Meet Lauren Margallo of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Margallo

Hi lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Since my early days on Instagram, my best friend and I would go on adventures in every city we visited or lived in, always searching for the coolest spots. This passion for exploration, especially as a foodie, continued throughout my life. One of my videos unexpectedly went viral, and that’s when I realized I could truly combine my passion for food and music with my experience of social media marketing. From that point on, I’ve been consistently posting almost daily for the past two years. Somewhere along the way, the moniker ‘LA Hot Girl’ emerged, though I can’t quite pinpoint its origin – it might have started as a TikTok comment.
Being an “LA Hot Girl” has never been about looks. I started sharing events because there was a lack of coverage for events that represented minorities, minority safe spaces, and minority owned businesses. So to me, an “LA Hot Girl” is someone who buys local, and supports women and minority owned businesses. It means being intentional with your money and the businesses you choose to uplift and invest in. It means giving back to the community you get to live in.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overcoming fear was my biggest hurdle. I hesitated to post for a long time, anxious about others’ opinions. Similarly, it took me a while to build the confidence to speak on camera. Now, it feels natural. Like many TikTok creators, I’m navigating a challenging social media landscape, particularly with the threat of a potential ban looming. The TikTok community is truly unique. Its algorithm fosters the growth of niche communities, encourages raw and honest conversations, and facilitates the rapid dissemination of information. With the TikTok timeout, it did give me time to think about diversifying. I will still be posting there but I recently started using Substack for their emailing tools and plan to expand my content creation by also posting on YouTube.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a social media director by day, but my passion lies in sharing the vibrant and diverse experiences and businesses of Los Angeles. In my free time, I curate recommendations for restaurants, bars, nightlife, hidden gems, brand pop-ups, and much more. Every Wednesday, I curate ‘LA Hot Girl Events This Weekend,’ a list of events that prioritize inclusivity and representation. I believe in showcasing spaces that are welcoming and safe for all, with a particular focus on supporting people of color and minority-owned businesses. My platform also serves as a space to amplify important issues. I have and will continue use my voice to speak out on matters I care deeply about, such as the challenges faced by the unhoused community, the ongoing conflict in Palestine, and the support needed for those affected by the recent LA wildfires.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The pandemic irrevocably changed the world. I likely would still be working in the event and restaurant industries in San Diego if it weren’t for COVID-19. The hospitality sector is incredibly fragile. That’s why supporting these businesses and the dedicated individuals who work within them is crucial because they are the backbone of cities.

Contact Info:

• Website: Weekly Events Newsletter Through Substack: https://substack.com/@lomargslist
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lomargslist/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lomargslist?lang=en