LUMI LOVE CLUB : Lauren + Oh Hey Sugar Sweet Treats
Happy 2021! It's been a hot minute since our last LUMI LOVE CLUB post but we are back with the sweetest of stories.
Today we chat to the lovely Lauren, who juggles an Executive Assistant role at a busy bank and a sweet treats side hustle as well as being a mama to two gorgeous children. Lauren talks about saying yes, why confidence is very necessary in starting a business and her AM and PM skin care routines (which we think she has nailed!) Do yourself a favour and check out her instragram - her cookies and fudge are as delicious as they look.
Lauren; Oh Hey Sugar Sweet Treats
@ohheysugarsweettreats
Tell us about yourself and the story of your side hustle / passion project - Oh Hey Sugar
Oh Hey! I’m Lauren (Lozzy), 33 year old mum of two – Rhys (8) and Chelsea (6) and I’m super lucky to be married to my absolute best friend in the whole wide world! I work full time as an Executive Assistant at a Bank (which bank?...see what I did there;) I’ve worked at the bank for 12 years and I absolutely love the culture and all of the wonderful people I have met and formed friendships with. My husband is an Auto Electrician and runs his own business. He’s an incredibly hard worker and I’m so proud of him and all he’s achieved. Oh Hey Sugar – Sweet Treats is my side hustle; I’m self-taught and have been baking for 6 years for friends and family. Last year I decided to formally start my business Oh Hey Sugar - Sweet Treats. Cookies and Fudge is what I specialise in.
Any advice for anyone out there thinking of starting a business or a brand?
Confidence is key! I must admit I was never confident, and it took sometime before my confidence grew (5 years actually!) My family, friends and my corporate work family really helped encourage me to start. And I’m so pleased that I did. There is never a perfect time to start a business, brand or even a blog. My husband started his business 6 weeks before the birth of our daughter when I went on maternity leave #stressful. It was one of the scariest things we have ever done, but by far the best decision we’ve made. You only live once, so jump in!
Where do you find your inspiration
Most clients come to me with a theme, colour or style for their cookies. I then get to interpret what that looks like and tie it all together. The baking community on social media platforms, like Instagram are more often than not really positive about sharing designs or creating bakes that are inspired by some of the best. I’ve always loved being creative and crafty, I absolutely love wood work and renovating! We’ve renovated two houses; I’m the one on the tools doing the demo, and painting etc. (my husband cannot paint to save himself) It’s definitely a passion of mine.
The hardest part of starting out / being a business owner and how you overcame any challenges/stay motivated?
Being a Mum, working full time, and supporting my husband is a challenge in itself some weeks, so working on my business in the very little spare time I have is often tricky. But generally most people come to me weeks/months in advance with orders so I have time to prepare. It’s when people request items with little, to no notice that I find the hardest. I’m such a yes person and will push myself to make it work, but there have been times where I have had to say no, and for me that’s a struggle.
Tell us about your AM routine eg skin products, routines and rituals?
I love skincare! But I must say my AM skincare game isn’t as strong as my PM! Post gym workout I cleanse using DMK Deep Pore Cleanser, quick spritz of DMK Herb & Mineral Mist, DMK Hydroloc followed by Arbonne CC Cream (tinted + SPF) Benefit Roller Lash Mascara, Charlotte Tilbury Blush (I love a pink cheek, I use Pillow Talk) and whatever Lip colour I’m feeling for the day (more often than not a soft pink) Internal care for my skin is just as important as what I put on my face. Before breakfast I take IMBIBE Beauty Renewal Probiotic, IMBIBE Miracle Collagen & IMBIBE Protect.
And now your PM routine?
Double cleanse using DMK Deep Pore Cleanser and DMK Milky Cleanse then the IMBIBE skincare range – Face polish using the Pearl Konjac Sponge, Pearl Lime Spray, Collagen Restore Serum, Collagen Protect Face Oil. Then I use my Saint Lumi Gua Sha or Rose Quartz face roller to massage all of these products deep into my skin. I also love to take a bath once a month using the Saint Lumi Brew Pockets.
Three skin care, beauty or wellness items you couldn't bear to live without?
Arbonne CC cream, DMK Deep Pore Cleanser, and a facial mist – Picking just three is actually really hard!
What does self-love/self-care mean to you? Is it an important part of your day or something that may fall by the wayside?
Self-Care is definitely something I try to incorporate into my week. I try and get my hair blow dried each week. I have super thick hair and I spent my entire teenage years wishing I had super straight shiny hair, now I’ve learned to embrace it. There were countless days or nights where I would cry in the bathroom, frustrated at how my hair looked, not to mention the millions of straighteners I tried (anyone remember the Musta?) serums and oils to tame my locks. On my wedding day (10 years ago) my hairdresser had to try and ‘hide’ my hair because there was so much. She still talks about it to this day! I also love to get a manicure every fortnight (OPI Bubble Bath is pretty much the only colour I get) I think Skin care is something that should be top priority for everyone, it’s super easy and you don’t even need to leave your home to do it. I also like to go to the gym - although it doesn’t ‘look’ like I work out much, but I actually do. But because life is so hectic, it means I’m up at 5:00am and back home before my children and husband are even awake, that’s my ‘me time’.
