Rising Stars: Meet Lauren Schmidt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Schmidt.

Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Merriam, Kansas and then relocated to a small town in southern Kansas called Medicine Lodge at the age of seven. I was back-and-forth to see my dad every other weekend so I was able to have the best of both worlds!

Throughout middle school and high school, I raised my 2sisters with my mother who was a single mom until I was about to go to college when she met my current stepdad.

Before then, we struggled together but my mother and I’s relationship endured the test of time. I’ve never learned so much discipline then in those few years of life.

Looking ahead, I knew exactly what I was made of and I was ready to take on the real world. After graduation, I went to Wichita State and pursued my Bachelor’s Degree in Business. I graduated Cum Laude in the Spring of 2015. I worked throughout my entire college career full-time while going to school full-time as well. My work ethic derived from my college job and prepared me for the grind of the business world.

The day after graduation, I moved back to Kansas City and started my financial practice at the age of 22. I am currently in my 7th year of business and life couldn’t be better! It is of course busy! Today, I am the oldest of eight and I firmly believe I was put on this earth to be a big sister. I am an avid movie-goer and my grandparents are my best friends. I love spending time with my friends and I dance as much as I can. I’m constantly traveling but I’m a homebody at heart. The world is my oyster and I am always looking for ways to stay “others focused.”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey was definitely not easy! Raising my two sisters with my mom was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. There were a few times my school would make comments about how much school I was missing at times because I was being pulled in and out to babysit while my mom worked. I watched her work hard throughout the years running her own business and I knew someday I would be able to pay her back for all the sacrifices she made for us.

It was also hard living away from my family as I was born here in Kansas City and we moved 4hours away. I’m thankful for the relationships we have kept and grown despite the distance but it was definitely challenging as a child.

I also ran into a lot of road blocks when I started my business. I felt like no one believed me except for my family and a few close friends. I have always had a “prove them wrong” mentality and I’m happy to say that that’s all I have done. I’ve proven everyone wrong…

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For my career, I am a financial advisor with the best company ever! I’m so thankful for the relationships I have built with my clients and coworkers.

On top of that, I am always a person FIRST.

Most people are a little surprised to find out that my passion is dance. I’m so thankful to have a working body that allows me to be on the dance floor. I take hip-hop classes weekly with my best friend and national choreographer, Andie. I also sometimes get my other best friend, Ivana, to class with me and we just have the best time!

I also am thankful enough to get to do music videos for local artists as I hope to help them jumpstart their career. There’s nothing better than working hard all day and dancing all night.

I also thank God everyday for the ability to “move.” In 2017, I was hit by someone texting and driving and I thought my dance career was over. Some days it’s even hard to sit at my desk but with so much rest in rehab, I’m able to be about 90% in my physical motions.

Dancing is part of my identity and it’s such a great relief after crunching numbers all day!

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Grit. Pure grit. No one can outwork me. Absolutely no one. No one will ever beat me in the activity that is needed to keep this business moving forward. I also never let my success go to my head or my failures go to my heart. At the end of the day Hardwork, hustle, and humbleness got me here and it is what will keep me here. In order to go from good to great, my goal is to harness my grit in a way I’ve never known. I’m constantly seeking professional help to get to the next level and I can’t wait to share that story with you as well.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_ash02/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenschmidt02

Image Credits
Chris Douglas Jennifer Burton