. We took on all the major comedy stages in LA, wrote and produced content for digital platforms, toured the festival circuit, and developed a fest of our own, called Funny Women Fest. I co-produced the fest that showcased indie and celebrities in all forms of comedy. FWF featured over 600 performers, across multiple venues, with sponsorship and support from leading industry professionals. Along the way, I was always writing, and my pilot and feature scripts got into some pretty exciting rooms.
Ok, let’s talk fashion. It’s always been a passion of mine. I consider style an extension of my creativity and personal expression. Looking at my career with a wide lens, I dare to call myself a visual storyteller. There’s always a story behind whatever I’m working on. I’m fascinated by people, by coming up with characters, by writing their stories in song or script, or even how I choose to present myself to the world that day.
I began working as a stylist because it was a natural progression of my experience in production (it’s now been over 20 years in front of, or behind a camera) coupled with my love of vintage and sustainability in fashion. I’ve styled a number of commercial campaigns, printed advertising, films, music videos, live performances, headshots, red carpets and more. I’ve curated a collection of special occasion vintage that I offer for sale and rental purposes. You can catch me at the Rosebowl Flea Market, shop my Instagram stories, or shop by private appointment at my studio.
I feel lucky to be a fully freelance creative, be it acting or styling. These days, I’m continually shooting, auditioning, writing, and setting up and tearing down wardrobe racks somewhere.
Has it been a smooth road?
HA! I’m in the business of rejection!
I’m always struggling to ride the wave. Mostly because I want to do all the things. I’ve had people outside of the business suggest that I should pick just one thing. I don’t think that’s necessarily true for creatives or performers. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish in both worlds. My personal struggle is the identity crisis I go through whenever I book a gig – am I a stylist?! Am I an actor?! I have to remind myself that when one area does well, that doesn’t mean the other has to suffer. Everything I do, so closely relates to and feeds the other. I think as long as I’m putting my heart and soul into each project, that’s where I’m meant to be.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Lenny Rose Style story. Tell us more about the business.
Well, I’ve always joked that I have a small Liza Minnelli that lives inside of me, so that explains my draw to the theatrics and love of sequins.
Now to put my stylist hat on, my business is called Lenny Rose Style. The alter-ego of Lauren Frost the actor, I named it after my grandparents. I’m known for mixing high and low – combining thrifted with designer pieces. I have a vast knowledge of vintage garments, their history and construction. Having an eye for color, pattern and fit is equally important. When I can march to my own drum, it shows in how I put unexpected looks together. The greatest compliments have come from clients expressing gratitude for making them feel beautiful, special, and seen. Makes my heart swell!
I think what sets anyone apart in business is the desire to do the job well. Be on time. Ask people on set how they’re doing. You know, try to be a good human above all. Catch me at crafty, I’ll share the good snacks.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have a new comedy series coming out that I wrote and developed with my very funny friend, Courtney Arnett, called “Party of One”. Excited to share that very soon.
I’m back on the sketch comedy train, with a few friends from Second City, who are immensely talented and I’m thrilled to play with them.
I have a Geico ad running, and I’m manifesting more commercials. I would genuinely be over the moon to be the face of tacos or sausages at some point in my career.
Last but certainly not least, I’m putting out an ep with my fiancé, Justin Hulsey. We haven’t settled on a band name yet, but trust, there will be music videos because I have the outfits.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurenfrost.com
- Instagram: @laurenfrost
Image Credit:
Photographer – Emil Ravelo; Styling – Lauren Frost of Lenny Rose Style
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