Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauryn Overbey.
Hi Lauryn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I started my career in the chemical industry. A far cry from fashion and publishing! However, as a result, I became interested in business, got my MBA and am now a published author featured in Tablets & Capsules magazine. Some of my experience includes working with multi-national, small to medium size companies, focusing on various markets and working with them to provide a global strategic direction and drive their growth plans.
My Mom was super influential in providing me with a heavy dose of fashion. I would watch her turn the glossy pages of publications like Vogue, Elle and other magazines with her freshly painted red nails completely engrossed in their content. She was also very fashionable herself and used to be a plus-size model as well for local Philly designers. Due to her amazing influence I also ended up modeling in High School but fashion and science didn’t exactly mix once I went to college as a Biology major.
Black Brides Daily, LLC is a subsidiary of my consultancy and now media firm The Healm Group LLC (named for every woman in my family – Hattie, Ethel, Audrey, Lauryn, Marcia). Black Brides Daily LLC was launched in 2017 out of the need to see more representation of brides of color in mainstream media outlets. The blog mainly housed on Instagram provides daily doses of modern, African American and multicultural brides. The goal of the platform is to provide in addition to diversity in Bridal style, every detail of bridal choices, such as hair, makeup, nails, food, venues, vendors, dresses & accessories. Today there are tons of options, but I really wanted to showcase the total package and focus singularly on the Black Bride.
Recognizing there were not many prints and online sources for multicultural bridal fashion, Lauryn took her interests in bridal design and fashion to create the number one online destination where women of all nationalities can see the bridal style of Black (African American) and multicultural Brides daily. Adding the word “daily” was also an ode and tribute to the influential media outlet, The Daily Front Row created in 2003 to provide a daily dose of fashion.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I have always wanted my own magazine, and then ultimately thought this was so needed the magazine was no longer the goal. It was more about just getting the content released. It started out with just this idea of how I would want Black Brides to be showcased. I was at the time looking for my own inspiration and curating what I would want to see if I was shopping for my wedding. I had little followers, but kept going because of the “why”and the amazing interaction I have consistently gotten from followers of the blog. But at first, I wasn’t thinking of it as a business until I earned my first dollar through Amazon’s Influencer Program. There is still a long road ahead and a need to focus more on monetization and long term goal setting. I feel like there is so much more that can be offered and we have only scratched the surface so I am definitely beginning to speak with investors to build out the vision.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the CEO of Black Brides Daily, LLC. But I am also a published author featured in Tablets & Capsules magazine as a result of previous work as Sales Manager in the Pharmaceutical Industry. I also have over 20 years of chemical industry experience as a successful sales leader, driving profitable top line growth.I have extensive experience specializing in air pollution control technologies and specialty chemicals value generation via Sales Management, Global Business Management, New Product Launch, and Research & Product Development.
Currently, I have been responsible for the development and implementation of strategic plans and strategies in North America across Fuel Cell, Micro Filtration, Automotive, and Medical Device markets.
I have collaborated over the years with a broad spectrum of individuals, including those in the entertainment industry to develop the concepts that drive success. Some of my experience includes working with multi-national and small to medium size companies focusing on various specialty chemical markets that include Agrochemicals, Environmental, Wind Power, Marine, Transportation, Building & Construction, Pharmaceutical, Glass, Colorants, Poultry, Power & Utilities, Seed, Turf & Ornamental, Lubricant Additives, Animal Feed, Adhesives, and Automotive. I also have extensive experience providing global strategic direction and driving growth plans.
My minority and woman-owned firm, The Healm Group, provides revolutionary consulting for businesses in the specialty chemical, entertainment, and media industries that need competencies to work with clients at any level of development, whether it’s nurturing a new brand in the early stages, or building exposure and sales opportunities for existing labels to expand their reach. Our diversity and inclusivity minded strategic services include:
• Branding and Core Messaging
• Short and Long Term Growth Plans
• Communications Strategy
• Positioning Analysis
• Budget Development
• Brand Collaborations
• Sponsorships
• Contract Negotiations
• Tactical Media Engagement
• Grant Writing / Submission
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To keep going! Every successful company has to start somewhere. When I get discouraged I think of the successful entrepreneurs and companies and I know when there is a will, there’s always a way. I always say when real people are involved anything is possible. Knowledge is power and collaboration is key so I always try to network as much as possible and find ways to learn valuable information. Investing in yourself is so important.
Contact Info:
- Email: sales@blackbridesdaily.com
- Website: https://blackbridesdaily.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BlackBridesDaily/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackBridesDaily/
Image Credits
@alexandraleephoto
@stanlophotography
@mytouch_weddings
@fredaghophotography
