Meet Lauren Funchion | Hair stylist & business owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Funchion and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I feel like it was something in my blood. I always knew that the things that interested most people didn’t interest me. I had an odd way of looking at thngs. So having amom as a hair dresser fuled that fire even more.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been in the beauty industry as a stylist now for 12 years, & to say the journey was a piece of cake is a total lie lol but if this would have been easy I wouldn’t be the stylist person I am today. As a stylist I feel like Benjamin Button sometimes. You think the longer you do this the easier it becomes but I feel like it shows me more and more what I don’t know, or how there can be so many different avenues to head down in this industry & I crave more.

I think my style, my detail and my drive to never stop learning helps me keep that edge still even after 12 years.

The hair industry is one of those where you can literally take it wherever you want. Which can be incredibly overwhelming as well as inspiring. Definitely way more overwhelming as a newer artist and more inspiring as I get older.
It took me 12 years to really figure out where I belonged in the industry, what I really thrived at & what really pushed me as a creative artist. I know a lot of people these days pick one avenue and go down it but my ADHD could never ha. I’m so thrilled and happy that I landed on a few things that I love to offer. I’m a color specialist focusing in mostly lived in coloring, bridal hair/work or weddings, a Senior ASK expert educator for Schwarzkopf Professional & my most exciting thing this year was I got to be part of New York Spring & Fall Fashion week + Bridal fashion week. Even being 12 years into the industry I almost feel as if my career is just starting. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Columbus Ohio is such a fun mid-west melting pot for everything. It’s cute and quaint, but has the atmosphere & style of a city. The restaurants are probably some of my favorite here.
I’m huge on small businesses and getting outside for fun activities to explore the city. If someone was staying with us I’d have to drag them to all my favorite cafes for breakfast/ coffee. I LOVE Stauf’s coffee shop or Fox in the snow for some of my favorite treats in the city.
When you’re here you have to check out some of our parks, concerts & festivals. Park of roses is my go to in the summer. The park is so full of life and beautiful floral walk through gardens. I love walking though too clear my mind or just get a breath of fresh air even. I’m a huge foodie too so any of our festivals you’ll find me at. An of the festivals here are great but i’ll alway hit up Grandview hop, Italian festival, Blues & jazz fest. You really can’t go wrong with any of them here.

If you need a good evening activity we love the 614 Movie night! They set up this hug blow up Movie theater outside on the Scioto river and pack it full of people and food trucks before the outside movie starts! It’s so fun just going to any of these events and talking to the people around you. Were the city, but it’s still so Mid-west here. You can have a great conversation with a lot of people you run into here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow what a great question! I would have to say all the people who encouraged me to stick with it from a young age. My teachers, friends, family who could see the artist in me from a young age and encouraged me instead of trying to talk me out of an artistic career because its “easier” in a college world . Lastly my husband Lance. He is my rock, my encouragement, my north star. I couldn’t do it without you.

Website: BeautywithFunchion.com

Instagram: @beautywithfunchion

Image Credits
Matt Erickson – @Mattericksonphotography Chelsie Addington – @Chelsiedawnphoto Betty Ra – @Photosbybettyra @Vogue