Along the road of my career and travels, I've been extremely fortunate to meet and work with an array of incredibly talented people. Ramblings is my way of picking their brain for more insight and juicy tidbits to share with you.
Lauren Rauter is the the owner and designer of
Rock Paper Scissors, a stationery boutique and custom stationery line in Franklin, Tennessee. Her shop has garnered the attention of the national media with mentions in Lucky, Country Living, and Southern Living magazines, as well as The Tennessean, Nashville's local newspaper. Lauren also writes a fun and quirky style blog named after her shop, in which she writes about her daily musings and obsessions as a business owner, designer, and wife. Originally from New Jersey, she lives in Nashville with her husband Tim and her beloved dog, Maggie. I am currently working with her because she is one of the Editors of
High Gloss Magazine which launches on February 1st! Meet Lauren...
What is your greatest extravagance?
Travel. My husband and I both own businesses, so it isn't always easy to go away and cut ourselves off from the world. Giving up control and convincing myself, the world (aka Rock Paper Scissors, my paper boutique) will go on without me is something I continually have to work on internally. I've learned over the past years that a break, even for a day or two is essential to living a balanced life.
What career would you pursue if you weren’t doing what you do now?
Event Planner. I'm obsessed with the little details of parties and the special touches that guests will appreciate. When customers come in my boutique for invitations, I literally have to hold myself back not to tell them all the ideas I have for their event.
Which living person do you most admire?
My best friend, Dabney Lee Woglom. After meeting Dabney at the National Stationery Show five years ago, we have been glued at the hip (or as our husbands say, haven't shut up since). I love her design sense and aesthetic and on top of it... she is an illustrator, which is talent I don't posses but am immensely jealous of. In five years, her business has grown from a tiny home business to a successful name in the design world and I've enjoyed watching her sky rocket. In the meantime she has become the mother of the cutest triplets you've ever seen... not that being godmother to one has jaded my opinion or anything. I really don't know how she does it all... from running her company, to making her own baby food... I truly am in awe of her.
What three things can’t you live without?
This is easy... my husband, my dog and my parents. I truly believe the people in your life make you who you are. Their support, advice and lives are the foundation of who I am and who I will become... I would be nothing without them. And let's face it... my dog Maggie's unconditional love turns a frown upside down in seconds. A quick snuggle with my furry friend and the world melts away.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cupcakes. It is no secret that cupcakes are my kryptonite and can bring me to my knees in a mere second.
What is your favorite color combination?
Oddly enough, a favorite color of mine isn't really a color at all... white! Right now, I'm loving white with any pop of color. .. white and turquoise, white and orange. There is something about a white room, couch, etc. with a little bright color accent that makes me giddy with delight.
What is the favorite room in your house, and why?
I am in love with my sunroom. While it is tucked off in a corner of the house, it is the hub of our home. It's where we watch our favorite programs, curl up and read and nap by the fire.
What is the most memorable event you’ve attended and why?
My wedding. I married my college sweetheart nearly 13 years ago and it was the best day of my life. I will never forget dress shopping with my mom, obsessing over the little details and gulping as my parents signed the contract for my big fat "Italian" wedding.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Well, I am from New Jersey... so much to my embarrassment, my hair was sky high in high school and yes, my nails were airbrushed. But that is all behind me now, although the Jersey Shore has brought back some not very fond memories of my prom, but let's not go there.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Superiority. I find the lack of respect for others because they are in a position beneath you, make less money, lack education or simply different than you to be extremely unattractive in a person.
